FSU football: 3 major areas defense needs to improve in 2024

I am a long-time supporter of FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, understanding the early years were a combination of the pandemic halting player development in the scheme, lack of elite talent, and overall lack of roster depth. The 2023 season saw most of those deficiencies eliminated for the most part, and FSU fielded a top 10 defense(No. 10) according to FEI advanced metrics. The defense carried FSU once Jordan Travis's injury happened and would have stacked up well against any team in the College Football Playoff. The people who were critical of Adam Fuller going into the season praised him in December.

It's funny how things come full circle when you give competent people time and fully understand complimentary football. FSU had five defensive players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. We saw Jared Verse in the first round, Braden Fiske and Renardo Green in the second round, Jarrian Jones in the third round, and Tatum Bethune in the seventh round. That's nearly half of the starting defense, but the good news is there are more NFL-bound players currently on the roster. There are unproven guys at certain positions, but the talent is there, much like in 2022. I don't expect a large drop-off, and the 2023 version had flaws. The FSU defense exceled in many areas last year. They were among the best in tackles for a loss, points allowed, passes defended, completion percentage allowed, and third down conversions. Here are three major areas the defense must improve in 2024.