2024: Defensive Line

Jer’Zhan Newton – DT – Illinois - 97

Accolades abound for the kid they call Johnny. He was an all-american his last two years with the Illini including Big 10 defensive player of the year in 2023 and a Nagurski Award finalist. Newton makes plays in the backfield for a living. Led the team in sacks in 2023 and TFL in 2022 with 14. Churning feet allow him to maintain balance and power and not get pushed off his trajectory. Incredible first step and great burst closing to the QB. This kid is made for today’s game and is my pick for defensive rookie of the year.

Byron Murphy II – DT – Texas - 95

Penetrating 3 technique in the Aaron Donald, Ed Oliver mold. Shorter player on the interior allows him to play with outstanding leverage enabling leg drive for bull rushes. Where he truly excels is using his hands in combination with lateral quickness to gain side to side leverage and beat blockers. Definitely benefitted playing next to the mammoth 1 technique in T’Vondre Sweat, but Murphy can stand on his own two feet. Only 1 year of high level production, but it’s going to translate. He’s a true disruptor on the interior which is extremely in vogue right now.

T’Vondre Sweat – DT – Texas - 85

Love this kid. Simply massive at 6’5” and 366 pounds. My god what a handful. He played 1 and 3 technique and can do both at the next level. The Big 12 defensive player of the year and Outland Trophy winner is an ideal anchor for a run defense and manhandles people when motivated. The trick with him is keeping his weight in check and his off-field behavior. Does not have Jordan Davis pass rushing upside which moves him to round 2 for me. Would love to see him shine and bring back the massive nose tackle.