The paper’s Ryan Dunleavy lists the top 10 defensive linemen in this year’s NFL Draft, based on evaluations and conversations with league officials.
1. Byron Murphy, Texas, 6-0, 297
According to Pro Football Focus, he led all FBS interior defensive linemen with a pass rush win percentage of 19.6. Bull pops out of the snap. He is well versed in playing against double teams. The compact body lacks the height and arm length of the prototype, but maintains its balance. He scored a touchdown on the offensive line near the goal line.
2. Jazan Newton, Illinois, 6-2, 304
Technician with hands and feet pushing pockets. Use one snap or his one series to set up a rush late in the game. Blocked 4 kicks in 2023. There are also many snaps. He disappears at times in the run game, but chases the ball.
3. Braden Fisk, Florida State, 6-4, 292
He crushed the combine with a 33.5-inch vertical leap, a 9-foot-9-inch broad jump, and a 4.78-second 40-yard dash. Versatile for use beyond the line of scrimmage. Run as fast as you can until the whistle blows. Played in deep rotation as a 6th grader. Has he reached the ceiling?
4. Kris Jenkins, Michigan State, 6-3, 299
He is smaller but faster than his father, a four-time Pro Bowl DT of the same name. Considering the maximum effort he inherited from his family, he has a strange lack of stats (4.5 career sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss). He was most destructive at the end of last season.
5. Luke Oloholohoro, Clemson, 6-4, 294
He started playing soccer in his third year of high school and steadily improved each year. A combination of raw physical tools and alignment versatility that captures the attention of scouts. It uses its wingspan to capture flybys even when “blocked.” Double teams can eliminate him.
6. Marson Smith, LSU, 6-5, 306
The former five-star recruit played in 22 career games, but missed a lot of time with injuries (shoulder and ACL) and was suspended for one game by the NCAA. Untapped potential in his athleticism (6.5 career sacks). Sometimes the rush lacks a “plan.”
7. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, 6-4, 366
Bowl over by round robin. Block passing lanes with aggressive hands. He could become a cleanup linebacker’s best friend. Winner of the Outland Trophy (America’s Best Interior Lineman). According to The Athletic, his DWI arrest in April affected scouts’ evaluation of him as a “party animal.”
8. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State, 6-3, 290
He played nose tackle last season, but three-technique tackles in the NFL are determined by size. More flash than consistency. He regularly disrupted the pocket but was unable to complete plays. He boosted his stock as the top defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl and then boosted his stock again with a dominating pro day.
9. Mekhi Wingo, LSU, 6-0, 284
He made the team’s first decision to play in a bowl game after returning from a five-game absence following surgery. Short area quickness, but limited if short arms can’t swing off power blocks. He averaged 55 defensive snaps over the past two seasons, according to PFF.
10. Fabian Lovett, Florida State, 6-4, 314
Anchor makes it difficult to move off the ball. A serious and professional approach to business. He played the most run snaps on Florida State’s line, according to PFF. There are no explosive highlights on the tape. I lost my job when I was in 6th grade.
Oversleeping in the morning
Brandon Dorus, Oregon State, 6-3, 283
He was named All-Pac-12 three times for his durability (51 consecutive games, 49 starts). A combine warrior with a 40-yard dash of 4.85 seconds and a 3-cone drill of 7.43 seconds. A deeper movement sequence invented on the play.
fall rapidly
T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, 6-4, 366
Is he fully committed? The red flags scouts raised about Sweat after the 2022 season resurfaced with his alcohol-related car accident. If you are experiencing resistance during the conditioning portion of your exercise, control your weight.
the wonders of a small school
Cole Godbout, Wyoming, 6-4, 290
After overcoming numerous injuries during his six-year career, he is considered a key player on the team. Cut through small gaps to reach the ball carrier. There are certainly tacklers in the box, but interference is limited.
