Top 10 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates Heading to NFL Training Camps

Nate Wiggins will have to fight for playing time, playing on one of the best defenses in the NFL. But once he gets on the field, he’ll likely be targeted a lot, considering he’s a rookie. It’s up to Wiggins to prove them wrong. The 6-foot-1 cornerback has blazing speed, with a 4.28 40-yard dash. If he can be a sticky defender against the fastest receivers in the NFL, expect him to make a big impact.

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The Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive backs with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their first choice was to draft Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd overall pick. He was the first defensive back selected and many had Mitchell as the best overall corner in the draft. Now that he is an Eagle, Mitchell is expected to be slotted directly into Philadelphia’s defensive back rotation, where the speedy corner could make an immediate impact.

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After allowing the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL last season, the Detroit Lions were eager to trade Terrion Arnold. The 24th overall pick has impressive ball skills and leads the SEC with five interceptions in 2023 at Alabama. If he can translate those playmaking traits to the NFL, the Lions could end up with the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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The only second-round pick on this list, Cooper DeJean is fast, has great instincts, and boasts explosive athleticism (38.5-inch vertical). He could see time as a cornerback or safety in Philadelphia and possibly even be used as a returner. He rarely misses tackles and enjoys doing the dirty work. If he can get his hands on a few footballs, DeJean could easily be Rookie of the Year.

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The Miami Dolphins were one of the best regular-season teams in football last season. But when the playoffs came around, their pass rush was nearly nonexistent. The arrival of Chop Robinson after he was a first-round pick came as no surprise. Robinson has uncanny athleticism (4.48 40-yard dash), but he was also very productive in college, posting an impressive 18% pressure rate. He’s stuck behind Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, but Robinson should see plenty of playing time in obvious passing situations.

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A defensive tackle hasn’t won DROTY since Aaron Donald did it in 2014. But Byron Murphy II is a special breed. He has the kind of toughness that can intimidate anyone in the trenches and a pass-rushing repertoire that allows him to make an immediate impact. Consider Murphy a sleeping candidate for Rookie of the Year.

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Dallas Turner was expected to be the first defensive end/EDGE rusher selected at the NFL Draft. Unforeseen circumstances saw him fall to the 17th pick, where his free fall ended in the Minnesota Vikings. He isn’t expected to start, but the explosive athlete possesses long arms, speed and a high football IQ that should translate his elite pass-rushing ability to the pros. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Turner become the starter by the end of the season, where he could approach double-digit sacks.

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Unlike many others on this list, Darius Robinson is expected to start as a rookie. Robinson is one of the most underrated defenders in the draft and can play multiple positions along the line, making him tough to take off the field. Robinson has elite power that should allow him to toss offensive linemen around like rag dolls on his way to the quarterback.

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