NFL Mock's Top 25: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings plus position rankings & analysis
By John Blair
2024 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings
Underrated: Braden Fiske, Florida State
One of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft is Florida State’s Braden Fiske who in his one season at Florida State was named an All-American. His best trait is his quickness off the ball which helped him collect six sacks this season. While he is undersized he also has the strength to clog up running lanes. Look for him to be a great fit as a one-gap defensive tackle.
Overrated: Leonard Taylor, Miami
A player who has seen his NFL Draft stock nosedive this year is Miami defensive tackle Leonard Taylor. To start with his production dipped this year only collecting 3.5 tackles for loss after having 10.5 in 2022. He also posted average testing numbers including a 5.12 40-yard dash. He has the raw tools to be successful in the NFL, but to in at the next level he is going to need to become much more motivated.
Non-Power Five player to watch: Khristian Boyd, UNI
Another player who should have received an invite to the NFL Combine is UNI’s Khristian Boyd. Boyd is a strong run stuffer who consistently fought through double teams for the Panthers to account for 38 tackles this season. He also was one of the better defenders at this year’s East-West Shrine game.
NFL team who needs this position: Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams lost one of the best defenders in NFL history when Aaron Darnold retired last week. Look for the team to try and find a player who can make up some of his production in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Overall Rankings (NFL Draft grade I give the player)
1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (first round)
2. Byron Murphy, Texas (first round)
3. Braden Fiske, Florida State (second round)
4. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas (second round)
5. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (third round)
6. Leonard Taylor, Miami (third round)
7. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (third round)
8. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (third round)
9. Kris Jenkins, Michigan (third 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)