By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
This will be part 8 in a series of 13 as I dive into my top 5 defensive linemen for the 2024 NFL draft. GM Joe Schoen during his first two drafts as the Giants GM has drafted two defensive linemen on Day 3 (JD Davidson-RD5 & Jordan Riley-RD7). Currently, the Giants have Dexter Lawrence, Jordan Riley, JD Davidson & Rakeem Nunez- Roches. Pending UFA A’Shawn Robinson will likely not return, so will Joe Schoen look to the draft to find his replacement or will he go the free agency route. Here are my Top 5 Defensive Linemen in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
- Jer’zhan Newton (Illinois) 6’2/295: Newton is a physical presence with a blend of strength and quickness. Newton has good leverage off the snap and plays through the whistle. Newton is a disruptive force that can dominate a game against the run and he’s not shabby as a pass rusher. Projected Late RD1.
- Byron Murphy ll (Texas) 6’1/305: Murphy has a similar style to Newton as he possesses great leverage off the snap by utilizing his quickness and solid hand and feet technique. Murphy teamed up with T’ Vondre Sweat giving Texas arguably the one/two punch in college football along the defensive line. Projected Late RD1.
- Kris Jenkins (Michigan) 6’3/295: Jenkins is a high motor defender that pursuits well and never gives up on a play. Jenkins has a solid lower base which he utilizes well in the trenches and usually wins the one on one battle’s with quickness and solid technique. Projected Early to Mid RD2.
- T’ Vondre Sweat (Texas) 6’4/362: Sweat demands double team’s from opposing teams as he is nearly impossible to contain with a single blocker. Sweat is currently a 2 down monster that swallows up opposing running backs between the tackles. Sweat could play nose tackle in a 3-4 defense or a defensive tackle in a traditional 4-3 scheme. Projected Mid to Late RD2.
- Ruke Orhorhoro (Clemson) 6’4/295: Orhorhoro played alongside another defensive tackle that would have been in my top 10 list by the name of Tyler Davis, giving the Clemson Tigers a very lethal duo on defense. Orhorhoro does a great job in sealing the edge and can also pressure the quarterback. Orhorhoro plays with a little edge and at times can take over the game. Projected Late RD2 to Early RD3.
It’s worth mentioning that the Giants also have Ryder Anderson waiting in the wings and it’s unclear at this time how GM Joe Schoen views him and how much his role will be in 2024. It wouldn’t shock me if Joe Schoen once again drafts a Defensive Tackle on Day 3 if the right prospect is still on the board. Of course we still have free agency and that will be a better indicator on what Schoen might do at the defensive tackle position. Keep an eye out for my next article as I go over my top 5 Edge/DE prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.