Here are my initial 2024 NFL Draft defensive rankings by position.
Interior Defensive Linemen
1. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
2. Byron Murphy II, Texas
3. Darius Robinson, Missouri
4. Kris Jenkins, Michigan
5. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
6. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
7. Leonard Taylor III, Miami
8. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
9. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
10. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
Honorable mention: Gabe Hall, Baylor
EDGE
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama
2. Jared Verse, Florida State
3. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
4. Chop Robinson, Penn State
5. Bralen Tice, Washington
6. Chris Braswell, Alabama
7. Jonah Elliss, Utah
8. Adisa Isaac, Penn State
9. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
10. Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Honorable mention: Javon Solomon, Troy
Linebacker
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
2. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
3. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
4. Junior Colson, Michigan
5. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
6. Cedric Gray, North Carolina
7. Jaylan Ford, Texas
8. Tyrice Knight, UTEP
9. Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
10. Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Honorable mention: Jordan Magee, Temple
Cornerback
1. Cooper DeJean, Iowa
2. Nate Wiggins, Clemson
3. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
4. Terrion Arnold, Alabama
5. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
6. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
7. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
8. Kalen King, Penn State
9. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
10. Josh Newton, TCU
Honorable mention: M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
Safety
1. Kamren Kinchens, Miami
2. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
3. Javon Bullard, Georgia
4. Jaden Hicks, Washington State
5. Calen Bullock, USC
6. Cole Bishop, Utah
7. Tykee Smith, Georgia
8. Beau Brade, Maryland
9. Sione Vaki, Utah
10. Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
Honorable mention: Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Iowa Athletics