Defensive linemen and EDGE rushers took the field for their on-field workout portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Several athletic standouts took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents are now in the first or second-round conversation. We've identified five defensive linemen that won the NFL Combine.
BRADEN FISKE, DT, FLORIDA STATE
Have a day, Braden Fiske. The Florida State wrecking ball showcased lower-body explosion by recording the highest vertical jump (33.5 inches) and broad jump (9-foot-9) among all participating defensive tackles. Fiske then ran the 40-yard dash in a position-best 4.78 seconds, ensuring he'd sit atop the defensive tackle leaderboard in three different testing categories.
Historically, Fiske placed in the 91st percentile or better in the three athletic drills he dominated. Fiske also looked extremely smooth while running through on-field position work. The results were outstanding for a 6-foot-3, 292-pound energizer bunny. Fiske is rightfully garnering second-round attention.
The footwork of Braden Fiske is electric at 292 lbs. pic.twitter.com/imBhiqGulH
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 29, 2024
JALYX HUNT, DE, HOUSTON CHRISTIAN
Houston Christian defensive end Jalyx Hunt took full advantage of his opportunity to compete in January's Senior Bowl. The small-school defensive lineman never looked out of place while proving he belonged to rub shoulders with the class' most recognizable prospects. That continued at the NFL Combine.
Hunt posted a position-best 10-foot-8 broad jump. That lower-body explosion was evident on tape and helped Hunt accumulate 13.5 sacks over his previous two campaigns. Hunt's 37.5-inch vertical jump trailed just Ole Miss' Cedric Johnson (38 inches) for the position lead. Hunt is going higher than most analysts are projecting.
BYRON MURPHY II, DT, TEXAS
Byron Murphy II shouldn't move as well as he does for a 6-foot, 297-pound defensive tackle. Murphy's 33-inch vertical jump finished second, trailing just Fiske for the position lead. Murphy's 4.88 40 was also a top-three result, and his 9-foot-3 broad was another quality testing output, as was his 1.69 10-yard split.
Murphy was explosive with zero wasted movements while running through four-bag agility drills. The Longhorn standout checked every box in Indianapolis. Murphy will be drafted within the opening 20 selections.
MYLES COLE, DE, TEXAS TECH
Texas Tech defensive end Myles Cole was built in a lab. The Red Raiders prospect won the weigh-in process by clocking in at 6-foot-6, 278 pounds. Cole possesses otherworldly length with almost 37-inch arms and an 86.25-inch wingspan. Cole then vertical jumped 35 inches and broad jumped 10 feet.
Cole continued his outstanding performance by running the 40-yard dash in a breathtaking 4.67 seconds. Cole possesses the length, size, and athleticism to be an early-down contributor at the next level. Defensive coordinators around the league will attempt to convince their general managers that they can develop Cole into a superstar.
RUKE ORHORHORO, DT, CLEMSON
One of the 2024 NFL Draft's premier defensive tackle prospects did not disappoint. Ruke Orhorhoro ran a 4.94 40 at 294 pounds. Orhorhoro was a quick starter out of his stance with the 1.67 10-yard split finishing second behind Mekhi Wingo (1.64).
Orhorhoro's explosion results were equally as impressive. The 32-inch vertical tied for third place among all participating defensive tackles, and the 9-foot-8 broad finished an inch behind Fiske (9-9) for the position lead. Orhorhoro also possesses 34-inch arms that often give him an advantage in one-versus-one situations.
Honorable mentions: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss), Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU), Mo Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State), Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson), Chop Robinson (EDGE, Ole Miss).
