2024 NFL All-Rookie Team: Projecting 14 instant-impact newcomers on defense/special teams

Drafted: Round 1, No. 19 overall

Drafted: Round 2, No. 39 overall

Rams 2023 third-round picks Kobie Turner and Byron Young were selected to last season’s NFL.com All-Rookie Team after earning nine and eight sacks, respectively. Verse and Fiske will be another dynamic duo, bolstering a team effort in replacing future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Verse will overpower and outhustle tackles on the outside to post at least seven sacks, while Fiske should benefit from single-block situations inside thanks to his workmanlike effort in run support and on third down. 

Drafted: Round 1, No. 16 overall

Murphy’s abilities as an interior presence make him an excellent match for Seattle, where he can enhance the run defense and leverage his speed off the snap to pressurize the pocket. Under the new leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, it is anticipated that we will see a lot of four-man fronts. Murphy has the potential to be successful from various positions within this formation.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 17 overall

I anticipate that Turner will establish himself as a key defensive player for the Vikings halfway through his rookie season. He may initially start as a specific pass rusher, potentially nearing a total of double-digit sacks. However, he will eventually demonstrate his ability to fall back into zones and combat tackles in the run.

Drafted: Round 3, No. 69 overall

It was almost certain that Jim Harbaugh would select at least one of his previous Michigan athletes in this year’s draft, so it didn’t come as a shock when Colson was picked up by the Chargers. He is expected to make an immediate impact from the first day, occupying running lanes and pursuing backs towards the sidelines, whether it involves a stretch play or a pass to the flat. I predict that he will reach the milestone of 100 tackles this season.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 45 overall

Cooper comes to a perfect situation in Green Bay, where his closing speed and toughness will force offenses to account for him on every play. He and 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker will be the primary linebackers in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, working inside and outside depending on the formation. Cooper should put up solid numbers across the board as a rookie, picking off a pass or two, accumulating a few sacks on blitzes and finishing first or second on the team in tackles.

Drafted: Round 5, No. 148 overall

Eichenberg could earn snaps at middle linebacker for the Raiders, allowing Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to play outside on early downs. The stout run defender is going to make a lot of tackles with Christian Wilkins, John Jenkins and others eating blocks in front of him. He might not spend a lot of time on the field in obvious passing situations, but considering the team ranked 21st against the run in 2023, the former Buckeye fills an important need.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 24 overall

Cornerback was the top need in the draft for the Lions, who were willing to move up for Arnold when he was still available at No. 24. He can combine with veteran trade acquisition Carlton Davis and second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to help fortify the position. I expect Arnold to attack the ball for Detroit, likely intercepting and breaking up multiple passes as quarterbacks test the rookie, with his former Alabama teammate, Brian Branch, handling nickel duties. 

Drafted: Round 1, No. 22 overall

Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell plummeted further in the first round than anticipated due to the surge for quarterbacks and offensive linemen in the top 20 picks. Mitchell’s attributes of size, speed, and length make him a formidable force in disrupting passes. If he performs as expected and aids in elevating the Eagles’ defense to a championship-level again, there will be abundant support for his inclusion in the All-Rookie team.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 58 overall

Bullard can make plays on the ball and secure open-field tackles whether he’s lined up deep or inside the box, which makes him a great complement to free-agent addition Xavier McKinney. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have the flexibility to play single-high or two-deep coverage. Bullard showed a proclivity for making big plays in big games during his Georgia career. If he does the same thing this fall, it should lead to a successful Packers campaign and a spot for him on the All-Rookie Team.

Drafted: Round 2, No. 60 overall

With Jordan Poyer departing for Miami and Micah Hyde still a free agent as he mulls his future, the door was opened this offseason for Bills GM Brandon Beane to ordain Bishop as one of the team’s new defenders. Bishop will be one of the league’s better tacklers from Day 1, stopping ball-carriers in the open field thanks to his plus athleticism and knowledge of the game. Bishop also proved capable as a blitzer while at Utah, and he was able to bait quarterbacks to throw his way in coverage. If Hyde does re-sign with the Bills, perhaps Bishop’s role won’t be quite as big right off the bat, but I think he could become a respected player early in his NFL career. 

Drafted: Round 6, No. 219 overall

Buffalo is replacing Deonte Harty, who signed with Baltimore as a free agent, with Daequan Hardy in the punt-return game. Hardy led the FBS with two punt returns for touchdowns in 2023, making the first man miss before turning on the jets. Hardy could also join running back Ty Johnson in taking over for Khalil Shakir on kickoff returns if the Bills want the third-year receiver to focus on offense. Hardy is a competitive nickel corner, as well, but might need time to work into the role with Taron Johnson manning that spot.

Drafted: Round 6, No. 212 overall

Despite being the third kicker selected in April, Little has demonstrated a knack for clutch performance, and I foresee him making several 55-plus yard field goals in his rookie year. During his time at Arkansas, Little never failed to convert an extra point and achieved touchbacks on more than 85% of his kickoffs in the previous season. Last season, the Jaguars were tied for eighth in the NFL with 37 field goal attempts, and tied for fourth with 10 attempts from 50-plus yards. If Jacksonville maintains this tempo in 2024, it should provide Little ample opportunities to showcase his confident swing.

Drafted: Round 4, No. 122 overall

The punting game was not a strength for the Bears last season, so they snagged Taylor — the top specialist in the draft — to flip the field. Of course, they’re hoping Caleb Williams will lead an explosive offense that won’t require Taylor’s services very often, unlike when he averaged nearly seven kicks a game for the moribund Iowa offense in 2023. But as the only punter drafted this year, he will be an All-Rookie pick if he booms punts and regularly places them inside the 10-yard line when given the chance.