The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the NFL Combine represents the next opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting the NFL Combine as a point of conversation.
With that in mind, we've identified five defensive linemen who could raise their draft stock at the NFL Combine.
BYRON MURPHY II, TEXAS
Texas' Byron Murphy II ended up skipping the Senior Bowl. Murphy's absence in Mobile was notable and means the NFL Combine is the first opportunity to get his official measurements. Murphy is expected to impress scouts with numbers that will include desirable length.
Murphy possesses an explosive first step for a 300-plus-pound lineman. Initial quickness allows him to make regular plays in the backfield—rare athleticism will be on display. Expect Murphy to solidify his status as a top-20 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft with a standout showing in Indianapolis.
DEWAYNE CARTER, DUKE
DeWayne Carter was a big-time winner at this year's Senior Bowl and I expect his momentum to continue growing at the NFL Combine. An easy mover, Carter touts the sort of athletic profile that should shine on Indianapolis' big stage. A versatile lineman, Carter will showcase the athletic traits necessary to thrive as a 3-tech.
Carter could solidify himself as a second-round pick. Murphy and Jer'Zhan Newton will likely be the first two defensive tackles off the board in the first round. Carter could ensure he's the third interior defensive lineman drafted through eye-popping testing results.
BRANDON DORLUS, OREGON
A versatile inside-outside defender, Brandon Dorlus is a physically impressive athlete who will appeal to all 32 NFL clubs. When Dorlus qualified for Bruce Feldman's latest 'Freaks List,' it was reported that he was recording a 685-pound back squat, a 685-pound sumo deadlift, and a 345-pound power clean. Dorlus also reached 20.75 MPH on the GPS. Those numbers could help Dorlus lead all participating defensive linemen in various testing categories.
MCKINNLEY JACKSON, TEXAS A&M
McKinnley Jackson was among the most underrated prospects in Mobile. I'm not sure why his consistent performances didn't garner more buzz, but I expect that to change at the NFL Combine. Jackson is an explosive mover who catches opposing offensive linemen off guard with initial quickness.
Speed and strength are at the forefront of Jackson's dominant skill set. That should lead to impressive testing numbers in Indianapolis. Jackson deserves the pre-draft buzz he'll shortly attract.
BRADEN FISKE, FLORIDA STATE
A former Western Michigan transfer, Braden Fiske first did his pre-draft stock a favor by handling a step up in competition at Florida State. Fiske was outstanding for a dominant Seminoles defense in 2023, totaling six sacks and nine tackles for loss. Fiske then traveled to Mobile and kept the good times rolling at the Senior Bowl.
Fiske flat-out moves for his size. The Michigan City, Indiana native is among the most underrated, strongest defensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Watch out for Fiske in the bench press and throughout agility testing drills.
