NFL
Ranking the Top 5 Defensive Players in the NFL
Create your own rankings of the top 5 defensive players in the NFL right now from Aaron Donald to TJ Watt to Myles Garrett to Micah Parsons
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Pro Sports Outlook’s eighth episode of “The Countdown” features a ranking of the top 5 defensive players in the NFL entering 2023. ‘The Countdown’ aims to be the #1 sports rankings show in the world where debates get settled and fans are given the power to voice their own opinions.
In the NFL, defense wins championships. As the league continues to evolve into a high-octane, pass-heavy game, defenses have to keep pace and adapt their strategies to stay effective. For the top defensive players entering the 2023 season, it’s about using their experience, skill, and physical attributes to create an impact on the field.
Defensive players are often overlooked by the media and casual fans, as their contributions are not always as easily quantifiable as those of their offensive counterparts. However, the importance of a strong defense can’t be overstated. Elite defensive players are able to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive game plan, force turnovers, and limit the number of points scored.
The best defensive players are versatile and able to make plays all over the field. They may excel at shutting down the run game, stopping passes, rushing the passer, or creating turnovers. However, what sets the elite players apart is their ability to consistently make an impact in multiple areas of the game.
As the 2023 season approaches, several top defensive players are poised to make an impact. These players are recognized as some of the best in the league, and they have a proven track record of success. Whether they are veterans with years of experience, or up-and-coming players with a promising future, each of these top 5 defensive players has the potential to make a significant impact for their team.
Ultimately, the success of a defense depends on the collective effort of every player on the field. However, having a few standout players can make all the difference in the outcome of a game. The top 5 defensive players of the 2023 season have the skills and experience to make a significant impact for their respective teams, and are sure to be key players to watch in the upcoming season. Honorable mention includes: DL Chris Jones (Chiefs), CB Jalen Ramsey (Rams), LB Fred Warner (49ers), EDGE Maxx Crosby (Raiders), LB Bobby Wagner (Rams).
Here are the top 5 defensive players in the NFL entering 2023. Do you agree? Create your own rankings below!
FULL EPISODE COMING SOON!
– 3X NFL DPOY | 7 STRAIGHT AP 1ST TEAMS
– CAREER-LOW 11 GAMES & 5 SACKS IN 2022
– HOF ALL-2010S TEAM | 9X PRO BOWL
The greatest Defensive Tackle of all time finally had an injury-derailed season in 2022 but we can’t forget the Hall of Fame track record Aaron Donald established before that and he’s still young enough to get back to that level. He’s the most disruptive player in football who no offensive coordinator wants to match up against.
– 8-2 W-L RECORD; 1-6 RECORD WHEN OUT
– 2021 DPOY WITH 22.5 SK (T-MOST EVER)
– 3X ALL-PRO 1ST TEAM; 5X PRO BOWLER
Despite 2022 getting cut off, TJ Watt‘s value was never more obvious as the Steelers had an 8-2 record with him and a 1-6 record without him during 2022. He’s still one of the best players in the game and only 29 years old with plenty of prime years left in the tank.
– PFF’S NO.1 RANKED EDGE IN 2022
– TOP 5% IN VERTICAL & BENCH PRESS
– 2017 NO.1 OVERALL PICK BY BROWNS
Not just a physical specimen, Myles Garrett has developed a true skillset that has elevated him among the best defenders in the game. Despite an abysmal supporting cast on Cleveland’s defensive line, Garrett continuously finds a way to make an impact no matter what the offensive gameplan is.
– 2x NFL DPOY RUNNER-UP IN 2 SEASONS
– ALL-PRO 1ST TEAM IN BOTH SEASONS
– 13+ SK, 65+ TKL, & 3+ FF IN EACH YEAR
Nobody is a more versatile defender than Micah Parsons who can play almost every position among the front-7 and makes plays all over the field. He took over for DeMarcus Lawrence at EDGE during his rookie year and hasn’t looked back since as a DPOY candidate during each of his first two seasons.
– 2022 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
– LED THE NFL IN SACKS (18.5) IN 2022
– 3X PRO BOWL IN 4 SEASONS; 2 GP IN ’20
Nick Bosa took his game to the next level in 2022 as the best defensive player in football. He’s been a Pro Bowler every healthy year of his career and has quickly outshined his own brother due to his ability to do it with power and speed off the edge for one of the best defenses in the game.
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