By: Team X Analysts
Each of us are building our perfect team. The stipulations are that this is a 5 year dynasty run. So you have to take into account health, age, off field concerns and experience.
Nathan’s 4-3 Defense
Defensive End
Danielle Hunter Minnesota Vikings – Hunter has all the traits to be a great pass rusher, strength, length and athleticism. But he’s not only a sack master who consistently gets pressure, but he’s good against the run racking up 72 tackles and 21 of those for a loss. He’s young and still getting better.
Defensive End
Myles Garrett Cleveland Browns – Another big, strong, and freaky athlete, Garrett has the ability to become one of the greats. Only 23 years old and still room to grow. I’m looking for a fast defense to fly around the field.
Defensive Tackle
Aaron Donald Los Anegles Rams – Not a lot needs to be said about Donald, he’s the best defensive tackle, possibly player in football. He turns his speed into power. He’s damn near unblockable and has shown that season after season.
Defensive Tackle
DeForest Buckner San Francisco 49ers – After a slow start to his career he had a breakout 2018. Buckner is a mountain of a man at six foot seven and 300 pounds. His strength and ability against the run will complement Donald’s pass rushing.
Outside Linebacker
Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts – I’ll give you one number, 163. That’s how many tackles Leonard had as a rookie last year. The small-school linebacker who was drafted in the second round and called “the worst draft pick of the whole 2018 draft” by one analyst. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and I love that. He’s fast, long and super athletic. Has a nose for the football with two interceptions and forcing four fumbles recovering two.
Outside Linebacker
Jaylon Smith Dallas Cowboys – Here comes my Notre Dame bias. That being said, you can’t argue this dudes talent or heart. Coming out of college he was considered a top 5 pick before blowing out his knee. He missed his rookie season recovering and training. He’s another tackling machine who can play sideline to sideline and has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs.
Middle Linebacker
Bobby Wagner Seattle Seahawks – The middle linebacker is the quarterback of your defense. Why not choose one of the best in the business. He averages 140 tackles a season and has been a leader on a Super Bowl winning defense. He’s going to bring veteren leadership and winning experience to an otherwise young front seven.
Cornerback 1
Jalen Ramsey Jacksonville Jaguars – He’s arrogant as all get out, but you need that at a position that is constantly trying to stop another position full of arrogant players. Ramsey has been a star since he was drafted. He has the ability to cover man to man or zone.
Cornerback 2
Marlon Humphrey Baltimore Ravens – Great man to man corner who I believe will break out in 2019 and become one of the top corners in the NFL. He’s usually tasked with guarding the other teams best receiver and plays for one of the top defenses in the league.
Slot Corner
Darius Slay Detroit Lions – Slay is probably the most underrated corner in the league. He’s basically been the lone man in the secondary for the Lions and is always tasked with matching up against the other teams top guy.
Strong Safety
Harrison Smith Minnesota Vikings – Back on the Notre Dame train here. Once again though, I don’t feel like im being a homer with this pick. Smith has been named a Pro Bowler four times and All Pro one time in his seven seasons. He also has twenty career interceptions and averages 81 tackles a season. Also, he’s not afraid to lay the hammer.
Free Safety
Eddie Jackson Chicago Bears – When it comes to the free safety position I want a guy who can fly around the field and make plays. Eddie Jackson is a playmaker. He’s always around the ball. He’ll be a perfect compliment for Harrison Smith.
Jeremy’s 3-4 Defense
Left End
Khalil Mack Chicago Bears – The best defensive end in football for rushing the passer, but great in the run game as well. Mack has the speed to not let anyone get around the edge, or chase down a running back who may catch a short pass.
Defensive Tackle
Chris Jones Kansas City Chiefs – Chris Jones is only 25 and had 15.5 sacks last season. He currently plays DT in a 3-4 system so this will be a natural fit. He is good at run defense but can also rush the passer, racking in 15.5 sacks last season.
Right End
Aaron Donald Los Angeles Rams – 2 time DPOY. He can do anything on the line, eating up blocks, stopping the run, and rushing the passer with 20.5 sacks. No need to say more about this guy.
Left Outside Linebacker
Von Miller Denver Broncos – Pure stud. He is one of the most consistent pass rushers with 98 sacks over 8 years. Not only that, but he can drop in coverage when need be or run down backs from across the field.
Middle Linebacker
Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts – Leonard was first team all pro in his rookie season, DROY, and had 163 tackles with 7 sacks. Any team would love to have him.
Middle Linebacker
Deion Jones-Jones is fast and is a big playmaker. He had 53 tackles in 6 games last year before injury, which put him on pace for 141. He is 24 years old and should have a lot of opportunities ahead of him. According to PFF, Atlanta’s coverage grade dropped from top 8 in the league to 19 th after his injury. He was a 2017 pro bowl selection, and would probably have been in 2018 as well if it weren’t for the foot injury.
Right Outside Linebacker
Leighton Vander Esch – LVE has the speed to rush if necessary in this 3-4, but also has the coverage skills to help out when needed. He was the 6 th rated LB last year in his rookie season with a pro bowl selection and 140 tackles. Look for him and Leonard to be the next Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner.
Cornerback
Byron Jones Dallas Cowboys – Byron is only 26 years old but came on strong in his third year after switching positions. He had one of the best pass coverage rankings in 2018. On another note, a lot of corners transition to a safety role as they get older. This will be easy for Jones as he transitioned from safety to corner.
Cornerback
Kyle Fuller Chicago Bears – Fuller is 27 years old but was a first team all pro last year at the CB position. He is a very physical corner which you want with today’s receivers and has pretty good size and press skills. He should be a top corner for years to come, coming off of 7 interceptions last year.
Free Safety
Kevin Byard Tennessee Titans – Byard has 12 interceptions over the last 2 years and has elite ratings according to PFF in both of the last 2 seasons.
Strong Safety
Jamal Adams New York Jets – Adams had 115 sacks last year and got his first pro bowl. He is only 23 years old and made big strides in his second year. I look to see him improve even more.
Skillman’s Nickel Defense
Defensive End
Khalil Mack Chicago Bears – Duh 🙄
Defensive End
Joey Bosa Los Angeles Chargers – I wanted ends that are pass rushers, but also stand out against the run. Both of these guys are stout against the run and deliver pass rushing. Bosa’s best attribute might be his relentless effort. A young Kerrigan you might say.
Defensive Tackle
Aaron Donald Los Angeles Rams – You almost have to put him here. He’s so incredibly dominant right now that if you don’t, you’re wrong. Even though this is all about opinion and it’s for fun. You’re wrong.
Defensive Tackle
Chris Jones Kansas City Chiefs – 80 pressures. 16 sacks.
Linebacker
Darius Leonard Indianapolis Colts – I’m a little biased bc of my colts fanhood. But Leonard is a 2nd year player with an all pro under his belt already. His speed to the tackle and coverage skills make him the perfect LB for this era of the NFL. Easy decision.
Linebacker
Jaylon Smith Dallas Cowboys – Another guy who has some coverage skills, as well as some blitzing skills. These two teamed up would be able to run down anyone or either side of the field.
Cornerback
Tre’Davious White Buffalo – White only allowed 30 catches on 52 targets last season for 357 yards. His rookie season was equally as impressive.
Cornerback
Marshon Lattimore – Lattimore is is young and was dominant in 2017. Had a bit of a down year in 2018 but as the year went on he returned to his 2017 self.
Nickel Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick Miami Dolphins – No other interior pass defender with at least 20% of the teams snaps at that position allowed a lower passer rating than Fitzpatrick. I also like him because of his versatility. He played snaps at slot corner, outside corner, free safety, box safety, and even snaps on the D-line.
Free Safety
Malik Hooker – I have faith that his injuries are behind him. At full health he’s one of the top safeties in the game. He’s got elite range and playmaking when he’s not dealing with injuries.
Strong Safety
Jamal Adams New York Jets – Adams has been great since his first season. Young with great coverage and tackling is all you can ask for.
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