The defensive side of the football didn’t get quite the love the offense did in the 2024 NFL draft. And rightfully so. This disparity, especially in the first round was justified but more on the basis of just how good the offense was and not any issues with the defensive talent.
We’ve already offered up our projection for who we think will be the All-Rookie Team on offense and now here is our prediction for the defensive side of the football.
Defensive end/EDGE Jared Verse – Los Angeles Rams
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 07: Defensive lineman Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a big play during the second half of their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Defensive end/EDGE Dallas Turner – Minnesota Vikings
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II – Seattle Seahawks
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during the game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Ames, Iowa.
Defensive tackle Johnny Newton – Washington Commanders
Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (4) sacks Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ben Bryant (2) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker Payton Wilson - Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 11, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
LInebacker Junior Colson - Los Angeles Chargers
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson (25) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper - Green Bay Packers
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Terrion Arnold - Detroit Lions
Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) carries the ball after an interception against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Cooper DeJean - Philadelphia Eagles
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Safety Cole Bishop - Buffalo Bills
Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National defensive back Cole Bishop of Utah (8) sets a defensive play during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson - Arizona Cardinals
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs after an interception during the third quarter of against the TCU Horned Frogs at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images)
