The 2023 NFL Draft was flush with defensive difference-makers like Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon and Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Fans should not expect that caliber of defensive player to come out of the 2024 NFL Draft but there is still a lot of talent that can fill needs for teams across the league.
Here is an All-Defense Team comprised solely of prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft:
Edge: Dallas Turner, Alabama
The mission was to pick two of three from UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Florida State’s Jared Verse and Alabama’s Dallas Turner. Turner got the nod over Latu because he is still 20 years old and a medical check will be important in determining where the latter is drafted.
Turner applied pressure on 19.8% of pass rush snaps, which was the fifth-highest, this season, according to TruMedia. Latu is actually second in the same category (21.9%). Turner finished the year with eight sacks. He can still grow into his body and become more physically controlling at the line of scrimmage but there is no denying his speed and quickness.
Edge: Jared Verse, Florida State
Opposite Turner, the plan was to add a more powerful prospect who should be able to contain the edge and provide more of an impact in the run game. Verse had the 18th-highest pressure rate this season (18.1%). He ended the regular season on a high note with 2.5 sacks during rivalry week against Florida.
DT: Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Newton is a high-motor player who plays to the whistle. He builds speed quickly and uses quickness to shoot gaps and move the pocket. His 44 quarterback pressures were tied as the most by an interior defender this season, according to TruMedia.
DT: T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
There is not a clear DT2 in the class right now. There are a wide range of skill sets that teams could consider at the position. Sweat is 6-foot-4, north of 360 pounds. He is going to eat up space, blockers and allow Turner, Verse and Newton to create pressure on this defensive line.
LB: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Trotter Jr. has a shorter frame with a thicker lower body build. He does most of his work in the box. The son of the former NFL linebacker has great lateral quickness and change of direction. The linebacker has good eyes to read and diagnose leaks out of the backfield. Trotter plays with a high motor and has not shown much diversity in his…
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