Jordan Laube
Mar 254 min
Welcome back to our second position breakdown of the 2024 NFL Draft class! Today, we'll look at one of the most prominent positions on defense that sets the tone for every play; the int. defensive lineman. There are some studs in this group that I'm higher on than consensus, as for most positions, but there are a few guys on this list who aren't being talked about as much as they should be.
Let's rank the top 10 trench warriors for this class!
Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo
I really like Boyd's play style, the way he uses his hands effectively, and how he can win a good chunk of 1-on-1s in pass rush. He will need to become a better run defender, but I think playing as a 3-tech will naturally help with that. Boyd is one of the biggest sleepers in the class who could be solid as a rotational piece to start.
Pro Comp: Larry Ogunjobi
Sweat is a tough eval; he was used at Texas in a way that didn't fit his strength, and he doesn't have much versatility, but what he's good at, he's damn good at. He has a nasty bull rush and clogs gaps better than any DT in this draft. The key will be diversifying his pass rush pool and getting better at fighting off blocks. For now, just let him tee off and bull rush whoever he lines up on.
Pro Comp: Jordan Phillips
A solid pass rusher for his skillset, Smith uses his hands well and has an explosive lower half to create separation. He's had some good moments as a run defender as well, but doesn't do much the majority of the time. He struggles against double teams and fails to attack half a man consistently. Smith will be a designated pass rusher until he finishes plays against the run.
Pro Comp: Javon Kinlaw
A decent pass rusher, Hall does a good job working his hips throughout the rep and using his hands violently. Gabe needs to get more explosive off the snap and use his size more. He did a good job of that at the Senior Bowl, but the team that drafts him will have to continue to monitor his development before deciding he can be an every-down DT.
Pro Comp: Chris Worley
Photo: Peter Aiken/Getty Images
I like Brandon's play style; he has great violence and knows when to finesse, has a large pass rush pool, and he succeeds inside and outside. He needs to improve his hustle and slightly improve as a run defender to be a real difference maker. With that said, he can still get considerable playing time early on and do well.
Pro Comp: Dre'Mont Jones
A solid NT prospect, Taylor plays really well in between the guards and understands how to play with leverage. Taylor can be a long-time starter in the league as long as he continues to improve his pass rush.
Pro Comp: Derrick Brown
Hall is a really athletic DT who uses his hands well and is explosive. Swim is his best move, but he can swipe hands off him and clog run lanes, he constantly chases after plays, and he can be a stonewall in the run game. He does get overworked at times due to being smaller and would be best as a 3-tech in the league, but Hall is definitely a sleeper in this class.
Pro Comp: Justin Madubuike
Photo: Adam Cairns/USA TODAY
Despite leaving some plays on tape, I think Byron's worth taking a first round pick on. He has a good pass rush process, he's great in the run game, and he played all over the defensive front. I think he needs to get better with keeping his balance against blocks and finishing plays; he's a great 3-tech for a team in need of an explosive pass rusher.
Pro Comp: Ed Oliver
I really like Kris's game overall; he uses his hands well in the run game, he can either stop runs in his gap or force ball-carriers elsewhere, he plays with a high motor, and he has a decent pass rush prowess that he can improve. He has a high ceiling if he can tap into his pass rush skillset more.
Pro Comp: Grady Jarrett
One of the best 3-techs I've ever scouted, Newton has a great mix of power and finesse, he understands run fit at a high level, and rarely gets taken out of his gap. Sometimes he'll drive his man too far back and take himself out of the play, but that's a correctable issue that shows how dominant he can be on a snap-to-snap basis.
Pro Comp: Javon Hargrave
Photo: Kevin Snyder/Illinois Athletics
Final Notes:
Some guys that missed the cut were Myles Murphy, Jowon Briggs, Marcus Harris, and Tyler Davis. I expect those four to still get some playing time throughout their careers and contribute in unique ways.
Up next are the tight ends, and it's a position group filled with differing skill types this year. Check back for that in a few days, with safeties and nickels to round out the week!