The second half of the NFL season begins, and the first conclusions are obvious: should we prepare for the playoffs or for next year? Now six months before the 2024 NFL draft, DNA of Sports offers you a roster review, with the 5 best prospects in each defensive position at the moment. Also find the 5 best prospects in each offensive position for this NFL Draft 2024.
(*junior, **sophomore)
EDGE RUSHERS
1. Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
2. Jared Verse* (Florida State)
3. Dallas Turner* (Alabama)
4. JT Tuimoloau* (Ohio State)
5. Bralen Trice* (Washington)
Other main players cited: Chop Robinson * (Penn State), Chris Braswell (Alabama), Jonah Elliss * (Utah).
A usual attraction in defense, the pass rusher position should intrigue more than one, with at least four profiles destined for the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. If Latu and Verse have been able to wreak havoc to bed the quarterback over the last two seasons, Turner and Tuimoloau have more commendable and highly sought-after versatility in the modern NFL. The fifth thief spot seems even more open, with players likely to score valuable points in the final stretch of the season.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Jer’Zhawn Newton* (Illinois)
2. Kris Jenkins (Michigan)
3. Tyleik Williams* (Ohio State)
4. Leonard Taylor** (Miami FL)
5. Brandon Dorlus (Ore.)
Other players cited: Maason Smith ** (LSU), Michael Hall * (Ohio State), Tyler Davis (Clemson), McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M).
Jer’Zhawn Newton and others. Symbol of an Illinois defense that has become sexy again in recent weeks, the Fighting Illini is unanimous among the editorial staff and can clearly, barring injury, see a solid place in the top 15 of the 2024 NFL draft. Behind, a Certain depth can have good and bad sides, because it could tend to devalue the position a little, with players drafted a little lower, due to the variety of the board.
Nate Wiggins, the future big prize of a homogeneous class of cornerbacks during the 2024 NFL draft?
LINEBACKERS
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.* (Clemson)
2. Barrett Carter* (Clemson)
3. Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State)
4. Smael Mondon* (Georgia)
5. Junior Colson* (Michigan)
Other players cited: Cedric Gray (North Carolina), Danny Stutsman * (Oklahoma), Ty’Ron Hopper (Missouri).
If the class of linebackers does not seem as glamorous as in other editions, we find the strong bastions as suppliers of the vintage: Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan… So many fierce defenses which relied on a run stop of quality embodied by future prospects. Carter and Mondon have the natural attributes to become coverage linebackers, which still seems to pose questions for a smaller, but totally aggressive Trotter when entering the box. More traditional in his playing philosophy, Eichenberg is the vocal leader of a Buckeyes defense that has taken a serious step forward in 2023.
CORNERBACKS
1. Cooper DeJean* (Iowa)
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry* (Alabama)
3. Nate Wiggins* (Clemson)
4. Kalen King* (Penn State)
5. Denzel Burke* (Ohio State)
Other players cited: TJ Tampa (Iowa State), Kamari Lassiter * (Georgia), Kris Abrams-Draine * (Missouri), Terrion Arnold ** (Alabama).
A vintage made up of quite a few exceptional athletes. As proof, DeJean and McKinstry are regular returners within their program. A number 1 cornerback is still struggling to stand out (what about DeJean’s real position at the higher level, given his incredible versatility). Nate Wiggins, inspired in recent weeks, could beat a lot of people to the post, starting with Kalen King who suffered enormously when covering Marvin Harrison Jr. last month, against Ohio State.
SAFETY
1. Tyler Nubin (Minnesota)
2. Kamren Kinchens* (Miami FL)
3. Calen Bullock* (USC)
4. Javon Bullard* (Georgia)
5. Andrew Mukuba* (Clemson)
Other players mentioned: Jaylin Simpson (Auburn), Cole Bishop * (Utah), James Williams * (Miami FL).
If Kamren Kinchens has serious arguments to prove his future potential in the pros, Minnesota free safety Tyler Nubin has set the bar very high this year, within the class of safeties eligible for the 2024 NFL draft. Magnet with balloon, effective on the run support, he is a name that could quickly climb the hierarchy, even more so with a successful draft process. Behind these two strong men, the field is more contested, with Calen Bullock dangerous on turnovers and Andrew Mukuba fragile but not shy on impact.
