NFL Draft 2024 - 10 defensive players to look out for

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place in Detroit from April 25-27 and while the opening round could see as many as 20 players taken on the offensive side of the ball, there are still some difference-makers to be found on defense. In a draft that has promising cornerback and edge rusher talent, here are 10 defensive players to look out for next week.

QUINYON MITCHELL – CB - TOLEDO

A rising star who has crushed the pre-Draft process, Quinyon Mitchell will be one of the first defensive players to hear his name called in round one. There are no concerns about smaller-school production here. Mitchell is big at 6-foot and close to 200 pounds and given that he is built like a running back, he has no qualms about playing the run. But he shines in the passing game; as you would expect. He is feisty, tough and can find the football.

TERRION ARNOLD – CB - ALABAMA

Versatility is the name of Terrion Arnold's game. He can play outside or in the slot and he can play man to man in a receiver's face or off coverage. Arnold is another big corner at 6-foot and he has been compared to New Orleans Saints star Marshon Lattimore. After arriving at Alabama as a safety, Arnold has made the successful switch to the island on the outside and has the potential to be a Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL.

DALLAS TURNER – EDGE - ALABAMA

A key performer on Alabama's defense for the past three years, Dallas Turner is one of a handful of very intriguing edge-rusher prospects in this draft. At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Turner is long and athletic and boasts all the explosive traits needed to be an elite pass-rusher in the NFL. He has already drawn comparisons to Brian Burns, now of the New York Giants. Always having played for winning programmes is a nice little