The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft began with a record-setting 14 selections on offense. The first defender was chosen when the Indianapolis Colts selected EDGE Laiatu Latu with the 15th pick. From there, five total EDGE defenders and nine total defenders were drafted with the opening 32 selections. That's going to make the impending chase for the 2024 campaign's rookie sacks leader particularly exciting.
BetOnline responded by updating their betting odds. Several exciting contenders are listed throughout, including six first-round defensive linemen. The complete odds are as follows:
Dallas Turner (+200)
Laiatu Latu (+300)
Byron Murphy II (+400)
Jared Verse (+600)
Chop Robinson (+600)
Darius Robinson (+650)
THE FAVORITE AND MY PICK: Dallas Turner
I had a top-10 overall grade on Dallas Turner and I was surprised he wasn't the first pass rusher drafted. Turner ended up waiting around longer than anticipated, but he landed in the ideal spot alongside defensive coordinator Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings. Flores fields an aggressive scheme and he's searching for a new star pass rusher after losing Danielle Hunter (16.5 sacks this past season) to the Houston Texans.
Turner is a supremely athletic pass rusher who ran the 40 in a blazing-fast 4.46 seconds at the NFL Combine. Turner also vertically jumped 40.5 inches and posted a 10-foot-7 broad jump. Turner is an explosive pass rusher who totaled 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season en route to being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He could flirt with a double-digit-sack rookie campaign.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: Laiatu Latu
As mentioned, Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player drafted. He'll be coached by an excellent defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with the Colts. Bradley's Colts recorded a fifth-best 51.0 sacks last season.
Latu is joining a deep group of defensive linemen in Indianapolis. Defensive ends Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo combined to record 26 quarterback takedowns throughout the 2023 campaign. That could mean Latu is more of a rotational defender as a rookie who plays behind established veterans. Odeyingbo is entering a contract year, so it's possible Latu was drafted as his eventual successor.
A WORTHY UNDERDOG: Jared Verse
The Rams are a defense in transition after losing Aaron Donald to retirement earlier this offseason. Young players such as Kobie Turner and Byron Young appear capable of picking up the slack after combining to record 17 sacks as rookies last season. Jared Verse and his Florida State teammate Braden Fiske will join them on one of the most ascending defensive lines in the league.
Getting consistent pressure off the edge was an issue for the Rams. Verse projects as an immediate workhorse starter opposite Young. Verse pairs first-step quickness with natural athleticism to be a consistent sack threat. Verse leaves Florida State after recording nine sacks apiece across his final two seasons. He's going to receive the snap count required in Los Angeles to potentially lead all rookie defenders in sacks.
