NFL Draft 2024 – 10 defensive players to look out for

The 2024 NFL Draft, scheduled to occur in Detroit from April 25-27, might witness up to 20 offensive players being selected in the opening round. However, there is still potential for standout defensive players. This draft showcases promising talent in the cornerback and edge rusher positions. Here are 10 defensive players to keep an eye on during the upcoming week.

QUINYON MITCHELL – CB – TOLEDO

Quinyon Mitchell, a rising star that has dominated the pre-Draft process, is expected to be among the first defensive players selected in the first round. There’s no worry regarding his performance at smaller schools. Standing at 6-foot and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Mitchell has a build similar to a running back and is unafraid to play in the run. He excels in the passing game, as anticipated. Mitchell is known for being pugnacious, resilient, and has a knack for locating the football.

TERRION ARNOLD – CB – ALABAMA

Terrion Arnold’s game is characterized by versatility. He has the ability to play both outside and in the slot, and can manage man-to-man coverage upfront or off coverage. Standing at 6-foot, Arnold is another tall corner who has been likened to Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints. Initially joining Alabama as a safety, he successfully transitioned to a cornerback role on the outside. With his potential, he could be a future Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL.

DALLAS TURNER – EDGE – ALABAMA

Dallas Turner, a standout player on Alabama’s defense for the last three years, is among a few captivating edge-rusher prospects in the current draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 247 pounds, Turner exhibits the length, athleticism, and explosive features required to become a top-tier pass-rusher in the NFL. He has already been compared to Brian Burns of the New York Giants. The fact that he has consistently been part of successful programs adds an extra layer of appeal to his profile.

JARED VERSE – EDGE – FLORIDA STATE

Following his standout performances at Albany and Florida State, Jared Verse is primed to immediately make his mark in the NFL. His build is slightly more robust than Turner’s, and the Seminoles frequently shifted his position along the line. His impressive speed-to-power ratio makes him a formidable opponent to block, and his keen instincts allow him to read plays effectively, preventing linemen from securing a hold on him. Verse’s versatility enables him to play across various fronts, making him an appealing prospect for contemporary NFL teams that prefer to alternate their strategies from one play or drive to the next.

BYRON MURPHY II – DT – TEXAS

To be clear, Byron Murphy II from Texas, the first major interior defensive lineman to be drafted, is no mere run-stuffer. Murphy is a large, quick, and agile player who can effectively rush the passer. At 300 pounds, he demonstrates elite explosiveness, power, and balance, drawing comparisons to Buffalo’s Ed Oliver. With an unyielding drive and an excellent attitude, Murphy is a player coaches will undoubtedly appreciate.

CHOP ROBINSON – EDGE – PENN STATE

Chop Robinson’s collegiate record of 11 ½ sacks over three seasons, with the first season at Maryland, may not immediately stand out when considering his potential in the professional arena. However, his physical abilities are perfectly suited for an NFL pass-rusher. Robinson possesses an explosive athleticism that allows him to react quickly and powerfully. Though he may not be the most refined pass-rusher in the game, with the right coaching, his skills could be honed effectively. Despite not consistently recording sacks in college, Robinson was almost always a disruptive force on the field. He is truly a raw athletic gem waiting to be polished.

COOPER DEJEAN – CB – IOWA

At 6-foot and 203 pounds, Cooper DeJean is a formidable cornerback known for his playmaking abilities. He has demonstrated excellent instincts, with seven interceptions in his last two college seasons. DeJean is also a force to be reckoned with against the run and is effective at defending against passes caught in front of him, frequently charging down to forcefully tackle ball-carriers. However, questions remain about how well DeJean will fare in man coverage in the NFL. Some speculate that he may transition to safety, and comparisons have already been drawn between him and the legendary Eric Weddle.

LAIATU LATU – EDGE – UCLA

NFL Network Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has hailed Laiatu Latu from UCLA as the most skilled pass-rusher in his class, which is sure to generate significant interest. While his speed and power don’t measure up to some of his peers, he always comes out on top thanks to his blend of technique, flexibility, and football intelligence. Latu possesses a relentless drive, playing with full throttle from the beginning to the end of each game. If Latu is drafted by your team, you have every reason to be thrilled, as he’s drawn comparisons to T.J. Watt!

EDGERRIN COOPER – LB – TEXAS A&M

The current trend in the game shows less value is given to a linebacker compared to cornerbacks and edge rushers – you can’t have too many of the latter. However, Edgerrin Cooper has the potential to be a first-round pick on April 25. Cooper, a tall and versatile linebacker, is adept at covering passing plays. His dynamism, impressive speed, football-seeking instinct, and readiness to start from the outset are sure to grab attention.

KOOL-AID McKINSTRY – CB – ALABAMA

What a moniker! McKinstry’s name alone makes him a candidate for a first-round pick. He was a steadfast and dependable player at Alabama, standing out due to his blend of smarts and athleticism. His versatility allows him to play in multiple coverages and schemes, and naturally, he’s accustomed to victory as a part of the Crimson Tide. The only critique that can be made about McKinstry is his absence of superior speed. The question stands – will he be vulnerable when he faces the high-speed players of the NFL?