The BSJ NFL Draft preview series continues with a look at defensive linemen. A common theme you will notice amongst this year's group is versatility, a characteristic that bodes well for the Patriots scheme. With no true consensus on who the top defensive tackle is in this year's group, it will be up to New England to identify how they value each prospect, as they assemble their draft board.
Be sure to check back frequently for our positional breakdowns leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Up next, we will begin to tackle the offense line. First, we finish our look on the defensive side. All quality teams are built from the inside-out, so these are vital pieces to building a championship-caliber roster.
Patriots Projected Defensive Line
Defensive End: Keion White / Deatrich Wise Jr. / William Bradley-King
Nose Tackle: Davon Godchaux / Daniel Ekuale / Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Defensive End: Christian Barmore / Armon Watts / Sam Roberts / Trysten Hill
Urgency Level: Medium, another interior contributor is needed.
New England needs to keep one eye on the future when addressing their defensive line unit. The soon-to-be 30-year old Davon Godchaux is entering the free agent year of his contract, while Christian Barmore, who enjoyed a breakout season in '23 is going to be due for a pay increase. The savvy signing of veteran Armon Watts to a one-year deal adds depth but New England should look to add another impact player on the interior rotation somewhere in the middle rounds.
NFL Draft Positional Overview: Defensive Tackle
Much has been made about the star power that exists at the edge rusher and cornerback positions on the defensive side of the ball but it shouldn't be ruled out that a defensive tackle could hear their name called first on draft night.
The position remains very fluid with breaking news that Texas star T'Vondre Sweat was arrested for DWI this past week. He was the number one-rated defensive tackle on our board prior to his most recent incident. His Longhorns teammate Byron Murphy II is a candidate to go much higher than the media consensus anticipates, while Illinois standout Jer'Zhan Netwon is set to hold his pro day on April 9. The war room discussions currently underway shall lead to the final decision-making process.
A select few defensive tackles should be chosen on Day 1 but a heavy run is expected to occur on Day 2. It wouldn't be surprising to see anywhere between six-to-ten defensive tackles selected in rounds two and three. The final day will be compromised of situational role players and backups, as the depth will dry up pretty quick.
Please note that you may find certain 'hybrid' players listed in our previous rankings. You can refer to the BSJ NFL Draft Headquarters page for previous rankings, including:
Here's a look at the down linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft:
Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois, 6-2, 304, Rd1
Some consider Newton to be a top-ten overall talent but a Jones fracture injury has thrown a monkey wrench into his draft preparation. He was featured in multiple spots in the Illini five-man front alignment, providing pass rush from the interior with his agility and quickness. Newton projects as a three-technique in a 4-3 base defense at the next level. Unable to workout since the season ended, Newton plans to conduct a private pro day for NFL teams next week. He managed to keep his injury quiet until he was asked about it at the combine.
“I’m good at keeping secrets. It happened like, in the middle of the season," Newton stated. "I can’t give you like, which game. I forgot, but I’ve been feeling it for a long time. Got the surgery, knocked it out the way, and I’m shooting for a pro day, first week of April. I just know I had to do it for my future, honestly. Rather than waiting and possibly messing it up more, I had to attack it right when I found out.”
Byron Murphy II, Texas, 6-1, 297, 4.87, Rd1
A late bloomer who blew up Indy with elite testing numbers, Murphy amassed an impressive 45 quarterback pressures this past season! He's effective versus the run but can also get after the quarterback, parlaying his inane athleticism into a major advantage. The knock on Murphy will be his lack of size and while he could benefit from bulking up a bit, his frame is limited in terms of growth. That shouldn't preclude NFL teams from investing a high first-round pick on his talents.
"Having the mindset of just being, ‘I can't be stopped, I won't be stopped,’ Murphy II described his style of play. "Just doing my best and trying to be disruptive at all times. You know, just trying to get after the quarterback, you know, just rushing it all the time, each and every play. Just going hard and giving it 110 percent with great effort. I'm a great player. I play good, I stay square, I have great leverage, I play with my hands, I'm violent and I'm also great at stopping the run."
Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 285, 4.95, Rd1
The definition of 'first one off the bus,' the vocal Robinson is a giant-sized defender with great strength, length and massive hands to jolt his opponents off-balance. Versatility is his middle name, as the team-first Robinson can play any position up and down the defensive line. In fact, some teams prefer him on the edge, a role which he embraced this past season.
"I play every position. I play a zero, I play a nine, I can run, I can hit, I can get my hands inside. I can go anything, man. Just give me an opportunity to put my cleats in the ground. I showed that at the Senior Bowl. I got better each and every day against the best competition in college football. I played in the SEC, which is the best conference in football. I don't want to talk about myself too much. Just put the tape on and it will tell you."
Kris Jenkins, Michigan, 6-3, 299, 4.91, Rd2
A smart player who is fundamentally sound, Jenkins demonstrates great hand placement, while displaying the ability to get after the quarterback with an array of moves, including a dip, rip, swim and spin. His non-stop motor is a constant and could fit inside for a 4-3 team, or as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. No stranger to pro expectations, Jenkins has seen what's required in order to make it at the next level. His father, Kris Jenkins was a second-round pick in 2001 and his uncle Cullen Jenkins starred for the 2011 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl team.
"I just remember that my dad and my uncle were playing against each other, so they were both on the field," Jenkins said of his NFL bloodlines. "It was just so cool being on the field, stepping out on the field, seeing these giants, because I was so little at the time. Seeing the crowd, the stadium, it was just such a surreal moment for me."
Braden Fiske, Florida St., 6-4, 292, 4.78, Rd2
No one made more money at the combine than Fiske, who entered the week in Indy as a projected Day 3 prospect and departed as a probable top-50 selection. He has flashed brilliance of pure dominance in spurts during his time with the Seminoles and had as good of draft season as any player in this year's class. In theory, Fiske can be plugged into any type of role required, which only enhances his draft value.
“I think I definitely project as a three-technique and most of my meetings, it's kind of where teams see me as. There's certain packages where I can bump out wide and play the five or six [technique] or in short yardage goal line situations, I don't necessarily project as a one-technique but in passing situations, second-and-long, third-and-longs, I can easily rush from the A-gap because you’re not needed to be a run-stopper for that situation. But yeah, I think across the board I think I bring a lot of versatility and I'll be able to fit in anywhere, in any situation.”
Maason Smith, LSU, 6-5, 308, 5.01, Rd2
An explosive athlete with a massive seven-foot wingspan, Smith possesses all the traits that would seem to translate well to the NFL, including size, strength, tenacity and instincts. It hasn't always been easy for Smith, who was suspended to begin the season due to improper benefits stemming from a pre-NIL era autograph signing in 2021 and he missed his entire sophomore campaign due to a torn ACL. The former five-star recruit took some time at the combine to reflect on all the hype surrounding him since high school.
“Coming out of high school, I was a five-star (recruit), so I've never had anything less than the expectations,” Smith stated. “Expectations have always been a way that I play the game. You can't really worry about expectations because at the end of the day you have to do what you have to do and you have got to be you. But there were definitely high expectations about me and I always tried to attack it and never run from it.”
T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, 6-5, 366, 5.27, Rd3
The hardest man to block in the draft? That distinction belongs to the gargantuan Sweat, a tremendous nose tackle who bullies opponents with a devastating bull-rush. He possesses exceptional athleticism for a space-eater type. If you were to grade Sweat purely on talent, one could state a case that he is the top defensive tackle prospect in the draft. However, he is being gauged based on his mental makeup due to his recent DWI arrest just weeks before the draft. At the combine, Sweat was asked about whether he was conscious about his body language during team interviews.
“I feel like you really shouldn’t have to be coached on that," Sweat responded. "I’m always going to be myself, as y’all know. Myself, period. Point-blank period. I’m always going to be myself. That’s just me. But I feel like it’s a job. Say, if I walked into a meeting room and coach was just sitting there with his seat back, relaxed, I’d feel like, ‘C’mon, coach,’ you know what I’m saying? So, that’s how people should go about it. That’s how I go about it. I think of it as a job interview. I won’t just go up in there and be slouchy.”
Brandon Dorlus, Oregon, 6-3, 286, 4.85, Rd3
The lengthy Dorlus will be viewed with vast opinions by evaluators. He has been used as an interior down lineman, as a 4-3 defensive end and at times, has even lined up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. While many scouts were of the impression he could be used as a pass-rusher after observing him at the Senior Bowl, Dorlus produced just 12 sacks in 57 collegiate games. A scheme-specific prospect with Inside/outside flexibility, Dorlus is probably best suited as a three-technique.
“I feel comfortable everywhere. I’ve been playing defensive end and nose all my career at Oregon. I love playing three-tech and I feel like it's a very fun position to play going against some guys who are not as athletic as me. But dudes I watch like Chris Jones, you know, dudes who play from end-to-inside, I like him but he has long arms just like me and we have similar pass rush moves.”
Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, 6-4, 293, 4.89, Rd3
Much like the Patriots have operated on defense, Clemson utilizes numerous exotic looks on the defense front, which showcased the flexibility of Orhorhoro. In 53 career games, including 30 starts, he amassed 97 tackles, including 25.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and nine pass breakups. A stellar run-stuffer, Orhorhoro could very well outplay some of the more hyped prospects bandied about ahead of him. However, he does come with durability concerns, as he missed eight games in 2020 due to a torn MCL and had off-season shoulder surgery prior to this past season. His passion for the game runs deep.
“Off the field, that’s all I do is just watch football. Like literally, I’m just finding ways to get better. Anything that has to do with football, I’m doing it. Playing Madden, just to learn coverages and little things like that. You see me on the board at home, stuff like that, just because I always feel like it’s a way to get better. I look at myself as a sponge and I just want to learn and soak up as much knowledge as I can.”
Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State, 6-3, 290, 4.75, Rd3
An undersized nose tackle for the Buckeyes, Hall Jr. is the perfect three-technique at the next level. NFL scouts got a glimpse of his upside at the Senior Bowl, where he flashed explosive burst and movement skills. While he is a bit on the lighter side, he possesses great arm length and the frame to add bulk. The redshirt sophomore was a bit of a surprise to declare early for the draft, considering that he flew under the radar for much of the season but it's all about the upside with Hall Jr., who never stops attacking.
“I'm a great asset to the team. I'm one of those guys who's going to come in and be hungry to play. I'm not one of those guys who's going to sit around and be comfortable. I'm always working. I'm always willing to do whatever it takes to be on the field.”
Leonard Taylor III, Miami, 6-4, 303, 5.12, Rd3
The five-star recruit had an up-and-down career at Miami. Taylor owns a big frame, flashing quickness and power, along with heavy hands. He thrives against the run but lacks the ability to create pressure in the backfield and has failed to be a consistent performer. Miami has not produced a defensive tackle selected in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft since former Patriots All-Pro Vince Wilfork (2004). However, Taylor compares himself to a different all-time great.
“I look at Aaron Donald a lot just because of his speed and how he gets off the ball, how he’s able to disrupt the backfield. I could say I model my game after him a little bit. I still have a lot left to learn to get on his level basically but just how he’s always in the backfield, disrupting plays. I’d say I picture my game after that.”
BEST OF THE REST
Justin Eboigbe, Alabama, 6-4, 297, 5.18, Rd4: A gruesome neck injury that ended his 2022 season didn't deter Eboigbe from coming back bigger and stronger than ever. He set career-highs across the board in 2023, recording 64 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks, earning invites to the Senior Bowl and combine. The former four-star recruit is a reliable, well-rounded prospect.
"I am a versatile defender, as well as great at stopping the run," he said. "I am relentless, consistent in the pass-rush. I am still looking to get better in each and everything and feel there is still things that i have to work on."
Mekhi Wingo, LSU, 6-0, 286, 4.85, Rd4
McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M, 6-2, 326, 5.26, Rd4
Tyler Davis, Clemson, 6-2, 300, 5.02, Rd4
DeWayne Carter, Duke, 6-2, 302, 4.99, Rd5
Gabe Hall, Baylor, 6-6, 291, 5.03, Rd5
Jaden Crumedy, Miss. St., 6-4, 301, 4.97, Rd5
Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 6-3, 316, 5.10, Rd5
Myles Murphy, North Carolina, 6-4, 309, 5.20, Rd6
Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa, 6-2, 329, Rd6
Fabien Lovett, Florida State, 6-4, 316, 5.01, Rd6
Marcus Harris, Auburn, 6-2, 304, 5.06, Rd7
Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati, 6-2, 313, 5.00, Rd7
Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois, 6-4, 296, 5.15, Rd7
Zion Logue, Georgia, 6-6, 314, 5.14, HPFA
Logan Lee, Iowa, 6-5, 281, 5.05, HPFA
Justin Rogers, Auburn, 6-3, 322, 5.55, HPFA
Tuli Letuligasenoa, Washington, 6-1, 301, 5.23, HPFA
Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Texas A&M Commerce, 6-2, 300, 5.01, HPFA
Casey Rogers, Oregon, 6-4, 294, 4.86, HPFA
Jamree Kromah, JMU, 6-4, 274, 4.80, HPFA
Nathan Pickering, Mississippi State, 6-3, 300, 5.21, PFA
Anthony Goodlow, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 278, 4.86, PFA
Kylen McCracken, Marshall, 6-3, 325, 5.28, PFA
JJ Pegues, Mississippi, 6-2, 315, 4.86, PFA
Brett Johnson, California, 6-4, 295, 5.02, PFA
Tramel Walthour, Georgia, 6-3, 273, 5.14, PFA
Norell Pollard, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 283, 4.85, PFA
Mayan Ahanotu, Rutgers, 6-3, 293, 5.11, PFA
Jordan Miller, SMU, 6-2, 304, 5.22, PFA
Jermayne Lole, Louisville, 6-2, 310, 5.06, PFA
Popo Aumavae, Oregon, 6-4, 296, 5.22, PFA
Kyler Baugh, Minnesota, 6-2, 302, 4.97, PFA
Evan Anderson, FAU, 6-1, 320, 5.35, PFA
James Ester, Northern Illinois, 6-3, 293, 5.14, PFA
Jerquavion Mahone, Temple, 6-3, 298, 5.04, FA
Hale Motu’apuaka, Utah State, 6-1, 293, 5.15, FA
Fish McWilliams, UAB, 6-0, 300, 5.48, FA
Judge Culpepper, Toledo, 6-4, 290, 5.16, FA
David Green, Pittsburgh, 6-0, 280, 5.16, FA
Denzel Daxon, Illinois, 6-2, 304, 5.51, FA
Jack Daly, FIU, 6-4, 312, 5.45, FA
William Green, Nevada, 6-5, 315, 5.67, FA
PATRIOTS SLEEPER TO WATCH
McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M, 6-2, 326, 5.26, Rd4: A run-stuffing nose tackle, McKinnley possess brute strength, along with a quick get off and does a nice job staying low, consistently winning the leverage battle inside the trenches. The team captain is often praised for his leadership and served as a key mentor during a season full of turmoil for the Aggies, who endured the ousting of their high-profile head coach Jimbo Fisher.
"I wore the responsibility on my sleeve. I knew how to lead guys to being great young men. I feel like I did a great job contributing and being in their lives, outside of football, with football, helping out as many ways as I could. The first thing when I woke up every day I thought what do I gotta do for my brothers. That’s all I ever thought about is those guys."
UDFA CANDIDATE
Logan Lee, Iowa, 6-5, 281, 5.05, HPFA: The Hawkeyes nose tackle is a self-made man, converting from tight end and adding 30 pounds of bulk since his arrival to Iowa. Despite the weight gain, Lee is viewed more as a three-technique at the pro level. He brings high energy, great effort and tremendous length but will need to earn his keep on special teams initially in the pros.
“The biggest thing is I wanted to be able to show that I could pick up a new defense because I've been in the same defense for five seasons,” Lee said of his experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl. “So, it's like I can pick up a defense, you can pick up new techniques and be able to apply them throughout the course of a four-day week right there. So things went well and just showing that I can do some of the attack-and-react stuff, even more than the read-and-react that we've been doing for five years.”
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