2024 NFL Draft | Rookie Defensive Tackle Rankings: Byron Murphy II, Jer'Zhan Newton, Kris Jenkins Jr., Braden Fiske, Ruke Orhorhoro and More
An unclear pecking order clouds who teams may prefer in the 2024 NFL Draft's class of defensive tackles.
Now, we focus on the dirty deeds done dirt cheap in the latest installment: my 2024 NFL Draft rookie defensive line rankings. In this case, I mostly focus on what I evaluate as defensive tackles; however, this is an imperfect science.
There are 32 teams and 32 schemes. One team's edge is another team's 3-4 OLB. One team's 4-3 defensive end is another team's 4-3 outside linebacker.
Take these position classifications with a grain of salt. I've already covered my top edge pass rushers of the 2024 NFL Draft, and you can likely find a guy or two who may end up being an interior defensive lineman.
Before diving in, I want to highlight that the NFL will be without two Hall of Fame caliber defensive tackles this upcoming season due to retirement: Aaron Donald and Fletcher Cox. Donald deservedly grabbed many headlines and awards in his career, but Cox wasn't that far behind.
Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame Monitor ranks Donald as the No. 1 defensive tackle of all time. At the same time, Cox sits at No. 13. It's not the be-all and end-all of evaluating these things. Still, it succinctly and effectively gives Cox his just due.
MORE: 2024 NFL Mock Draft and 2024 NFL Draft Rookie Cornerback Rankings
1. Byron Murphy II, Texas
Murphy is a low center of gravity coming to disrupt your team's interior offensive line. He should be an every-down masterpiece and free up linebackers behind him to do his bidding. He already has an elite mix of power, flexibility and agility.
He can have trouble with taller linemen who extend their arms and keep him at a distance. Murphy must add more to his lower half and maintain a very low pad level to stay effective. Already blessed with a nice array of pass-rush techniques.
Murphy has shorter arms and will need to find creative ways to avoid being deflected out of plays. A high motor can sometimes be pointed incorrectly, as play recognition still needs to be improved. He is a top-flight prospect who should hear his name in Round 1.
2. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
I'm calling him Jer'Zhan, but I've seen the name Johnny on some sites. Newton is an above-average disruptor with a nice big frame and room to grow. He plays with controlled tenacity, and his wins pop when he can disengage from the block.
There's a suddenness to his game, and he can lull blockers with well-timed force and speed. He has an average first step but shows great instincts in play-feel and uses his body to direct his opponent and the flow of traffic.
Newton will need to add more upper-body strength. He has narrow shoulders and plays with a really inconsistent pad level. Late in games, he goes through the motions too often. He will likely be limited as a rotational player to begin his career.
3. Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan
Yes, you recognize the name because he's the son of Kris Jenkins. His father was a three-time All-Pro defensive tackle and the 2001 second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers.
Jenkins Jr. is a raw prospect and will need to step up in the weight room to add more bulk to his 6'3" frame. However, his game has some really special techniques and fundamentals. He plays with great hand placement and swats away extended arms. Jenkins has excellent balance and a plus first step.
He does well maintaining a high motor and keeping up the pass rush deep into long drives, even late in games. He will need to add more strength and weight. He could easily add 20 pounds. A redshirt year will likely be necessary.
4. Braden Fiske, Florida State
With an above-average first step and agility, Fiske could develop into an effective three-technique. Until then, he will need to add more strength to anchor and sink into rushing lanes. Average arm length can swallow him up despite playing with a great motor.
He does well to disengage and sometimes puts his man off balance. Teams may not see much upside to his game as he doesn't have impressive measurables. He too often relies on hustle to win one-on-one.
Quickness does shine, and if balanced with better power and mass, his frame has enough room for him to eventually be a plus starter.
5. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
A really raw prospect with moments that shine on tape, Orhorhoro is a "first guy off the bus" type of player. The question is whether he can convert his physique into consistent, proper technique to play within a specific role.
He plays with a reliable pad level but sometimes seems to play with blinders on, not driving properly towards the play. His pass-rush wins have more to do with quickness than hand placement, counters or instincts.
Orhorhoro shows a nice but inconsistent mean streak, seemingly getting frustrated and running with great arm violence. Coaches must harness these small moments and channel his power more effectively. He has big potential and could be a starter by his second year.
