NFL.com predicts 2024 defensive All-Breakout team

Projections are fun in July, as NFL fans count the days before training camps open. We know all the flashy offensive players. But let’s focus on the breakout defender, the guy who rushes the quarterback or covers the speedy receivers.

Who will be the guys who catch our attention, the players on the verge of something pretty cool? Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst for NFL.com, created a preseason list of names you know and those who may be hovering just below stardom.

“The players listed below have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors,” Brooks wrote. “But I believe they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign.”

EDGE: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants

Thibodeaux, the former Oregon star, is a well-known player. After all, the Giants selected him with the fifth pick of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the Giants, as a team, suffered through a dismal 2023. Sometimes your team needs success before you get a breakout defender tag. After 11.5 sacks last season, he definitely deserves the tag.

Brooks wrote: “The 6-foot-5, 258-pounder thrives as a speed rusher off the edge — and now he’s in position to really wreak havoc, lining up across the formation from two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. New York’s blockbuster trade acquisition will command most of the attention as the team’s most established edge rusher, leading to more one-on-one opportunities for Thibodeaux.”

Defensive tackle: Jalen Carter, Eagles

Big Jalen Carter seems destined to be one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The first-round pick out of Georgia only started one game his rookie season, but he saw plenty of snaps. He even scored a TD against the Cowboys via a 42-yard fumble return. Breakout defender anyone?

Brooks lauded Carter’s play. He wrote “considering Carter totaled six sacks, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a scoop-and-score touchdown despite logging just one start, the Eagles’ young standout could move into the top-five conversation at his position with a strong sophomore campaign.”

Defensive tackle: Keeanu Benton, Steelers

The Steelers used a second-round pick to select Benton in 2023. He started nine games and played in all 17. Pittsburgh DC Teryl Austin took note of Benton’s slimmed down figure during OTAs and predicted he was going to take a jump in season two. Yes, that fits the bill for a breakout defender.

Brooks said that as a rookie, Benton “held his own as a part-time starter for a unit specializing in bully ball in the trenches.” He added “though it is easier to win when playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, Benton’s disruptive talents could help the Steelers get back to playing championship-caliber football.”

Edge: Lukas Van Ness, Packers

The Packers selected Van Ness in the first round of last year’s draft. With Green Bay switching to a 4-3 with new DC Jeff Hafley, Van Ness will switch from a rush linebacker into a defensive end. A broken thumb slowed him during OTAs, but he should be ready for training camp.

Brooks wrote of this breakout defender: “Jeff Hafley’s arrival as the Packers’ new defensive coordinator could unlock Van Ness’ dynamic talents. A freakish athlete with natural pass-rush skills, the second-year pro could emerge as one of the NFC’s top edges if he takes the next step as a playmaker after finishing his rookie season with a bang.”

LB: Trenton Simpson, Ravens

The Ravens selected this former Clemson star in the third round of the 2023 draft. He played in 15 games as a rookie for one of the best defensive units in the NFL. Is he on the breakout defender path? Brooks says yes.

Here’s why. Simpson replaces Patrick Queen, who left Baltimore and signed with the Steelers. “This former Clemson standout is ready for the challenge as a “hit, run and chase” defender,” Brooks wrote. “Simpson’s speed, quickness and acceleration could make him a star on an aggressive unit that always encourages defenders to play in attack mode.”

LB: Devin Lloyd, Jaguars

The Jaguars selected Lloyd, the former Utah standout, in the first round of the 2022 draft. He has turned some heads, but hasn’t achieved the status as a breakout defender, as yet.

Brooks notes that Lloyd will return to strongside linebacker in the Jaguars new defense. He said: “The third-year pro could reprise his role as a SAM linebacker, which helped him earn high marks as a prospect in the 2022 draft class. A unique playmaker with instincts, awareness and pass-rushing skills, Lloyd can make his mark as a linebacker who attacks from all angles.”

CB: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots

The Patriots selected Gonzalez in the first round of last year’s draft. But injuries limited him to only four games before he went on injured reserve.

Brooks called Gonzalez the “next superstar on the island.” So we can put him in the breakout defender category. Brooks gushed: “Gonzalez showed rare traits as a big corner (6-1, 205) with ballerina-like feet and hips in an injury-abbreviated rookie season. The smooth-moving playmaker can blanket receivers utilizing various techniques to shrink the field for the passer and pass catcher. Moreover, Gonzalez displays the ball skills and instincts to develop into a takeaway specialist on a defense that could utilize more zone coverage to keep more eyes on the ball.”

CB: Joshua Williams, Chiefs

Williams is the only player on the breakout defender list who owns two Super Bowl rings. The Chiefs drafted him in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. He excelled at Fayetteville State and showed he can play in the big leagues.

Brooks wrote: “Williams’ growth has raised eyebrows around the league, with scouts and executives appreciating the small-school standout’s game. As an instinctive playmaker with exceptional length, Williams has earned rave reviews for his work as a part-time player in Kansas City’s defensive backfield.”

CB: Joey Porter, Steelers

Porter is a second-generation Steeler, so he already was popular with fans before he played his first game. The confident corner asked coach Mike Tomlin to assign him to the opposing team’s top receiver. So he’s got the swagger needed for an NFL DB.

Brooks called Porter a “work in progress.” But he’s shown breakout potential. “The second-year pro is a dark-horse contender for Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after thriving as the CB1 in Pittsburgh down the stretch last season,” Brooks wrote. “Porter’s toughness, tenacity and tools make him a difficult matchup for pass catchers who lack the speed and physicality to escape his clutches at the line.”

S: Ji’Ayir Brown, 49ers

Brown is the former Penn State star. The 49ers selected him in the third round in the 2023 draft. Brown ended up starting three games as a rookie on one of the best defenses in the NFL. He’s definitely a breakout defender candidate.

The young safety intercepted two passes as a rookie. Brooks wrote: “With the 49ers expected to return to a scheme that places a premium on turnovers, the second-year pro could become a household name as a takeaway specialist on an elite defense.”

S: Andre Cisco, Jaguars

Cisco, the former Syracuse standout, is the oldest guy being considered as a breakout defender. The Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2021 draft.

“The fourth-year pro has a chance to become an elite defender in a new defensive scheme that suits his talents as a ballhawk,” Brooks wrote. “Cisco already has logged seven interceptions over the past two seasons while playing as a center fielder in a system that lived and died with blitz pressure. Now, though, the Jaguars’ young standout could see his takeaway number spike as the designated deep-middle defender in a scheme designed to bait quarterbacks into mistakes.”

You can read more about all of these breakout candidates here. And you can catch up on all the NFL coverage from On3 by clicking here.