NFL Draft 2024 – 10 defensive players to look out for

The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to occur in Detroit from April 25th to the 27th. Even though it is predicted that up to 20 players might be selected from the offensive side during the opening round, defensive players with game-changing abilities can still be discovered. In a draft boasting of potential star players in the cornerback and edge rusher positions, here are 10 defensive players to keep an eye on in the coming week.

QUINYON MITCHELL – CB – TOLEDO

Quinyon Mitchell, an emerging talent who has excelled in the pre-Draft process, is expected to be among the first few defensive players selected in the first round. Despite coming from a smaller school, there are no doubts about his performance. Standing 6-foot tall and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Mitchell has a physique akin to a running back and is comfortable playing the run. However, his real strength lies in the passing game, as anticipated. He plays with a fighting spirit, toughness, and has a knack for finding the football.

TERRION ARNOLD – CB – ALABAMA

Terrion Arnold’s game is characterized by its versatility. He is capable of playing both outside and in the slot, as well as man-to-man coverage right up against a receiver or off coverage. Standing at 6-foot, Arnold is a large corner who has drawn comparisons to Marshon Lattimore, the star of the New Orleans Saints. Initially joining Alabama as a safety, Arnold has successfully transitioned to the outside island position, showing potential to become a Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL.

DALLAS TURNER – EDGE – ALABAMA

Dallas Turner has been a crucial part of Alabama’s defense over the past three years and is now considered one of the most interesting edge-rusher prospects in this draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 247 pounds, Turner has the length, athleticism, and explosive traits required to become a top-tier pass-rusher in the NFL. He’s even garnered comparisons to Brian Burns, currently of the New York Giants. The fact that Turner has consistently been part of successful programs adds an extra appealing element to his profile.

JARED VERSE – EDGE – FLORIDA STATE

Having made a name for himself at Albany and Florida State, Jared Verse is set to make an immediate splash in the NFL. He carries a bit more bulk than Turner and demonstrated versatility as the Seminoles utilized him in various positions along the line. His impressive speed-to-power ratio poses a significant challenge for blockers, and his instincts enable him to read plays effectively and avoid being pinned by linemen. Verse is capable of playing in diverse fronts, an appealing attribute for contemporary NFL teams that prefer varying their strategies from one play or drive to the next.

BYRON MURPHY II – DT – TEXAS

The first significant interior defensive lineman to be drafted will likely be Byron Murphy II from Texas. However, he is not just a run-stuffing linchpin. Murphy is a swift, agile heavyweight who excels at quarterback rushing. Weighing in at 300 pounds, he plays with exceptional explosiveness, power, and balance, drawing comparisons to Buffalo’s Ed Oliver. Murphy’s relentless energy and superb attitude make him a favorite among coaches.

CHOP ROBINSON – EDGE – PENN STATE

Chop Robinson’s college career may not seem impressive at first glance, with only 11 ½ sacks recorded in three seasons, the first of which he spent at Maryland. However, his physical abilities make him a perfect fit for a pass-rusher in the NFL. Robinson is an incredibly athletic player with a near-instant reaction time. Although he’s not the most polished pass-rusher, he has shown potential for improvement and can be very disruptive, even if he doesn’t always secure sacks. In essence, Robinson is a raw athletic gem.

COOPER DEJEAN – CB – IOWA

At 6-foot and 203 pounds, Cooper DeJean is a cornerback who is known for his playmaking skills. His instincts have been proven by his seven interceptions over his last two college seasons. DeJean is a formidable presence in both run defense and pass coverage, known for aggressively tackling ball-carriers. However, there are concerns about his ability to handle man coverage in the NFL. Many speculate that he could potentially transition to safety, with some even comparing him to NFL great, Eric Weddle.

LAIATU LATU – EDGE – UCLA

NFL Network Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has named Laiatu Latu from UCLA as the most skilled pass-rusher in this class, sparking significant interest. Latu may not possess elite speed and power compared to others in his class, but he consistently excels with a combination of technique, flexibility, and football intelligence. His relentless effort and high energy from beginning to end are commendable. If your team chooses Latu in the draft, it’s cause for excitement – he’s been likened to T.J. Watt!

EDGERRIN COOPER – LB – TEXAS A&M

The current state of the game highlights a lesser value being placed on linebackers in comparison to cornerbacks and edge rushers – positions of which you can never have too many. However, Edgerrin Cooper should be a top priority in the first round of picks on April 25. He’s a tall, athletic linebacker with a knack for successfully dropping into coverage on passing plays. His explosive speed, eye-catching performances, and a keen sense for finding the football make him a standout. Moreover, he’s ready to contribute from the outset.

KOOL-AID McKINSTRY – CB – ALABAMA

What an impressive name, it alone could make him a first-round pick! McKinstry was an unwavering and dependable player during his time at Alabama, with his combination of intellectual prowess and athleticism boosting his performance. He is versatile enough to adapt to a range of coverages and schemes, and being part of Crimson Tide, he is no stranger to victory. The only potential downside to McKinstry is that he doesn’t possess high-speed abilities. This raises the question of whether he will struggle against the fast-paced players in the NFL.