2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Generational talents lead final draft big board plus rankings by position
By John Blair
2024 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings
ACC: Braden Fiske, Florida State: Fiske proves that recruiting ranks should not limit what a player does on the field. Fiske who was the 2,047th rated recruit in his class according to On3, is now viewed as the 39th best player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Big 10: Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois: The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has been one of college football's most productive defensive tackles over the past two seasons. Jer’Zhan Newton has 102 pressures and 13 sacks over that time frame.
Big 12: Byron Murphy, Texas: A player who saw his stock skyrocket this year is Byron Murphey. Going into the year he had only started two career games, but this season he earned a starting role and was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. He also led all FBS interior defensive linemen in pass-rush win rate (20.2 percent) and pressure rate (17 percent) according to Pro Football Focus.
Pac 12: Brandon Dorlus, Oregon: One of the more versatile defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft is Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus. During his time with the Ducks, he has played multiple positions ranging from 3-tech, 5-tech, 4i, and stand-up EDGE. In addition to his ability to play multiple positions, he is also a prospect who goes all-out on every play.
SEC: McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M: A prospect with only average production but has the traits to succeed in the NFL is McKinnley Jackson. Jackson who was never named to the All-SEC team during his career in College Station, has the quickness, strength, and size to be at least a rotational defensive tackle at the next level.
Non-Power Five: Khristian Boyd, UNI: Another player who should have received an invite to the NFL Combine but didn’t is UNI’s Khristian Boyd. Boyd was an FCS All-American is a run stuffer who consistently fought through double teams to make big stops last year. He also stood out at the East-West Shrine game which should be enough to be a day three pick.
Overall Rankings
1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (first round)
2. Byron Murphy, Texas (first round)
3. Braden Fiske, Florida State (second round)
4. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (third round)
5. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (third round)
6. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (third round)
7. Kris Jenkins, Michigan (third round)
8. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas (third round)
9. Leonard Taylor, Miami (fourth round)
10. Maason Smith, LSU (fourth round)
11. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (fourth round)
12. Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (fourth round)
13. Mekhi Wingo, LSU (fourth round)
14. DeWayne Carter, Duke (fourth round)
15. Tyler Davis, Clemson (fifth round)
16. Khristian Boyd, UNI (fifth round)
17. Gabe Hall, Baylor (fifth round)
18. Jordan Jefferson, LSU (sixth round)
19. Marcus Harris, Auburn (sixth round)
20. Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois (sixth round)