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NFL Draft analysis: Who are the outliers and sleepers in this year's defensive class?

April 19, 2024

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

We're back.
After scouring through the class of prospects on offense, it's time to turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball through the prism of the initial Pro Bowlers and first-team All-Pros of the past 12 years.
Here's how things look overall.

Again, thanks to Sports-Reference, Mockdraftable and, most of all, Dane Brugler for the hard data.
Edge rusher

No position is drafted in the first round more often than edge rusher, though that figures to not be the case this year given the loaded tackle class. It stands to reason, though, why the position ranks at the bottom in its percentage of elite players who are drafted on day three. Late-round surprises you can understand, b...

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