The interior defensive lineman position has become one of the most valuable positions in the league over the last few years, with more and more impact players and disruption coming from the middle of the defensive front.
This year’s group of linemen for the 2024 NFL draft is a deep one that should have plenty of starters or rotational players go in all rounds. Let’s take a look at the top five players of that group before we get to the pre-draft process.
1. Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
A hurricane of a defensive lineman, Byron Murphy was one of the most effective pass rushers on the interior in college football last season. Murphy has shown to be one of the stronger defensive linemen coming out this year and should have an excellent combine.
With elite athleticism and an off-the-charts power, Murphy could end up being the best of the entire class come five years from now. Given his elite traits and ability to get to the quarterback, Murphy should hear his name called in the top half of the first round.
2. Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
There has been a trend of smaller but effective pass-rushing defensive linemen finding a ton of success at the next level. With the likes of Aaron Donald and Calijah Kancey showing up as impact players, the size of Jer’Zhan Newton should not scare teams away.
Newton has been a game wrecker for Illinois and was one of the most effective pass rushers and run defenders in the country last season. Newton is a clear plug-and-play player and will instantly boost the defensive line of whatever team drafts him.
3. T'Vondre Sweat, IDL, Texas
The other side of an elite Texas Longhorn interior defensive line, T’Vondre Sweat is a massive human who possesses massive potential at the next level for whatever team takes him.
An instant gap plugger who is also surprisingly quick given his size, Sweat is likely to test well in the pre-draft process and could see his name rise up draft boards. It’s hard to find nose tackles that can get to the quarterback and Sweat fills that role.
4. Kris Jenkins, IDL, Michigan
Another son of a NFL legend is putting his hat in the ring with the new generation of players. Michigan’s Kirs Jenkins inherited the position and talent from his all-pro father of the same name and could end up being just as effective.
Jenkins is a very powerful run defender with a solid amount of pass-rushing potential. While he isn’t going to blow past offensive linemen, Jenkins has plenty of ways to produce pressure as well as jamming up the run game.
5. Leonard Taylor III, IDL, Miami
The best pure athlete at his position, Leonard Taylor is an absolute force to be reckoned with and has a ceiling as high as anyone in his positional group in this class.
Taylor is a force as a pass rusher and uses his raw athleticism and strength to win one-on-one blocks and blow into the backfield. He does have some room to grow but it would not be shocking to see Taylor be one of the first linemen off the board if he dominates the pre-draft process.
