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With the NFL draft steadily closing in, a group of us from the Footballguys staff got together to talk some defense. To help highlight some of the upcoming IDP talent in this year's rookie class, we took part in a two-round pre-draft IDP-only rookie mock draft. Big shout-out to Sigmund Bloom, Joseph Haggan, Tripp Brebner, Aaron Rudnicki, and Matt Montgomery for joining me in this fun exercise.

This IDP-only rookie mock is based on a 12-team true-position format, starting at least two players at each position, plus an additional IDP flex. The positions are all broken out individually in your starting lineup:

• Edge Rusher (EDGE)
• Defensive Tackle (DT)
• Linebacker (LB)
• Cornerback (CB)
• Safety (S)

This is the pre-draft version, and we plan to get back together for a post-draft version to see how things have changed. With landing spots and draft capital figured in, expect a shakeup. Alright, let's get to it!

Round 1

1.01 - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Brebner: There might not be a Front-7 defender chosen in the top 10 of the 2024 draft. Without LB landing spots and with another year of good depth at EDGE, I'll take the near-consensus top defensive tackle and let scarcity be my guide.

1.02 - Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Haggan: Dallas Turner has a flexible frame and a quick twitch ability to change direction without wasted motion. He may be the best speed rusher in this draft, and he made a big leap in his run defense in his final collegiate season. He is locked in as a first-round draft pick and should see significant playing time early. Turner can get to the quarterback in a flash and has a nice repertoire of moves that are NFL-ready.

1.03 - Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State

Bloom: We're unlikely to see an off-ball linebacker go in the first round this year, but that doesn't mean there are no high-upside options in rookie drafts. Wilson is ideal athletically (4.43 40 at 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds), and he profiles as an every-down player who is an asset in coverage and as a blitzer. There are questions about his durability, but Wilson should still be a second-day pick and in line to start early in his career.

1.04 - Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Rudnicki: In what looks like a down year for IDPs overall, I'll take a high-end edge rusher here and hope he lands in a favorable situation.

1.05 - Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Montgomery: Robinson could have the best traits of anyone in this defensive draft class. Although he is explosive, it wasn't necessarily accounted for in the stat sheet at PSU.

1.06 - Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Bellefeuil: Latu is the most NFL-ready pass rusher in this class. He is an advanced tactician with his hands while also boasting effective speed-to-power with his bull rush. Latu had a solid showing at the combine, posting a 4.64 40-yard dash and registering a 9.30 RAS. The biggest concern is with Latu's injury history. Although, he's been productive and durable over his two years at UCLA. Latu looks destined for first-round draft capital and has serious game to be productive right from the jump.

1.07 - Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

Brebner: This class could be short on LBs landing in spots with short paths to significant playing time. Wilson and Cooper look like the top two options going into the draft.

1.08 - Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

Haggan: Braswell is my dark horse to be this draft's top edge rusher. His first step is blazing fast, and he does a great job transferring speed to power. What is most impressive is his coverage ability. Braswell shows great spatial awareness and instincts dropping back and in the screen game. This could lead to solid draft capital and the potential for early playing time.

1.09 - Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

Bloom: Colson is a hard-nosed linebacker who projects to be a player who doesn't leave the field on passing downs. Whether he's pedestrian or a hit for IDP depends on whether he can get a little more aggressive and read the play better against the run.

1.10 - Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

Rudnicki: Trotter Jr. has great instincts but is undersized. He has the potential to be a long-term starter like his father.

1.11 - Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Montgomery: With the majority of the premiere edge class going ahead, I felt Robinson was the last viable one to be considered a first-rounder. Depending on his team, he should be able to make an immediate impact on the field.

1.12 - Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Bellefeuil: Newton is an athletic big man who brings physicality and alignment versatility to his game. He also brings an intriguing pass-rush upside, producing 8 sacks and 43 pressures during his final season at Illinois, per PFF. Newton (foot injury) wasn't able to participate at the combine but is still garnering some first-round buzz. With Newton's affinity for making splash plays, he's an appealing defensive tackle option in IDP true-position formats such as this mock.