By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
This will be parts 9 and 10 in a series of 13 as I breakdown the DE and EDGE position in the upcoming 2024 draft. I decided to combine these two positions and increased the total to the top 10. The Giants should be looking for another player to play either in the 3-point stance or in a 2-point stance opposite from Kayvon Thibodeaux. Currently, Azeez Ojulari is tabbed as the starter, however; his lack of production and durability issues has warranted GM Joe Schoen to look at other options. Here are my top 10 DE/EDGE prospects in the 2024 NFL draft.
- Dallas Turner (Alabama) 6’4/240: Turner has high athletic ability who shined at combine in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump and the broad jump. On the field, Turner has a quick first step and anticipates well against both the run and pass. Projected Mid RD1
- Jared Verse (Florida State) 6’4/251: Verse has unique athletic skill set as evident making the Bruce Feldman freaks list (#26). Verse possesses a very quick first step and has excellent instincts. Verse has a variety of moves with a strong bend around the edge. Projected Mid RD1.
- Laiatu Latu (UCLA) 6’4/265: Latu has slipped down the DE/EDGE board recently, but he is still a lethal weapon. Latu injury history could be behind him and if so, he should have a solid NFL career as a pass rushing, run stuffer on the edge. Projected Mid RD1.
- Chop Robinson (Penn State) 6’4/250: Penn State has a history of producing quality DE/EDGES and Robinson fits the bill. Robinson has great acceleration off the edge and is also a good run stopper. Robinson’s combination of strength, quickness and bend will suit well for him in the NFL. Projected Mid RD1.
- Darius Robinson (Missouri) 6’5/295: Robinson stock has been on the rise after having a solid 2023 campaign with 7.5 sacks and stellar run support. Robinson’s blend of size, strength and speed gives him an edge in the trenches. Projected Late RD1/Early RD2.
- Adisa Isaac (Penn State) 6’4/247: Isaac played in the shadows of Chops Robinson at Penn State; make no mistake he is a solid defender. Isaac has all the intangibles NFL team’s look for in a DE/EDGE with his blend speed and instincts around the edge. Projected Mid RD2.
- Bralen Trice (Washington) 6’4/256: Trice is a pure pass rusher and would need to improve on sealing the edge at the NFL level. Regardless, his ability to make plays consistently at a high level is coveted by NFL teams. Trice has a high motor and plays to the whistle. Projected Mid RD2.
- Brandon Dorius (Oregon) 6’3/290: Dorius is another prospect who made Bruce Feldman’s freak list (#51) with a blend of size, strength, quickness and high motor. Dorius is currently more accomplished on setting the edge than he is a pass rusher. However; there’s no question he can improve in that department at the next level. Projected Late RD2/Early RD3.
- Cabriel Murphy (UCLA) 6’2/247: Murphy has the combination of quickness and strength to succeed in the NFL. Murphy has above average bend and possesses a high motor, which is evident on film. Projected RD3.
- Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan) 6’3/270: Kneeland has an explosive first step and plays at a high gear. Kneeland has a natural leverage, length and high level strength. Kneeland possesses good bend on the edge as a pass rusher and can also be a stout run defender. Projected Late RD3/Early RD4.
GM Joe Schoen could look towards free agency at the DE/EDGE position or in the draft. It’s not a reach for Schoen to invest at the DE/EDGE position in both venues to give the Giants that depth and talent that this team has lacked for many years. Keep an eye out for part 11 in a series of 13 as I breakdown the ILB/OLB in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.