2024 NFL Draft - Who Will Be The First Defensive Player Selected?

It is now finally time for the 2024 NFL Draft. With a plethora of offensive talent available, this feels like one of the more loaded draft classes in recent memory from an offensive point of view.

Quarterbacks and skill players have gotten most of the headlines, but there are still players on the defensive side of the ball to keep in mind. While Caleb Williams appears locked in as the top overall pick, things are murkier on the defensive side of the ball. Today, we are looking at defenders who could be the first defensive player off the board.

Make sure you keep up to date with all your NFL Draft and fantasy football needs by following RotoBaller on X and checking out RotoBaller.com. Here are several players who could be the first defensive player taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

The current odds-on favorite at BetMGM to be the first defensive player taken, Turner is arguably the top edge-rusher in this class.

Explosive long arm by Dallas Turner pic.twitter.com/KVfztbgxG4

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) April 19, 2024

This is a guy who knows how to get after the quarterback. The Falcons are in desperate need of a pass-rusher. Turner would be a logical choice at eight overall for Atlanta.

Byron Murphy II, Defensive Tackle, Texas

While this class is deep with edge-rushers, it lacks depth at interior defensive linemen. Murphy is the clear top interior rusher available and is arguably the most disruptive defensive player in this draft. He was Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) second-highest-graded defensive lineman last year and presents an immediate matchup nightmare for any offensive line.

Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Placing third in PFF’s Pass Rush grade last season, Latu is right up there with Turner for top edge-rusher.

Laiatu Latu might be EDGE1 for me in this class. His pass rush arsenal is so impressive, he always comes to the line with a plan & executing. Also, the athleticism is off the charts. I’d be shocked if he falls past 13. Latu/Phillips/Chubb is the ultimate pipe dream🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/leMxKJMTjp

— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) April 20, 2024

Latu will be a problem that opposing teams have to account for on every play. Despite some medical concerns, he will be a welcome addition to any team in search of help rushing the quarterback.

Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Coming off a season where he recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks, Verse checks many boxes that NFL teams look for in an edge-rusher.

Jared Verse- Strong like Bull. pic.twitter.com/8lorKtqvIN

— The Mock Draft Guy ™️ (@MockDraftGuyYT) April 19, 2024

He looks good on film, and he crushed the NFL Combine. Verse will be one of the first defenders to hear his name called on Thursday night.

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