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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jeff Risdon

2024 NFL draft: Bowl season DT big board

It’s time to give the big men up front some love. The defensive tackles are always an interesting group to evaluate and ordinate, in part because they come in different sizes and styles of play.

I just dove into a handful of these players in the last week or so, and the more I watch the group, the more I do like the DT class overall. Still need to watch more of most of these guys, as this is more on first impression and preliminary study for all but the top two, who I’ve watched extensively and really like.

Offensive tackles

Wide receivers (via Brennen Rupp)

Cornerbacks

EDGE rushers

Running backs

1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: Variety of ways in which he beats blockers

2. T'Vondre Sweat, Texas

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat (93)

What stands out: Quickness to shed and finish for his size

3. Leonard Taylor, Miami FL

Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: High-end athletic potential that is growing in technical aptitude nicely

4. Darius Robinson, Missouri

William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: Power-to-speed moves and the ability to play anywhere out to EDGE

5. Byron Murphy, Texas

What stands out: Hot motor and ever-improving hand and shoulder usage

6. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: Attack mentality and skill but an odd size/body type to play inside full-time

7. Michael Hall, Ohio State

What stands out: Two-step burst and functional power in any direction

8. Kris Jenkins, Michigan

What stands out: Athletic 1-tech with a high-end football IQ

9. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: Balance and power for a taller inside player

10. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

What stands out: Burst for his size and finishing power

11-20

11. Tyliek Williams, Ohio State

12. Braden Fiske, Florida State

13. Mekhi Wingo, LSU

14. Howard Cross III, Notre Dame

15. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia

16. Keenan Stewart, UTEP

17. Maason Smith, LSU

18. Dontrez Brown, Bowling Green

19. Dewayne Carter, Duke

20. Marcus Harris, Auburn

 

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