I made a post a few weeks ago about a hypothetical team full of “Most Improved” types of players at every position on offense. This is the same thing, but for defense. What else is there to say?
EDGE: Gregory Rousseau, Buffalo; Baron Browning, Denver
It feels good to be right. I’ve been a proponent of Rousseau’s since his talent became apparent in Buffalo, but my belief wasn’t too commonly held. Von Miller’s arrival to be his partner in crime has elevated his game to another level, and his pass rush win rate over expected is among the highest of all edges.
Russell Wilson’s unprecedented fall from grace has put so much stink on the Broncos that their defense, which may be the finest in the league, has been an utter non-story. It’s a shame, because that means Baron Browning isn’t getting the media attention he deserves. He’s been hurt since very early in Week Seven, but his start to the year was so proficient that I’d feel remiss to not mention it. Playing only rotationally, Browning managed to accrue seven sacks, five TFL, seven QB hits, a fumble recovery, and an interception in what was essentially six games.
IDL: Daron Payne, Washington; Christian Wilkins, Miami
The Commanders are a tough watch, but the pass rush is undoubtedly elite and worth the price of admission on their own. Maybe the best player on the best unit for Washington is Daron Payne, who has continually made a home for himself in opposing backfields all season long. The return of Chase Young will only make it easier for him to wreak havoc.
The Miami defense hasn’t quite lived up to the ultra high expectations it has set for itself in previous years yet, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some individual performances that have gone above and beyond. Christian Wilkins is the epitome of such a player, being both top ten in pass-rush and run-stop win rate among all DTs in the NFL.
LB: Foyesade Oluokon, Jacksonville; Logan Wilson, Cincinnati; David Long Jr., Tennessee
The Jags have continued to cultivate their “play fast and meet at the ball” style of defense, and perhaps no single player personifies it better than Oluokon. Last year’s leading tackler across the whole NFL is still one of the best in his trade, with at least 8 combined tackles in all but one contest, and 10 or more in four separate games.
Ask a Bengals fan who they think the most underrated player in football is, and you very well may get Logan Wilson as your answer. Although he’s missed some time with a shoulder injury this year, his versatility and run-stopping expertise has proven invaluable to a run defense that is perhaps only a step away from being one of the best in the league.
David Long’s elite play-recognition abilities were no closely-held secret coming into the year, but that innate ability with the uncanny sense he has to know when to be aggressive and run downhill has made him an irreplaceable part of the Titans outstanding front seven.
CB: Tariq Woolen, Seattle; DJ Reed, New York Jets
Woolen’s otherworldly physical profile created some high hopes among draftniks, but his athleticism underlied some concerns regarding his ability to play the position at the NFL level. That trepidation that made him wait until the fifth round to be selected has melted away quickly, and Woolen’s four picks, eight passes defended, and two fumble recoveries have him penciled in as a serious contender to win DROY.
The Jets defense has been perhaps the biggest surprise unit anywhere in football, and the secondary has certainly carried their weight. Sauce Gardner’s first-rate start to his career is no shock (he wasn’t the 4th overall pick for nothing), but DJ Reed’s play wasn’t such a sure thing. After being shown the door by a struggling Seattle defense this past spring, Reed has been half of what may very well be the best corner duo in the NFL.
S: Donovan Wilson, Dallas; Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco
Wilson was hardly a poor player, but he just hasn’t been on the field much. After playing over 80% of snaps in only two games last year, he has played at least that many in every game this season.
After spending most of his rookie year impressing as a special teamer (you may remember his memorable punt recovery for a touchdown against Green Bay), Hufanga earned snaps as a starting safety, and has immediately taken advantage. He has played an incredible 96% of snaps on defense for the 49ers this season (including not missing a single play before suffering a concussion Week Six), and has turned opportunities into success, cementing himself as an elite cover safety.
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