Defensive Line Rankings 2023 NFL Draft
The Gridiron Review’s 2024 NFL Draft Defensive Line Rankings
| Rank | Rank Movement | Player | School | Height | Weight | Grade | Comp | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Byron Murphy II |  |  | 6'1 | 305 | 69% | Javon Hargrave | While undersized height wise, Murphy II is a more complete tackle than other in this class like Newton. He has crazy athleticism for being 300 pounds, and shows an advanced level of pass rushing development that should only continue at the next level.... | |
| 2 | Jer'Zhan Newton |  |  | 6'2 | 295 | 65% | Calijah Kancey | Newton should be a pass rushing specialist to start his career, and a very effective one at that. He has pretty good explosiveness, great hand usage, and a good set of pass rushing moves. However, there should be concerns in his run game effectiveness... | |
| 3 | Michael Hall Jr |  | 6'2 | 299 | 63% | Kobie Turner | Screams better pro than college player. The size is definitely a concern, but Hall reportedly weighed in at 299 at the pro day, which is not bad. In fact, it would put him on par with Johnny Newton. He may have the most upside in the class at the DT position, as he displays an understanding and development of pass rushing that not many in this class do. He is surprisingly strong routinely overpowering lineman in the Michigan game and eating double teams. His finesse moves, especially the swipe, are more than fine, they are real assets in his toolbelt. He is likely a day 3 pick, but could pay off immensely. | ||
| 4 |  2 | Braden Fiske |  | 6'4 | 292 | 62% | Michael Hoecht | Braden Fiske is a combine standout with very good production to match. He possesses a very high motor to go along with an explosiveness not common among players his size. Fiske utilizes a very good club move to beat o lineman but needs to learn other moves to be truly effective at the NFL level. His age is a slight concern for us, but he should be an immediate starter which could negate some of the worry. While the comp may not excite people, both Fiske and Hoecht can play all over the line with above average athleticism for their size. Fiske could also rack up tackles at the position as Hoecht has. | |
| 5 | Leonard Taylor III |  |  | 6'3 | 305 | 60% | Sebastian Joseph-Day | Taylor III flashes elite upside at times, but there is a lot in between. His burst against the run is insane, but the same is not said in the pass rush. It is an odd instance where a thinner D-Line is actually far better against the run than the pass... | |
| 6 | T'Vondre Sweat |  | | 6'4 | 352 | 57% | DJ Reader Ish | Sweat possesses elite size for the tackle position, and decent athleticism for 350 pounds. His hand usage is more advanced than the rest of his game. He needs development in footwork and pretty much every area, but he could pay off huge as a day 2 steal if the right team unlocks his potential. | |
| 7 | Kris jenkins |  |  | 6'3 | 305 | 40% (With upside) | Dalvin Tomlinson | Jenkins needs a ton of development. He does not have much of a plan when pass rushing, and is not a great anchor in the run game. He looks to be a decent athlete with some upside, but there is not much more than a day 3 pick here. | |
| 8 | Ruke Orhorhoro |  | 6'4 | 297 | 40% (With upside) | Milton Williams | A tweener stuck between end and tackle. Upon entering the NFL it may be best to pick one so he can lean into his development as he has long way to go. Upside is definitely there though. |