Top Defensive Prospects To Watch In NFL Draft

Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson poses after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the 27th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in D

The NFL draft's opening round saw a surge in the selection of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and pass protectors, leading to a notable shift in the draft board. This trend allowed some top teams to secure players who typically wouldn't have fallen to them and pushed several standout defenders into the second round.

One such player is Cooper DeJean, an Iowa cornerback known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills and prowess as a punt returner, averaging 13.1 yards per return over the last two seasons. Despite breaking his lower leg in November, DeJean has been cleared to resume football activities.

Among the defenders expected to be chosen early in the second round are Texas A&M inside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Cooper led the Aggies in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, while McKinstry, known for his versatility and playmaking ability, is recovering from a foot injury but is anticipated to be ready for training camp.

Top teams secured unexpected players due to the draft board shift.

Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and pass protectors were popular picks in the first round.

Defensive standouts like Cooper DeJean, Edgerrin Cooper, and Kool-Aid McKinstry are notable prospects.

Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, recognized as one of the top interior pass rushers in this year's draft, is another prospect to watch. Newton has an impressive track record of pressuring quarterbacks and accumulating sacks and tackles for loss.

The first defensive player selected in the draft was UCLA edge rusher Liatu Latu, chosen by the Indianapolis Colts after a standout season with 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. The draft's first round predominantly featured offensive players, with a significant number of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen being selected.

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged the draft's offensive-heavy nature, attributing it to the abundance of talented receivers and quarterbacks available. The second round is also expected to showcase top offensive talent, including wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Adonai Mitchell.

McConkey, from Georgia, faced challenges in the 2023 season due to various injuries but remains a promising prospect. The Buffalo Bills, who traded out of the first round, will be the first team on the clock in the second round of the draft.

Overall, the NFL draft's opening round set the stage for an exciting and competitive selection process, with a mix of offensive and defensive talent being showcased.