They say the best offense is a good defense. Having that level of defense is key to creating a successful franchise that is capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
The best and easiest way for teams to acquire is through the draft. Most every all pro, Hall of Famer, and legend on the defensive found themselves selected in the NFL draft. This year’s pool of draftable talent has some high-motor options.
These are 10 defensive college players to keep an eye on this year as we enter the 2024 NFL draft.
10. Quinyon Mitchell – University of Toledo
Mitchell is easily the best player in the Mid-American Conference. He out tested his peers at his Pro Day and the NFL combine, even those in the SEC. He’s a player that could be a star wherever he goes in the league. He’s fast. He’s strong. He has length. He’s broad and very strong — 20 reps at 225 at the combine strong. Should he find a home on an NFL roster, we’ll be asking ourselves why we didn’t see this kid’s talent sooner.
9. Barrett Carter – University of Clemson
Carter was the #3 ranked linebacker in his class and a five star recruit coming out of high school. His career at Clemson was an absolute stat sheet filler. He’s a true off-ball linebacker. His talent allows him to play comfortably in coverage when need be or find the football with ease when he’s not attacking downhill on an A-gap blitz or ranging toward the sideline on an outside run. His athleticism is the cherry on top, making him a homerun pick.
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8. Terrion Arnold – University of Alabama
Arnold was recruited as a five-star safety, didn’t get on the field as a freshman, and then came out and was named a freshman All-American last year and a first-team All-American this year. He’s a sure fire baller. For the Tide, Arnold was the Robin to Kool-Aid McKinstry’s Batman. Arnold is a player whose best football is still ahead of him. He has a high ceiling and amazing potential.
7. Leonard Taylor – University of Miami
The Miami Hurricane was sidelined for much of the 2022 season after a foot injury cut his season short. As a defensive tackle, Taylor has major power from the interior. With the size of a linebacker, Taylor has the ability to bully offensive lines. Taylor has a quick twitch for 6’4, 305 pounds. When it’s all said and done, we may look back at this draft and ask the question, “Why wasn’t he drafted higher?”
6. Laiatau Latu – University of California at Los Angeles
The UCLA Bruin could’ve entered his name into the draft last year but chose to continue to build on an impressive resume in his college career. At 6’4, 265, Latu is an edge rusher full of power that can dominate the pass rush. Along with being a unanimous All-American in 2023, Latu also won the Ted Hendricks award for his time with UCLA.
5. Chop Robinson – Penn State University
The Nittany Lion Robinson is a small, flexible outside rusher who bullies defending offensive lines. With burst, bend, and athleticism Robinson will make a great pickup for any team able to pick him up during the draft. Robinson shows flashes of former Pitt edge Calijah Kancey, who had a great rookie year in 2023. If he can follow in his footsteps, he’ll be on solid ground in the league.
4. Dallas Turner – University of Alabama
Turner was a first-team All-American and had 22 sacks over the last three seasons. He ranked second in the SEC in QB pressures last year. He’s a great defender and a dynamic athlete. At 6’4, 247 pounds, Turner ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Turner is a super freak athlete who worked with Will Anderson IV in college. He’s a beast — plain and simple.
3. Cooper DeJean – University of Iowa
Cooper proved that white boys belong in the secondary. As a projected first-round pick, DeJean would be the first white cornerback in the league since 2004. He rarely misses a tackle, snags interceptions and makes plays flying across the field. At 200 pounds, DeJean has the size to fill in at the outside corner. Time will tell whether or not he can elevate his play to the next level.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry – University of Alabama
McKinstry was the glue that held Alabama’s secondary together. As a former #1 recruit at his position, McKinstry proved he could be an elite player at every level through his time with the Tide. Whichever team picks him up in the draft is sure to land the next best thing since Sauce Gardner for their secondary. At 6’1, 188 pounds, McKinstry has the size to take on anyone in the league.
1. Jared Verse – Florida State University
Verse likely would’ve been a late first- or early second-round pick in last year’s NFL draft had he declared. Verse transferred to Florida State before the 2022 season and exploded onto the scene for the Seminoles. As a relentless rusher with major power on the edge, Verse was downright unblockable for most of his time in Tallahassee. Look for his name to be called early on in this year’s draft.
