Whether it’s through tackles or TFLs — or sacks aplenty — defensive tackles matter in IDP. Here are the rookie Defensive Tackle prospects you need to know!
The growth of prominent defensive tackles in the NFL has been fun to watch. Whether it’s Chris Jones annihilating playoff-caliber offensive linemen or Justin Madubuike putting quarterbacks in the dirt, that fun typically is accompanied by fantasy points.
With several intriguing prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, here are the rookie defensive tackle prospects you should know about.
1. Byron Murphy II, Texas
Measurables
Height: 6’0.5”
Weight: 297 lbs
Arms: 32 3/8”
Hands: 10 ¼”
40-yd: 4.87
20-yd: N/A
10-yd: 1.69
VJ: 33”
BJ: 9’3”
SS: N/A
3C: N/A
BP: 28
Strengths
- Terrific athlete for an interior defender, great wingspan and hand size
- Can rush the passer and play the run
- Has the burst and speedy handwork of an edge rusher
Weaknesses
- Likely has already maxed out his frame
- Relatively undersized to other DTs
Team fits
- Los Angeles Rams
- Arizona Cardinals
- Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy analysis
Murphy has strength, he has speed and he’s got the pass-rushing ability not many defensive tackles have. He’s undersized at 6-1, 297 lbs, but some defensive schemes will appreciate the athletic upside that comes with a lesser weight. He doesn’t turn 22 until September and has flashed the upside to do it all.
He should see first-round draft capital which should help him be among the first defensive tackles taken in fantasy.
Thank you for diving into the rookie Defensive Tackle players with me! You can find my other work on the IDP Guys Author Page, and feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss other rookie profiles @Michael__Sicoli on X, where you can also find and follow @IDP_Plus!
