2024 Defensive Line Scouting Notes

An early look into the 2024 defensive line class with stats, comps and notes.

It’s never too early to start looking at the next crop of prospects for the NFL draft - I’ve been on 2024 since mid-April. I’ll be releasing the notes I’ve taken so far on a few prospects - starting with the quarterbacks and releasing a different position group each week. This week we look at the defensive line class.

These are not complete scouting reports but some observations I’ve made so far. Enjoy

+ Positives and strengths
- Negatives or needs work
? Questions I still have, things I haven’t seen on tape yet

Maason Smith, LSU, 6’5, 300
+ Ideal size and can play in any defensive scheme
+ Has played inside and outside on the defensive line
+ Incredibly explosive - going to jump out of the gym during testing
+ Generates good pressure as a pass rusher - has a lot of potential as an NFL pass rusher
+ Use his strength in the run game and is excellent at chasing down from the backside

- Coming off a season ending injury
- Loses sight of the ball carrier

? Will he be the same player after the injury (he should be)

Tackles: 19
Tackles for Loss: 5
Sacks: 4
*Freshman stats from 2021, injured in 2022

Comp: Chris Jones