The Lineman Lounge: Evo's Board - Defense

With the NFL Draft right around the corner, everyone is dropping "Big Boards" and their mock drafts. Most people are able to recognize many of the big names who are going in round 1, but what about if you haven't been paying much attention to this years class? What if you aren't a degenerate like myself, and you haven't delved into 400+ prospects, then when your team is on the clock in round 6, how will you know if you got a steal? Well, I am not going to be able to help you completely, but I am going to be able to offer up a bevy of names of players who I am a fan of, agnostic of what team takes them. There are fabulous resources on the internet that will have player by player analysis that will help you make an informed decision on your teams newest addition. I by no means am a professional: I am a self-proclaimed "Dummy Thicc Idiot". However, if you have watched myself and fellow DTI Sleeveless Mike on our Podcast The Lineman Lounge, and if you like where we are coming from with our prospect rankings over the past weeks, then you might get some use out of my "board" that you can find below.

This board is by no means a "Big Board". Rather, it is a listing of players who I am a fan of based on their current projected selection range. For instance, If "WR X" is typically viewed as a day 2 pick, and I like them there, then they will probably be on my list. However, if I'm not a fan, they'll most likely be absent. This is why you might not see some more well known names like WR Keon Coleman. He is typically seen as a 2nd round pick, but I have him as a 3rd rounder, and thus I don't like his value. These are all just my personal views, and I can guarantee that I'll have plenty of misses, but if you'd like a quick reference sheet as the draft is going along, this can be an easy source for you. The listed players will also be listed within their position group in the order that I view them as well, so in that regard, they are a general position ranking. In this segment, I will be focusing on defensive positions with the 68 defenders found below (and one Special Teams player who I believe is worth drafting and deserves credit).

EDGE

Laiatu Latu: Round 1

My personal favorite edge rusher. Has an impressive amount of pass rush moves, even more than decorated NFL rushers. He has arm length concerns along with injury concerns with his neck which previously saw him medically retired from football.

Chop Robinson: Round 1-2

Chop has possibly the quickest first step of any of the pass rushers in the draft. He needs more refinement to couple with his raw athletic ability, but he has more experience and technique than other athletes seen as 1st rounders. Produced more sacks for teammates than himself in college.

Jared Verse: Round 1

More of a true 4-3 defensive end, he has prototypical size and is well rounded. Quietly productive, and won't be flashy, but could become a staple end for the correct team. Still has the flexibility to also be a stand up edge rusher.

Darius Robinson: Round 1-2

I am higher on Robinson than many, and see him in my 1st round mocks more often than not. He is less pure edge and more extremely versatile lineman. At 6'5" 296lbs, he can play 3-4 end, he can rotate to the IDL, and he has also shown strength based pass rush capability. Not super productive in college, and not a super impressive athlete, but a guy who is versatile and will make everyone around him better. Eerily similar in size and skill to JJ Watt.

Marshawn Kneeland: Round 2-3

Another player I am higher on than some. Kneeland is overlooked because he played at Western Michigan, but he was dominant against both the pass and run against that lower competition. He also showed out during the pre-draft process, while possessing the size you want for a 3-4 or 4-3 end. Can stand up and rush as well, but creates havoc regardless.

Dallas Turner: Round 1

This is a guy who I almost didn't include. I think he is one of the more overrated edge rushers where he is currently projected. He might go top of the class for edge, but those will be teams basing their evaluation on his insane athleticism. If he develops technique, he could be outstanding. If not, he could be another Travon Walker: Super athlete who is just okay as a professional.

Jonah Ellis: Round 2-4

Ellis has great pedigree, but is still a developmental edge which is why he is valued where he is. Disciplined with good fundamentals and pass rush moves, but he needs to put on mass and get stronger while not losing his current athleticism if he want's to become productive in the NFL.

Bralen Trice: Round 2-3

Trice was once seen as a potential 1st rounder early in the process, and then has slowly dropped. Like Verse, he isn't flashy especially on the stat sheet, but he is a power rusher who creates havoc and allows the rest of the team to thrive. He is a solid mix of what Verse and Kneeland deliver, but at a discounted price.

Javon Soloman: Round 3-5

Soloman is a small school product who also looks smaller than his 6'2" 245lb frame. Unlike Ellis, however, he should retain this size and continue has a true pass rush specialist, where he was dominant off the edge, producing 17 sacks. Reminds me of a Yannick Ngakoue in his prime, which means that he will be a high production value anywhere after round 2.

Mohamed Kamara: Round 3-6

Kamara is even smaller than Soloman which is going to definitely drop him to the 3rd round or later, but he is a physical player who thrives off of playing low and utilizing a bull rush. Not as good of a rusher (or as short) as who I would comp him to, but could carve out a role like Elvis Dumervil is he hits his ceiling.

Xavier Thomas: Round 4-6

A high motor player who didn't show a ton of production in college, though edge rushers from Clemson never do. He doesn't possess the overall size you'd want for a 3 down NFL starter, and is going to be limited to being a stand up edge in a 3-4. Has a good first step and solid technique, but if blockers get to him, he is out of the play.

Jalyx Hunt: Round 4-6

Hunt has been a riser after going unnoticed at Houston Christian. A former safety who bulked up, he has the size you want for a rotational pass rush specialist, and the play to match it as a developmental project. Not special against the run, so should be confined to passing downs, but he needs to learn how to finish after creating a bunch of pressure with only limited sacks.

Justin Eboigbe: Round 4-7

Eboigbe is an interesting size candidate to be listed as an edge, much like Robinson, who is 6'4" and nearly 300lbs. He should be a 3-4 end, or a 3T in a 4-3. Not super explosive, but a hard hitter and disruptor at the point of attack. Will be able to find a spot as a rotational/backup level lineman who could find his way into becoming a starting role player.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

Byron Murphy II: Round 1

My favorite DT by a hair. Has outstanding strength and speed compared to his size which makes him seem like a tweener. He isn't Aaron Donald, but he has some of those traits in him. Can play anywhere along the line, including NT, at a very high level.

Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton: Round 1

Was probably the highest DT in the class and would have maintained that spot if it wasn't for an injury preventing him from doing a lot of pre-draft testing. He was the whole defense for Illinois, so don't let his production fool you. Very good against the run, but has elite level capabilities as an interior rusher.

Braden Fiske: Round 2

After making the move from Western Michigan to FSU, Fiske proved that he belonged at that higher level. Not amazing as a run defender, and fits best as a 4-3 3 tech, but has a great football IQ and solid pass rush capability. Tested very well at the combine and senior bowl, and could become an impact starter quickly.

Kris Jenkins: Round 2

Another player with pro bowl pedigree, Jenkins is not much of a pass rusher, but is extremely strong and will be effective in the run while creating opportunities for those around him. Swallows up double teams. A high floor starter who could still develop as a pass rusher.

Ruke Orhorhoro: Round 2-3

Ruke has a fun name. He is also a fun player who's size to athletic profile make him interesting as a 3-4 end or at multiple spots on a 4-3 line. Needs to develop pass rush technique, but is very reliable against the run.

Brandon Dorlus: Round 2-3

Dorlus was solid but not outstanding at anything at the college level. The question comes from what sort of position he fits into in the NFL. He bulked up for testing, but is closer to a big edge or 4-3 DE than he is a IDL.

T'Vondre Sweat: Round 3-5

Sweat is tumbling some after a DWI and more focused looks at his film. He became a favorite of mine during the senior bowl for his size and tenacity, but that size is probably going to cap his draft stock. He is a leviathan of a player, and once in the league his weight might get out of control. This means he is probably at most a 2 down player, and probably closer to being someone who is only on the field for 30% of defensive plays. Being limited to being a NT, you also need to outperform smaller DT's on your team at that spot, but Murphy still played better.

DeWayne Carter: Round 3-5

Team captain and positive, motivational leader along the line at Duke. More of a pass rusher than a full time DT at the next level at least initially, because he isn't super physically imposing. Still, he holds up well against double teams and will at least be a very high floor rotational backup who could become an above average starter in a few years.

Michael Hall Jr: Round 3-5

Doesn't have the height or weight to fit as an end or a 3T currently, so he'll need some body modification which probably limits him early in his career outside of being used purely as a pass rush specialist... which he was very good at in college.

Khristian Boyd: Round 3-5

If he wasn't playing at UNI, he'd probably be even higher for me. Despite this, I have him a lot higher than most will (by 2 rounds probably). Absolutely dominated lower level competition in the pass and run, including 28 hurries and 3 sacks from the interior. Possibly my biggest missed opportunity from the NFL not inviting him to the combine. I expect him to be starting by year 3 or sooner.

Mekhi Wingo: Round 4-6

Not a super versatile interior rusher, especially because he is shorter with a longer torso than limbs. Wins with quickness, but probably will only ever be a situational pass rusher.

Maason Smith: Round 4-6

Smith is one of three defensive tackles coming from LSU this year, and one of the two who has a higher ceiling after development (Wingo isn't one of them). Smith has fantastic size and strength, but his development was cut short due to an ACL tear in 2022. He is raw, but has the physical skills that can't be taught, so could be impressive with development.

McKinnley Jackson: Round 4-6

Despite having some good weight on him, he is only so-so against the rush, and is more of a block shedder than a space eater. Where McKinnley succeeds is with his pass rush penetration. Those limited skills provides upside for the correct system, but his chances of becoming a starter are somewhat limited.

Logan Lee: Round 5-7

Lee was a workhorse at Iowa because of his blue collar durability. Despite this, he will struggle to play the interior at the next level because he doesn't have the mass or strength currently. More of a 3-4 end, but if he stays lean, he could be a lower production backup 4-3 end as well. Hard worker, which is the type of player you can't go wrong with.

Jordan Jefferson: Round 5-7

Jefferson is the other DT from LSU who is a developmental prospect who has higher upside. He was once seen as a potential first rounder, but took big steps back this previous season. Has a good first step and good strength, but lacks technique and that was exploited by good competition. With coaching and time, he could become a productive rotational lineman.

Fabien Lovett: Round 5-UDFA

Lovett is super solid against the run, easily swallowing up double teams and holding up at the point of attack. Definitely limited as a pass rusher, so that drops him despite showing starter level characteristics against the run.

Evan Anderson: Round 6-UDFA

Anderson looks like a nose tackle for sure, but playing at FAU and not having great coaching will cause him to fall. Has the size you want and won't be moved off his spot, but is inconsistent. Could be a developmental gem because he has the physical stuff you can't teach (he fat).

LINEBACKER

Payton Wilson: Round 2-3

If Wilson was 2-3 years younger (6 years in college) and didn't have a significant injury history dating back to high school, he'd potentially be a 1st round pick. Super athletic and versatile, with the range ability to cover easily in pass pro, along with solid burst as a pass rusher. While coverage is his bread and butter, he is no slouch as a run defender either. You are just risking a limited career with Wilson.

Junior Colson: Round 2

Colson is maybe the best traditional ILB in this class, who is stout against the run but is showing continued development and upside against the pass. Smart, and has the requisite size to hold up.

Edgerrin Cooper: Round 2

Cooper is a special athlete at linebacker, looking like he is a safety in a linebackers body. That sort of hybrid makes him very intriguing, but he uses that athleticism to keep him in plays rather than anticipating or reading what is happening. If he increases the IQ and anticipation, he could become absolutely dominant.

Jordan Magee: Round 4-5

Magee was productive because of his aggression in college, but this could be his downfall in the NFL. He would vacate assignments in order to make a play, but in the NFL this will mean the offense will be more successful overall. If he develops patience and sticks to assignments, he could be a backup or future average starter.

Cedric Gray: Round 4-5

Gray gets swallowed up by blocks, but otherwise shows great pursuit and attack angles. Solid in coverage, Gray needs more development in his anticipation but has upside to become a starting 4-3 OLB.

Darius Muasau: Round 6-UDFA

A productive, high motor tackling machine who will be limited to a backup or special teams role because of his size. He is musclebound in a good way and durable, but doesn't have the mass to hold up or fight through blocks.

Edefuan Ulofoshio: Round 5-UDFA

Lacks size to start and hold up in run defense, but doesn't excel with feel or anticipation in pass coverage. Lost a lot of time to injury in 6 year college career, but was a defensive leader, calling plays in the senior bowl, and was still productive stat wise in seasons where not injured. Has backup and special teams upside.

Dallas Gant: Round 6-UDFA

Gant has the size you want to match solid production, but he did so after transferring from Ohio State to lower competition at Toledo. Was versatile as both a run and coverage defender, even showing defensive back mentality against the pass. Questions as to why he wasn't able to do that against better competition?

Easton Gibbs: Round 7-UDFA

Gibbs lacks NFL size and athleticism, but makes up for it with tenacity and scrappiness. This helped him become very productive, though playing at a lower level. Not great in coverage and struggles to diagnose. Still, his sort of play and production smells like special teamer which matters in the league.

CORNERBACK

Quinyon Mitchell: Round 1

My best CB in the class. There is nothing Mitchell doesn't excel at. He isn't Sauce Gardner, but I feel like he has that sort of potential.

Terrion Arnold: Round 1

Arnold is a dedicated and smart CB who will impress in the film room as much as on the field. Has more room for polish, but has excellent anticipation and athleticism.

Cooper DeJean: Round 1

People are probably scared by the injury or because he is white, but DeJean isn't Jason Seahorn. He is better. DeJean is a true multitool, and while that normally means that his ceiling is capped, it isn't the case here. He has the tools, skills, and athleticism to be a pro bowler at outside corner, inside corner, or safety. Oh, he also is a top level returner which is the cherry on the top.

Mike Sainristil: Round 2

Sainristil is a 1st round talent CB who will go later because slot or NCB's are devalued. He is the best at those spots in this class, and should easily have Trent McDuffie level play off the bat.

Kool-aid McKinstry: Round 1-2

McKinstry is a tough player to evaluate because if he is 100% committed, he could be the best CB in this class. The problem is he obviously takes plays off and seems to become disinterested. It will take a good team and coaching to work that out and be committed to him, but the reward could be gangbusters.

Nate Wiggins: Round 1-2

People probably think it's crazy that I have Wiggins possibly as a 2nd rounder, but I think the NFL might agree. Wiggins is fantastic in coverage, but he is leaner than you want for his height and is dreadful against the run. He is successful in a CB's primary duty, but for a 1st round player, you want a more well rounded player.

T.J. Tampa: Round 2

Tampa looks like a safety playing CB, but still has the movement of a CB. He needs more development, particularly with his footwork, but he was still productive despite this in college. Maybe not a day one starter, but has high upside.

Ennis Rakestraw: Round 2-3

Rakestraw is a solid CB outside of press coverage. He is smart and is great at anticipation. Has starting caliber traits if he is in a system that prioritizes off coverage.

Cam Hart: Round 3-4

You know how every year there seems to be a CB or two who are day 2-3 draft picks and they pop off as rookies? Then we will go back and look at their draft profiles to see what we missed and are still confused as to why they weren't rated higher? Well, for me, Cam Hart is that guy this year. Hart has ideal height and weight, solid to above average testing numbers, and great stats outside of interceptions (which is probably why he is slept on). He has some injury concern from having surgeries on both shoulders, and doesn't have make up speed, but it isn't needed too often because he is just a solid, starting level outside CB.

Renardo Green: Round 3-4

Green is a dawg in press man. He's another CB, like Hart, who will become a productive and well known starter in the league, but will be taken later than he should be. Renardo showed out against some of the best receivers in the nation at LSU, and doesn't get the respect he should. He will draw some PI or holding calls from his aggressive play, but he won't get bullied. He isn't great against the run, but it's not because he isn't putting in effort.

Kamari Lassiter: Round 2-3

Lassiter isn't going to be a number 1 CB on a team, but he has upside to be a solid number 2 who isn't super athletic, but has good instincts and technique which will allow him to work into a starting role.

Elijah Jones: Round 4-5

Jones is a bully press man corner who imposes on smaller receivers. His aggressive style and solid ball skills will lead to turnovers and PBU's. He is weaker in run support, and really struggles outside of press man, so he has to go to the right situation to be successful.

Max Melton: Round 2-5

People's views on Melton seem to vary widely. I lean towards him becoming a productive and versatile starter, but he'll be taken later because he is a better slot/nickel than he is on the outside, despite having plenty of experience there. He has some of the ball skill of his brother, and Packers WR, Bo, and translated that into 3 TD's last season. He is too easily beaten on slants, and needs to work on finding better angles in run support.

Caelen Carson: Round 3-4

Primarily a zone CB, but most teams run a version of zone these days. He missed significant time in college from injuries, but has good size for a CB. He fights for jump balls, and is good at diagnosing in zone coverage, while being a very willing and capable participant in the run game.

Jarrian Jones: Round 4-5

Jones was a so-so outside CB but really found a home and excelled when he moved inside to slot. He doesn't have long speed, which limited him on the outside, but he is quick, physical, and aggressive. Very competitive, and solid in man coverage, but needs to get better at becoming a wrap up tackler. Future as an average+ starter in the slot.

Khyree Jackson: Round 3-5

Jackson has a great blend of size, speed, and athleticism, but he doesn't anticipate well and is lacking technique. Because of this, he struggles in man coverage, but his issues are mitigated in zone. He also shows a willingness and skill in the run game which immediately increases his value as a development/upside prospect with a solid floor.

Jarvis Brownlee Jr: Round 4-6

Another aggressive press corner who plays way bigger than his size would indicate. Can be beaten on deep routes because of long speed concerns, but has above average acceleration and quickness. Plays with attitude.

Kris Abrams-Draine: Round 4-6

A bit slender, but smart and versatile. Holds up in man, but succeeds in zone with great ball skills and a knack for creating turnovers. Not great against 50/50 balls.

Kamal Hadden: Round 5-7

Hadden would absolutely be rated higher by myself and the NFL if it wasn't for a season ending shoulder injury that required surgery. He is a big cover corner who isn't confined to press or zone. He allowed less than 100 yards this previous season in 7 games and still created 3 interceptions, leading QB's to have an average rating of 7 against him. He'll be a guy to stash and develop for future years.

Dwight McGlothern: Round 5-7

McGlothern didn't look special at the senior bowl, but the tape and stats show otherwise. I think he is a bit slept on. He is a lanky cornerback with good ball skills and a non-insignificant amount of interceptions in his career. He is a very good zone CB, but he excels in man coverage. He has had penalty issues in the past which could come up again, and almost seems scared of contact in run support which is not a trait you like to see from a football player.

Marcellas Dial: Round 7-UDFA

Dial had a solid, yet unspectacular college career, with above average physical tools, but is super raw with technique. He is a project who likely will be a practice squad player for 1+ years, but could become a rotational/depth player. Doesn't currently do much in run support.

Willie Roberts: Round 7-UDFA

Another developmental/practice squad player. Hard hitter, which might make him better suited to transition to safety. He is extremely aggressive which leads to him playing out of position or allowing big plays from having a gamblers mentality.

SAFETY

Tyler Nubin: Round 1-2

Nubin is kind of bland as a safety, doing everything well because of his high football IQ and technique, but doing nothing special. This still makes him at least a starting level safety with a high floor but low ceiling in a pretty abysmal safety class.

Javon Bullard: Round 2-3

Not a great athlete, but tenacious and versatile. He has a lot of characteristics that make you want to use him as a big nickel. A good tackler overall, but not the best in run support. Feels like a solid 3rd safety on a team who's playstyle will allow his position to be hybrid.

Jaden Hicks: Round 2-4

A bigger strong safety/ light linebacker feel sort of player who likes to lay the lumber. Another guy who could drop some in nickel coverage because he has a history of playing corner, but he lacks the true speed to play that position which is why safety is a better role overall.

Josh Proctor: Round 5-7

Proctor has a decent athletic frame which allows him to cover less than elite receivers fairly well. A bit older, but has shown good, consistent development. Doesn't have great speed overall, and is known to miss some tackles taking him away from the strong safety style role. Should contribute on special teams, and could become a average backup.

Trey Taylor: Round 6-UDFA

Taylor isn't typically seriously considered as a prospect because he played at a service academy, and I get that. Regardless, he was a leader on his defense, produced against the run and pass, and he has some pedigree by being the cousin of Ed Reed. At a minimum, he seems to have upside as a special teamer.

James Williams: Round 5-UDFA

Williams is a safety currently, but I don't think that is his real position. He has the upside to be a Jayron Kearse safety at the next level, but his playstyle and frame make me feel like he could become a really solid, athletic, and rangy outside linebacker. At 6'5" and increasing his weight up to 231 for the combine, his frame looks like it could handle more. He is a great wrap up tackler who looks to enjoy delivering a pop. He loses in coverage capability the further he is from the line, which is another reason why linebacker might make more sense. Makes me think of a former Bears hall of fame linebacker who converted from safety in college to an elite middle linebacker in the NFL...

Jaylin Simpson: Round 6-UDFA

Simpson is a lean, long safety who comes from a CB background. He has trouble with physicality because of his weight, but has decent coverage capability. Should be a decent depth coverage safety or special teamer that you can take a flier on late.

SPECIALIST

Tory Taylor: Round 5-UDFA

Basically the best prospect in the entire draft, am I right? The guy is essentially the next Ray Guy, so the hall of fame is in his future. In all seriousness, Taylor is a hell of a punter. He doesn't have a howitzer for a leg. No, he has Schwerer Gustav (go ahead... google it, bitch!). Continuing with the trend, he is an Australian born punter who was a fan favorite not only in Iowa, but all of the BIG10. It's rare that you see a punter with a highlight reel, but they are out there on youtube. He also broke the NCAA record for most punting yards in a season with 4,479 yards, a record that had previously been unbroken for 85 years. He can do it all: Coffin corner, pin within the 20, and of course, distance... all with a solid hang time.