2024 NFL Draft Bible: Defensive Tackles

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RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION

1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois, 6-2, 304, Rd1

Some consider Newton to be a top-ten overall talent but a Jones fracture injury has thrown a monkey wrench into his draft preparation. He was featured in multiple spots in the Illini five-man front alignment, providing pass rush from the interior with his agility and quickness. Newton projects as a three-technique in a 4-3 base defense at the next level. Unable to workout since the season ended, Newton plans to conduct a private pro day for NFL teams next week. He managed to keep his injury quiet until he was asked about it at the combine.

“I’m good at keeping secrets. It happened like, in the middle of the season," Newton stated. "I can’t give you like, which game. I forgot, but I’ve been feeling it for a long time. Got the surgery, knocked it out the way, and I’m shooting for a pro day, first week of April. I just know I had to do it for my future, honestly. Rather than waiting and possibly messing it up more, I had to attack it right when I found out.”

2. Byron Murphy II, Texas, 6-1, 297, 4.87, Rd1

A late bloomer who blew up Indy with elite testing numbers, Murphy amassed an impressive 45 quarterback pressures this past season! He's effective versus the run but can also get after the quarterback, parlaying his inane athleticism into a major advantage. The knock on Murphy will be his lack of size and while he could benefit from bulking up a bit, his frame is limited in terms of growth. That shouldn't preclude NFL teams from investing a high first-round pick on his talents.

"Having the mindset of just being, ‘I can't be stopped, I won't be stopped,’ Murphy II described his style of play. "Just doing my best and trying to be disruptive at all times. You know, just trying to get after the quarterback, you know, just rushing it all the time, each and every play. Just going hard and giving it 110 percent with great effort. I'm a great player. I play good, I stay square, I have great leverage, I play with my hands, I'm violent and I'm also great at stopping the run."

3. Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 285, 4.95, Rd1

The definition of 'first one off the bus,' the vocal Robinson is a giant-sized defender with great strength, length and massive hands to jolt his opponents off-balance. Versatility is his middle name, as the team-first Robinson can play any position up and down the defensive line. In fact, some teams prefer him on the edge, a role which he embraced this past season.

"I play every position. I play a zero, I play a nine, I can run, I can hit, I can get my hands inside. I can go anything, man. Just give me an opportunity to put my cleats in the ground. I showed that at the Senior Bowl. I got better each and every day against the best competition in college football. I played in the SEC, which is the best conference in football. I don't want to talk about myself too much. Just put the tape on and it will tell you."