2024 NFL Draft: 3 defensive players fans must know about

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after breaking up a pass during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 - 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

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It’s been over a month since the 2023 NFL Draft, and we saw Will Anderson Jr, Devon Witherspoon, Tyree Wilson, and Jalen Carter all go inside the top 10 of the Draft. Outside of those four, there were 12 defensive players drafted in the first round.

The 2024 NFL Draft is expected to have some talented prospects that will hear their name called next year. And it is never too early to learn the names of these future NFL Draft picks.

SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts with teammates after a sack on Garrett Shrader #6 of the Syracuse Orange during the game at JMA Wireless Dome on November 12, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) /

2024 NFL Draft Prospect No. 3: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Jared Verse could’ve been a top pick in 2023. Instead, he decided to return and help the Florida State Seminoles pursue a National Championship. Verse from Dayton, Ohio, wasn’t rated as a recruit out of high school, so he had to go to Albany. In two seasons at Albany, Verse recorded 74 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks.

Verse earned CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year and first-team All-Conference honors. After two seasons, he transferred to Florida State, where he became their best defensive player and raised his draft stock. Last season Verse recorded 48 tackles, 17 TFLs, 9 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. His performance earned him first-team All-ACC and first-team All-American honors.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 248 pounds, Verse has the size to succeed at the next level; He also possesses the speed and athleticism that allows him to get to the QB and get in the backfield. Teams may want him to put on some weight in the NFL, but it may take away some of that speed. Nevertheless, Verse will be a player to pay attention to this season.

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