Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles are expected to fly off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's plausible that only one defender will be selected within the opening 10 picks. NFL teams searching for difference-makers on the defensive side of the ball will be thrilled with the defensive talent that remains available to them as a result.
Now that April has marked its exciting arrival, FanDuel recently released their updated betting odds for the first defensive player drafted. We've identified the odds-on favorite, underdogs worth backing, and other prospects with a legitimate opportunity to earn the honor. The top betting options are listed as follows:
Dallas Turner (-190)
Quinyon Mitchell (+430)
Laiatu Latu (+850)
Jared Verse (+1200)
Byron Murphy II (+1500)
Terrion Arnold (+1700)
Chop Robinson (+4500)
Nate Wiggins (+7500)
Johnny Newton (+10000)
Cooper DeJean (+10000)
THE FAVORITE AND MY PICK: DALLAS TURNER
Dallas Turner is the odds-on favorite at -190 and it's easy to understand why. The explosive pass rusher put forth a dominant showing at the NFL Combine, proving he's a rare athlete. The 247-pound Turner ran a breathtaking 4.48 40-yard dash. Turner also displayed outstanding lower-body explosion with a 40.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump. Turner is the premier athlete among all defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Turner recorded a career-high 11 sacks from the Crimson Tide this past campaign. He possesses all of the physical tools required to develop into a consistently impactful edge defender. Expect the Falcons or Bears to target Turner at No. 8 or 9 overall. He’d be an instant starter on both defenses.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: QUINYON MITCHELL
Few prospects have aced the pre-draft process like Quinyon Mitchell has. The Toledo cover-man was uber-productive in college, totaling 52 career passes defensed and six interceptions. NFL scouts wanted to see how Mitchell would perform against better competition though. He answered those questions by traveling to Mobile and arguably putting forth the best overall performance at this year's Senior Bowl.
Mitchell kept the momentum going at the NFL Combine by running a blazing-fast 4.33 40. As a result, Mitchell has catapulted himself to the top of many cornerback positional big boards. The Williston, Florida native projects as a top-15 selection, and that gives him a fighting opportunity to be the first defensive player drafted.
A WORTHY UNDERDOG: TERRION ARNOLD
I'm surprised to see Terrion Arnold available at +1700 odds. The Alabama corner entered the pre-draft process as the initial favorite to be the first cornerback drafted. Mitchell has potentially leapfrogged him, but Arnold will finish as CB1 for many teams. The Vikings and Broncos are CB-needy teams at No. 11 and 12 overall, respectively.
Arnold is an explosive athlete who plays with a physical temperament. The Crimson Tide standout is a scheme-versatile talent that thrives in both press-man and zone coverages. Arnold is a universal fit for all 32 defenses, making him a potential candidate to be the first cornerback off the board.
