2024 NFL Draft Betting Guide–Defensive Linemen

2024 NFL Draft Betting Guide–Defensive Linemen

If you are looking to get a jump on your 2024 NFL handicapping, let’s take a look at some of the top players at each position for the 2024 NFL Draft after the NFL Combine. What is the most important position on defense? Pass rushers. Guys who play EDGE and are productive, are making huge dollars. Who are the top 10 EDGE rushers in this draft?

This is not considered to be a great draft for EDGE rushers. There is no Myles Garrett or any player capable of going in the top three. Jared Verse of Florida State and Dallas Turner have the best chance of going in the top 10. Turner is the favorite at +150 to go No. 8 to Atlanta. Verse is +275 to go ninth to Chicago (assuming there are no trades in those spots).

1)Dallas Turner, 6-3, 247, Alabama

Turner is just 6-3, but he has 34 3/8 arms and runs a 4.46 40. Turner is a freak athlete with incredible workout numbers and did have 10 sacks last season with 13 QB hurries. He’s so fast that at times overruns the quarterback. Round: 1

2)Laiatu Latu, 6-5, 265, UCLA

Latu had 10.5 sacks and 12.5 TFLs in 2022 and then recorded 13 sacks and 21.5 TFLs in 2023. He’s long and explosive. He has the size and strength to work inside with power and is solid against the run. Injuries are a concern and he may end up being selected later than expected. Rounds: 1-2

3)Jared Verse, 6-4, 260, Florida State

Verse had nine sacks and 11 QB hurries last season. He’s a more traditional 4-3 defensive end. He’s better against the run than Turner, but is not as long or explosive as Turner or Laiatu Latu. Round: mid-first round

4)Chop Robinson, 6-3, 254, Penn State

Penn State is a school known for putting out strong defenders. Robinson has run a 4.48 40 and a 1.54-second 10-yard split. He recorded just four sacks last season and 15 tackles in 2023. Needs to get stronger to play better against the run. Round: 2

5)Marshawn Kneeland, 6-3, 267, Western Michigan

Kneeland has 34” arms and is a very explosive, but lacks great speed of the top guys. He’s a polished player who Is versatile with a big motor and a lot of power. Has 12.5 sacks and 28 TFls in four years. Rounds 2-3.

6)Chris Braswell, 6-3, 251, Alabama

Another quality Alabama pass rusher. Braswell is a bit undersized, but makes up for it with elite athleticism. Had 8.0 sacks and 10.5 TFLs last season. He’s a late bloomer who became a full-time starter in 2023 so he’s still learning. Rounds. 1-3

7)Bralen Trice, 6-4, 245, Washington

Trice is a physical pass rusher who recorded seven sacks last season with 11.5 TFLs and 15 QB hurries. He has a great motor and had 16 sacks and 23.5 TFLs over his last 28 games. Has near-33” arms and a good twitch. Very productive player who can also play the run. Rounds 2-3

8)Darius Robinson, 6-5, 285, DE/EDGE, Missouri

Robinson is huge for an EDGE, but he was productive last season, recording 7.5 sacks and 12 TFLs. If you are looking for sheer power and size, as well as defending the run. He’s not a blazer, but you don’t have to be with length, strength and technique. Rounds: 2-3

9)Adisa Isaac, 6-4, 250, Penn State

Another EDGE from Penn State, Isaac has good length (34” arms) and lateral movement. He was also productive last season, recording 7.5 sacks, with 5 QB hurries and 16 TFLs in 2023. Needs more size and there are concerns about him holding up against the run. Rounds: 2-4

10)Gabriel Murphy, 6-3, 250, UCLA

Murphy was around for five seasons at North Texas and UCLA. and was productive last season, recording 8.0 sacks and 16 TFLs. Doesn’t have great length (30.5”), but is strong against the run. Good athlete. Rounds: 3-5

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Ben Hayes

Ben has been a sports writer for over 35 years, dabbling in college and pro basketball, college and pro football, baseball, college lacrosse, minor league baseball and even college gymnastics. He's also been involved in the gaming industry for nearly 30 years and has been looking to beat the books since he was 13! Ben has had great success in handicapping college football, the NFL, college basketball, the NBA and MLB for 27+ years. His Twitter handle is @BenHayesWAW