There is only a month until the 2024 NFL Draft. After the combine the top DT rankings seem to be clear. Here we will rank and meet the top five defensive lineman who will be drafted in April.
Top Five DT in the 2024 NFL Draft
#1: Jer’Zah Newton – Illinois
It seems that there has been some prospect fatigue over the offseason, as Newton has started to fall down boards. Newton is a smaller defensive lineman but is an athletic freak. Newton came into the offseason as the top defensive line prospect and seemed like a lock to go in the top 15. Now it seems like he might even slip into the second round. This is mainly due to the hype building up around Bryon Murphy, along with not participating in the NFL draft combine because of injury.
#2: Byron Murphy – Texas
After the college football playoff game against Washington, Murphy has been shooting up boards. Right now he is projected to be the first defensive lineman to be selected in the draft, but he is at number two in my rankings. Murphy is a modern-day DT and has everything teams are looking for. Murphy is quick enough to get to the quarterback, but big enough to clog up the run game. After his great showing at the combine, it likely Murphy will be selected in the top 20 of the 2024 NFL draft.
#3: T’Vondre Sweat – Texas
T’Vondre sweat is a massive human being. He weighed into the combine at 6’4 and 366 lbs. Like I said he is a massive human, and he ran a 5.27. For reference Tom Brady ran a 5.17. Sweat was an animal in 2023 at Texas and even caught a touchdown. Sweat is the guy you want on your team to play nose tackle and bully centers and guards all game long. As of right now Sweat is projected to go around the middle of the second round.
#4: Braden Fiske – Florida State
Nobody boosted their draft stick at the combine more than Braden Fiske. Before the combine Fiske was projected to be a third-round pick. Then he came to the combine and ran a 4.78, which was the fastest out of all defensive lineman. Not only did he run fast but he also led the defensive lineman in vertical and broad jump. After this performance Fiske should be a second-round NFL draft pick.
#5: Kris Jenkins – Michigan
Son of a former NFL defensive lineman Kris Jenkins hope to have as good of an NFL career as his father. Jenkins is the kind of prospect that it looks like he will have a better NFL career than collegiate. At Michigan Jenkins didn’t put up huge stats but was still a key piece to their defense. Jenkins reminds me a lot of Cam Heyward, doesn’t put up massive stats and should have a long pro career. Jenkins should be a late second round pick in the NFL draft.
If you are looking for more 2024 NFL draft prospect rankings, follow me on X @ChaseGrimm28. If you are looking for more NFL and college football content, be sure to look at more from Gridiron Heroics.
