NFL.com predicts All-Rookie defensive team for stacked 2024 draft class

The newest rookie defenders suffered through a rough opening in the NFL Draft. Teams ignored them as they picked up the best quarterbacks, receivers and offensive linemen.

The first defender off the board was UCLA’s pass rushing specialist Laiatu Latu. The Colts grabbed him at No. 15. In all, nine rookie defenders went in the first round, as compared to 23 of their offensive counterparts.

Now all those defenders have gone through rookie camp, then mandatory minicamp and a ton of OTAs. With training camps starting up within the next month, NFL.com is projecting which of these rookie defenders will excel this season. And wouldn’t you know it, the top defensive guy selected didn’t even make this all-rookie team. Read on for more.

Edge rusher Jared Verse (Florida State): Rams, 1st round

Verse is the Florida State star who was in the running as first rookie-to-be defender off the board. Instead, the Rams selected him at No. 19, which made him fourth. No matter, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter believes he’ll be on of the best rookie defenders.

So does Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. “He’s been great, he’s been great, he’s been as advertised,” Shula said. Verse “loves football. He is a passionate guy. He loves coming in every day. (And) he works really hard. He works really hard in (individual drills). He wants to learn and he showed that he is extremely coachable.”

Defensive tackle Braden Fiske (Florida State): 2nd round Rams

The Rams went back to Florida State for its second round pick, opting for former Seminole star Braden Fiske. And the defensive tackle loves the idea of playing on the pro level with Verse. They could end up as the top tandem of all the rookie defenders.

“It’s cool just to build up that and what we can implement on this defense,” Fiske told reporters. “I think there’s a lot of opportunities for us to come here and succeed, and I’m just excited for how much more we can grow as a unit. Having that bond with me and him, it’s something we’ve both been chasing, we’re both super hungry for what we’re going after out there. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m excited to see where we get to. It’s gonna be real cool.”

Defensive tackle Byron Murphy (Texas): 1st round Seahawks

Murphy, the former Longhorn, was the first defensive tackle selected in the draft. New Seahawks coach is Mark Macdonald, who coordinated the great Ravens defenses.

Reuter wrote: “Murphy is a great fit in Seattle as an interior presence who can boost the run defense and use his quickness off the snap to push the pocket. I expect to see a lot of four-man fronts under new head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and Murphy can be effective from multiple spots in that alignment.

Edge rusher Dallas Turner (Alabama) 1st round Vikings

The Vikings landed Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with their first pick of the first round. Then they tapped Turner, who was an ace pass rusher at Alabama. The Vikings need a pass rusher after losing Danielle Hunter to the Texans in free agency. So they selected one of the top rookie defenders available.

“I suspect Turner will be a defensive force for the Vikings by the midway point of his rookie campaign,” Reuter wrote. He’ll “possibly (start) the year as a designated pass rusher (and ultimately approaching a double-digit sack total) but eventually proving he’s able to drop into zones and fight tackles playing the run.”

Linebacker Junior Colson (Michigan): 3rd round Chargers

The Chargers have new coach Jim Harbaugh, who left Michigan after winning a national title, to rebuild the LA franchise. And to no one’s surprise, he drafted some Wolverines. So the team’s top rookie defender could be Colson, the ex-Michigan linebacker.

Reuter said of Colson: “He should be in the mix from Day 1, filling running lanes and chasing backs to the outside whether it’s a stretch play or a throw to the flat. I expect him to crack the 100-tackle mark this season.”

Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M): 2nd round Packers

The Packers made Cooper, the former Aggie star, the first inside linebacker taken in the draft. And he’s figuring into Green Bay’s immediate plans as the Packers evolve into a 4-3 base defense.

Reuter wrote of one of the best rookie defenders: “Cooper comes to a perfect situation in Green Bay, where his closing speed and toughness will force offenses to account for him on every play. He and 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker will be the primary linebackers in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, working inside and outside depending on the formation. Cooper should put up solid numbers across the board as a rookie, picking off a pass or two, accumulating a few sacks on blitzes and finishing first or second on the team in tackles.

Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State): 5th round Raiders

Tommy Eichenberg, the former Buckeye, was the lowest drafted amongst the rookie defenders on Reuter’s list. He might’ve made preseason all rookie because he figures to see the field early.

“Eichenberg could earn snaps at middle linebacker for the Raiders, allowing Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to play outside on early downs,” Reuter wrote. “The stout run defender is going to make a lot of tackles with Christian Wilkins, John Jenkins and others eating blocks in front of him. He might not spend a lot of time on the field in obvious passing situations, but considering the team ranked 21st against the run in 2023, the former Buckeye fills an important need.”

Cornerback Terrion Arnold (Alabama): 1st round Lions

Arnold was one of the most fortunate rookies on draft day. He was a guest of the NFL for the draft festival in Detroit. Then the Lions selected him in the first round. The pro-Lions crowd showered Arnold with attention. This rookie defender also will see a lot of playing time.

“Cornerback was the top need in the draft for the Lions, who were willing to move up for Arnold when he was still available at No. 24,” Reuter wrote. “He can combine with veteran trade acquisition Carlton Davis and second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to help fortify the position. I expect Arnold to attack the ball for Detroit, likely intercepting and breaking up multiple passes as quarterbacks test the rookie, with his former Alabama teammate, Brian Branch, handling nickel duties. 

Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo): 1st round Eagles

Mitchell, despite being from Toledo, a mid-major, was the first defensive back off the board. The Eagles will need this rookie defender

Reuter said: “Both Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell dropped further in the first round than I expected because of the run on quarterbacks and offensive linemen in the top 20 selections. Mitchell’s size, speed and length make him a pass-breakup machine. He’ll get plenty of support for the All-Rookie squad if he produces like I expect him to and helps lift the Eagles’ defense back to a championship-caliber unit.”

Safety Javon Bullard (Georgia): 2nd round Packers

Bullard is the second Packer on the rookie defender list. And he’s another key to revamping the Green Bay defense.

“Bullard can make plays on the ball and secure open-field tackles whether he’s lined up deep or inside the box, which makes him a great complement to free-agent addition Xavier McKinney,” Reuter wrote. “Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have the flexibility to play single-high or two-deep coverage. Bullard showed a proclivity for making big plays in big games during his Georgia career. If he does the same thing this fall, it should lead to a successful Packers campaign and a spot for him on the All-Rookie Team.”

Safety Cole Bishop (Utah): 2nd round Bills

The Bills, after going offense with their first pick, found a safety for their defense int he second. Reuter thinks this rookie will be a key defender in Buffalo because of the departures in the Bills secondary.

“The door was opened this offseason for Bills GM Brandon Beane to ordain Bishop as one of the team’s new defenders,” Reuters wrote. “Bishop will be one of the league’s better tacklers from Day 1, stopping ball-carriers in the open field thanks to his plus athleticism and knowledge of the game. Bishop also proved capable as a blitzer while at Utah, and he was able to bait quarterbacks to throw his way in coverage. If Hyde does re-sign with the Bills, perhaps Bishop’s role won’t be quite as big right off the bat, but I think he could become a respected player early in his NFL career.”

You can check out every last detail from the defensive rookie team selected by NFL.com by clicking here. Meanwhile, you can catch up on On3’s NFL coverage here.