Defensive Line Rankings 2024 NFL Draft

Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) is brought down by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (94) and linebacker Isaiah Gay (92) for a loss in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) is brought down by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (94) and linebacker Isaiah Gay (92) for a loss in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS 2024 NFL DRAFT

The 2024 NFL draft defensive line class is a solid group and while not containing any super high-level picks it still has a number of prospects who can dominate at the pro level. After an impressive debut in 2021, Ohio State'sMaason Smith's 2022 season was hampered by an ACL tear. As he approaches full recovery, the expectations for this DT/DE hybrid are high for his return in 2023. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 300 pounds, Smith's rare combination of versatility - able to play all along the line, and huge raw talent makes him the potential top-rated defensive line prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Former five-star prospect Ohio State's, J.T. Tuimoloau is a huge athletic talent, he runs in the low 4.6's and weighs in at 270 lbs He's put up good numbers during his first two years and is due for a breakout season, if he does he has high first-round potential.

While playing on the best defense in the nation at Ohio State Michael Hall Jr. put up an impressive season in 2022 despite having to fight for playing time on a loaded Buck Eye team. He's quick enough to line up outside the OT and has the strength to easily hold up inside. Assuming he gets the reps in 2023 expect a breakout year from him.
LAST UPDATED: 09/09/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive Line

# Player Pos Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
1

Jared
Verse

DE
/ED
Florida State   Mascot
Florida State Mascot
251lbs 6-4 4.59 1 6.9
90.7
Fast in a straight line. Excellent wide and .bull rushes when he's first off the snap. Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's...
2

Jer'Zhan
Newton

DL
Illinois   Mascot
Illinois Mascot
295lbs 6-2 4.95 2 17.9
88.5
Combines excellent power with initial quickness, but one of his best attributes are his violent hands, which Newton uses with...
3

Bralen
Trice

DE
/ED
Washington   Mascot
Washington Mascot
256lbs 6-4 4.71 7 28.7
88.3
He’s very good with his hands, a technician with the violence, quickness, and the long arms to ward off blockers. Trice has a great...
4

Maason
Smith

DL
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
300lbs 6-5 4.80 3 21.5
88.2
His closing burst is outstanding, and Smith routinely finishes plays. He has some range and toughness as a run defender, showing the...
5

Kris
Jenkins

DL
/ED
Michigan   Mascot
Michigan Mascot
285lbs 6-3 4.90 9 40.3
87.9
Combines strength and footwork to fill holes inside, as well. Recovers from cut blocks or falling on his way to make a tackle. He’s a...
6

J.T.
Tuimoloau

DE
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
270lbs 6-4 4.62 4 22.4
87.6
His closing burst is outstanding, and Tuimoloau routinely finished plays last year. He has range and toughness as a run defender,...
7

Demeioun Chop
Robinson

DE
/ED
Penn State   Mascot
Penn State Mascot
250lbs 6-4 4.60 5 23.1
87.6
Robinson possesses good length as an edge rusher, with room to add more weight onto his frame. However, he could benefit from further...
8

Leonard
Taylor

DT
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
305lbs 6-3 4.80 6 25.2
87.6
Quick footed with rare burst for his size. Very good quickness off the snap to split defenders and penetrate the pocket. Taylor looks like...
9

Ruke
Orhorhoro

DT
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
295lbs 6-4 4.98 11 49.7
86.5
Possesses a tall, solid frame with adequate length, having done a commendable job in losing excessive weight and firming up his...
10

Jack
Sawyer

DE
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
267lbs 6-4 4.60 10 44.9
86.0
Sawyer has an explosive first step and converts that short-area speed into power, a capable bull rusher. Flashes nimble feet to...
11

Brandon
Dorlus

DE
/ED
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
290lbs 6-3 4.98 13 59.7
85.9
He’s ready for the physicality of the NFL; Dorlus has a stout build, strong core and powerful limbs to step in right away as a three-down...
12

Tyler
Davis

DT
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
300lbs 6-2 4.99 17 69.7
85.9
Davis shows good initial burst, staying low and capable of penetrating through gaps early in the down. Provides some secondary interior...

2024 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Line

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2024 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Line

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.