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    Which Teams Will Have The Best Defenses Over The Next Three Years?

    Insider
    Which teams will have the best defenses over the next three years?

    Adam Rittenberg

    ESPN INSIDER

    After a respite for spring practice, ESPN's future power rankings return like a perfectly timed hit on an unsuspecting ball carrier. That's right: It's time to look at which defenses have the best outlook for the next three seasons.
    Alabama topped the defense rankings in 2017, and, after another national title run, Nick Saban's signature unit isn't going anywhere. Along with the SEC, both the Big Ten and ACC are well represented here.
    As a reminder, the rankings cover the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons. Just because a strong defense returns a lot of senior starters doesn't mean it will rank near the top. Defenses must show strength both now and in the near future. Input from opposing coaches factored heavily into the final order of teams.

    1. Alabama Crimson Tide2017 future defense ranking: 1Scouting the Crimson Tide:

    After finally getting healthy, Alabama's defense surged during the playoff. While the Tide certainly will miss mainstays like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Rashaan Evans and Da'Ron Payne, there's more than enough coming back. After a big finish, lineman Raekwon Davis returns for likely his last season and poses a matchup nightmare for just about any opponent at 6-foot-7 and 308 pounds. "An absolute stud," an SEC offensive coordinator said. If Isaiah Buggs continues to develop as a pass-rusher opposite Davis, Alabama's line could be unstoppable.

    Perhaps more encouraging is a linebacker group that should benefit from a season of injury and adversity, as young players such as Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson logged significant playing time. There's now a strong balance of veterans (Anfernee Jennings, Keith Holcombe, Christian Miller) and youth to lead the group for years to come. "What was their weakness last year," an opposing coordinator said, "might be more of an athletic strength [in 2018]."

    There are short-term questions with a new-look secondary, as Deionte Thompson, Saivion Smith, Shyheim Carter and others take on key roles. Alabama signed Patrick Surtain Jr., ESPN's top-rated cornerback in the 2018 class, as well as Eyabi Anoma, ESPN's top-rated defensive end and No. 3 overall player in the class.

    2. Ohio State Buckeyes

    2017 future defense ranking: 3Scouting the Buckeyes:

    While spending time in Columbus, Ohio, this spring, I sensed tremendous confidence about the defense. "It's a pretty intense group," coach Urban Meyer told me. "I like where we're at." Meyer has an incredible collection of talent and arguably the nation's best defensive coaching staff, which added Alex Grinch this year.

    The 2018 line likely won't be quite as deep as its predecessor, but Ohio State brings back national awards candidate Nick Bosa at end, along with veteran tackle Dre'Mont Jones. Hype is building around sophomore end Chase Young, who had 3.5 sacks in limited action in 2018. If juniors like Jashon Cornell, Jonathon Cooper and Robert Landers blossom, this should be one of the nation's better fronts. "They're so fresh and so hungry because they don't have a lot of snaps," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said.

    Linebacker is filled with players who have multiple years of eligibility left, whether it's Tuf Borland, who recorded 58 tackles as a redshirt freshman, or Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard, who both received strong reviews this spring. There are short-term questions in the secondary, particularly at safety, but Ohio State has recruited extremely well, signing ESPN's top-rated cornerback (Shaun Wade) and top-rated safety (Jeffrey Okudah) in the 2017 class. Both likely will play bigger roles this year at cornerback alongside juniors Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield.

    3. Clemson Tigers

    2017 future defense ranking: 2Scouting the Tigers:

    If this were a one-year projection, Clemson would be tough to move off of the top spot because of its defensive line. The Tigers bring back a once-in-a-generation front, headlined by end Christian Wilkins and tackle Dexter Lawrence but also featuring strong NFL prospects like Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. "That's where they're different, in the front seven," an ACC head coach said. "That makes 'em go. They're pretty special." The issue is the entire group should be gone in 2019. Clemson has recruited extremely well, signing five-star ends Xavier Thomas and K.J. Henry in the 2018 class, but should expect a reasonable drop-off.

    Kendall Joseph and Tre Lamar solidify the linebacker position for the short term, and sophomore Isaiah Simmons, a safety-linebacker hybrid, should help there, too. Secondary depth is the big concern, and the reason for Clemson's mini drop on this list. The team will lean on Trayvon Mullen in 2018, but ESPN 300 selections Kyler McMichael and Mario Goodrich might enter the rotation when they arrive this summer. "If you can throw the ball 15 yards or more down the field against them, you have a chance," an opposing offensive coordinator said. "But in order to do that, you've got to hold on to the ball, and it's really hard to do."

    4. Georgia Bulldogs

    2017 defense ranking: 14Scouting the Bulldogs:

    Kirby Smart will soon have Georgia's defense on autopilot, replacing standouts with standouts at most if not all positions. But the 2018 season will be revealing as the Bulldogs lose Butkus Award winner Roquan Smith, as well as fellow standout linebacker Lorenzo Carter and veteran safety Dominick Sanders. Georgia will lean on veterans Jonathan Ledbetter and Julian Rochester up front, as well as senior D'Andre Walker, safety J.R. Reed and others in a reshaped back seven. The Bulldogs also add defensive lineman Jay Hayes, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame. "They were really deep on the defensive line," said an offensive coordinator who faced the Bulldogs in 2017. "Personnel and scheme, they were one of the best we saw."

    Smart is building depth and talent in the secondary, signing heralded prospects like Tyson Campbell, Richard LeCounte III and William Poole III in his first two classes. While the unit likely won't be as dominant this season, expect to see a move up in 2019 and beyond.As a reminder, the rankings cover the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons. Just because a strong defense returns a lot of senior starters doesn't mean it will rank near the top. Defenses must show strength both now and in the near future. Input from opposing coaches factored heavily into the final order of teams.

    1. Alabama Crimson Tide

    2017 future defense ranking: 1Scouting the Crimson Tide:

    After finally getting healthy, Alabama's defense surged during the playoff. While the Tide certainly will miss mainstays like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Rashaan Evans and Da'Ron Payne, there's more than enough coming back. After a big finish, lineman Raekwon Davis returns for likely his last season and poses a matchup nightmare for just about any opponent at 6-foot-7 and 308 pounds. "An absolute stud," an SEC offensive coordinator said. If Isaiah Buggs continues to develop as a pass-rusher opposite Davis, Alabama's line could be unstoppable.

    Perhaps more encouraging is a linebacker group that should benefit from a season of injury and adversity, as young players such as Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson logged significant playing time. There's now a strong balance of veterans (Anfernee Jennings, Keith Holcombe, Christian Miller) and youth to lead the group for years to come. "What was their weakness last year," an opposing coordinator said, "might be more of an athletic strength [in 2018]."

    There are short-term questions with a new-look secondary, as Deionte Thompson, Saivion Smith, Shyheim Carter and others take on key roles. Alabama signed Patrick Surtain Jr., ESPN's top-rated cornerback in the 2018 class, as well as Eyabi Anoma, ESPN's top-rated defensive end and No. 3 overall player in the class.

    2. Ohio State Buckeyes

    2017 future defense ranking: 3Scouting the Buckeyes:

    While spending time in Columbus, Ohio, this spring, I sensed tremendous confidence about the defense. "It's a pretty intense group," coach Urban Meyer told me. "I like where we're at." Meyer has an incredible collection of talent and arguably the nation's best defensive coaching staff, which added Alex Grinch this year.

    The 2018 line likely won't be quite as deep as its predecessor, but Ohio State brings back national awards candidate Nick Bosa at end, along with veteran tackle Dre'Mont Jones. Hype is building around sophomore end Chase Young, who had 3.5 sacks in limited action in 2018. If juniors like Jashon Cornell, Jonathon Cooper and Robert Landers blossom, this should be one of the nation's better fronts. "They're so fresh and so hungry because they don't have a lot of snaps," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said.

    Linebacker is filled with players who have multiple years of eligibility left, whether it's Tuf Borland, who recorded 58 tackles as a redshirt freshman, or Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard, who both received strong reviews this spring. There are short-term questions in the secondary, particularly at safety, but Ohio State has recruited extremely well, signing ESPN's top-rated cornerback (Shaun Wade) and top-rated safety (Jeffrey Okudah) in the 2017 class. Both likely will play bigger roles this year at cornerback alongside juniors Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield.

    3. Clemson Tigers

    2017 future defense ranking: 2Scouting the Tigers:

    If this were a one-year projection, Clemson would be tough to move off of the top spot because of its defensive line. The Tigers bring back a once-in-a-generation front, headlined by end Christian Wilkins and tackle Dexter Lawrence but also featuring strong NFL prospects like Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. "That's where they're different, in the front seven," an ACC head coach said. "That makes 'em go. They're pretty special." The issue is the entire group should be gone in 2019. Clemson has recruited extremely well, signing five-star ends Xavier Thomas and K.J. Henry in the 2018 class, but should expect a reasonable drop-off.

    Kendall Joseph and Tre Lamar solidify the linebacker position for the short term, and sophomore Isaiah Simmons, a safety-linebacker hybrid, should help there, too. Secondary depth is the big concern, and the reason for Clemson's mini drop on this list. The team will lean on Trayvon Mullen in 2018, but ESPN 300 selections Kyler McMichael and Mario Goodrich might enter the rotation when they arrive this summer. "If you can throw the ball 15 yards or more down the field against them, you have a chance," an opposing offensive coordinator said. "But in order to do that, you've got to hold on to the ball, and it's really hard to do."

    4. Georgia Bulldogs

    2017 defense ranking: 14Scouting the Bulldogs:

    Kirby Smart will soon have Georgia's defense on autopilot, replacing standouts with standouts at most if not all positions. But the 2018 season will be revealing as the Bulldogs lose Butkus Award winner Roquan Smith, as well as fellow standout linebacker Lorenzo Carter and veteran safety Dominick Sanders. Georgia will lean on veterans Jonathan Ledbetter and Julian Rochester up front, as well as senior D'Andre Walker, safety J.R. Reed and others in a reshaped back seven. The Bulldogs also add defensive lineman Jay Hayes, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame. "They were really deep on the defensive line," said an offensive coordinator who faced the Bulldogs in 2017. "Personnel and scheme, they were one of the best we saw."

    Smart is building depth and talent in the secondary, signing heralded prospects like Tyson Campbell, Richard LeCounte III and William Poole III in his first two classes. While the unit likely won't be as dominant this season, expect to see a move up in 2019 and beyond.9. LSU Tigers

    2017 future defense ranking: 5Scouting the Tigers:

    It's a pivotal Year 2 for Ed Orgeron, who needs LSU's offense to come together around a capable (still to be determined) quarterback. But the Tigers' defense is in very good shape under coordinator Dave Aranda, who in January received a record four-year, $10 million contract. The Tigers return a good mix of experience and dynamic young talent, especially in their back seven. Inside linebacker Devin White (133 tackles, 14 for loss in 2017) will once again lead the unit, along with safeties John Battle and Grant Delpit, cornerback Greedy Williams and others.

    Delpit, Williams and Kary Vincent Jr. are part of a sophomore-filled secondary that should be very good for at least the next two years. Williams recorded six interceptions and 17 passes defended last fall, starting every game as a redshirt freshman. "LSU will be the most improved defense in the league," an SEC coach said. "They have so much coming back. They're long at corner, really good at corner, and their field safety is excellent." LSU also adds Terrence Alexander, a graduate transfer from Stanford, to the secondary.

    The defensive line largely turns over in 2018, but opposing coaches think Texas Tech transfer Breiden Fehoko will make an impact opposite veteran end Rashard Lawrence. After a huge defensive haul in the 2017 recruiting class, LSU's most recent group isn't quite as glitzy but includes Kelvin Joseph, ESPN's No. 5 cornerback, and Travez Moore, ESPN's top-rated junior college linebacker.

    10. Texas Longhorns

    2017 future defense ranking: 18Scouting the Longhorns:

    Just a year into the Tom Herman era, Texas is viewed as the class of the Big 12 on defense. The combination of coordinator Todd Orlando's ability to develop players and Herman's exemplary recruiting -- Texas signed ESPN's top three safeties in the 2018 class, as well as the No. 2 defensive tackle and the No. 3 inside linebacker -- has the Longhorns in great shape for years to come. "Oklahoma's talent base on defense is not close to Texas'," a Power 5 offensive coordinator said. "Texas' second team is a good football team." A Big 12 coach added, "They were more athletic than Oklahoma across the board defensively, and what they're doing schematically, it fits, it matches. They're going to be really good on the defensive side."

    Texas has a few holes to fill after losing linebacker Malik Jefferson, safety DeShon Elliott, tackle Poona Ford and others, but it returns solid pieces at all three levels. There's a lot of experience at linebacker (Gary Johnson, Breckyn Hager, Anthony Wheeler), defensive end (Charles Omenihu and Malcolm Roach) and defensive back (Kris Boyd, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke). But who are the stars? It will be interesting to see how much youth sees the field in 2018, especially in the back end.

    11. Florida Gators

    2017 future defense ranking: 10Scouting the Gators:

    Dan Mullen must accomplish what the past two Florida coaches could not: Score more points and upgrade the quarterback position. But if Mullen can build on what Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain did on defense, the Gators should be in good shape. Florida has had a defender selected in the first round of the past six NFL drafts, and 10 defenders in the first three rounds of the past three drafts. "Florida was really good on defense until stuff started getting away from them and they couldn't score points," an SEC offensive coordinator said of the 2017 team. "Their front four was really athletic. They were salty."

    Although 2018 will be a year of transition, Florida has a nice mix of experience (rush end Cece Jefferson, end Jabari Zuniga, linebacker David Reese, defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson) and youth (sophomore cornerbacks Marco Wilson and CJ Henderson). The secondary looks like a long-term strength as most and possibly all key contributors return for 2019, and top-30 recruit Justin Watkins would add to the mix if he ends up playing cornerback. Florida is looking for additional playmakers up front alongside Jefferson and Zuniga, and Antonneous Clayton, ESPN's No. 2 end and No. 10 overall player in the 2016 class, could be primed for a big season.

    12. Florida State Seminoles

    2017 future defense ranking: 4Scouting the Seminoles:

    A fresh start could be exactly what FSU needs to spark one of the game's most historically explosive defenses. Willie Taggart made a smart coordinator hire in Michigan State's Harlon Barnett, and opposing coaches expect the talent to roll into Tallahassee, Florida. The next season will be one of transition, as FSU loses its top linebackers, tackle Derrick Nnadi up front, and safety Derwin James (a first-round draft pick) and cornerback Tarvarus McFadden in the back end. But Jimbo Fisher's exceptional recruiting leaves the new staff enough to have success. "They've underachieved a bit with all the talent they've had the last couple of years," an ACC coach said.

    The line could be a strength right away, especially if Brian Burns breaks out as a pass-rusher and Marvin Wilson, ESPN's No. 4 overall player in the 2017 class, returns well from a knee injury. Defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, another five-star prospect in the 2017 class, also could be on the brink of big things. Cornerback Levonta Taylor and safety A.J. Westbrook give the secondary some immediate experience, and several young players started games last fall, including sophomore Stanford Samuels III, ESPN's No. 7 cornerback in the 2017 class. Linebacker is an immediate concern although Dontavious Jackson shows promise, and Taggart's first recruiting class was heavy on defensive prospects, headlined by defensive backs Asante Samuel Jr., A.J. Lytton and Jaiden Woodbey, who all ranked among ESPN's top 70 national recruits.

    13. Miami Hurricanes

    2017 future defense ranking: 15Scouting the Hurricanes:

    This group received varied feedback after a 2017 season that featured a splendid start but a feeble finish. Coaches think the Hurricanes will miss defensive tackles RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton, who both entered the NFL draft with a year of eligibility left. Junior end Joe Jackson, who has 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in his first two seasons, will undoubtedly be the featured lineman this year, and coaches like his potential. But there was more praise for Miami's back seven, as starting linebackers Shaquille Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud return for their third years. Playmaking safety Jaquan Johnson, the team's MVP in 2017, also returns. "Miami is pretty athletic," an ACC coach said. "They may be better in the back end and not as good up front."

    The Canes lose Dee Delaney and Malek Young (medical retirement) in the secondary, and Johnson, safety Sheldrick Redwine and cornerback Michael Jackson all depart after 2018. Miami couldn't land Surtain in last year's recruiting but adds decorated defensive prospects like tackle Nesta Silvera and Al Blades Jr. to the mix.

    14. TCU Horned Frogs

    2017 future defense ranking: 22Scouting the Horned Frogs:

    The Big 12's stingiest defense last season (19 PPG allowed) loses key pieces like Mat Boesen and Travin Howard but returns a nice core and a coach, Gary Patterson, whose schematic expertise is respected around the country. The line should be the unit's strength, at least in the short term, as end Ben Banogu (8.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles) passed up the NFL draft to return. Tackles Ross Blacklock and Corey Bethley showed great promise in 2017 and are both only sophomores. "They were really good up front," a Big 12 coach said. "They've got real, real guys on the inside. And they're so well-coached."

    Linebacker also appears to be in good shape for 2018, as Ty Summers, a third-year starter and All-Big 12 selection, is back, and TCU adds Northern Illinois graduate transfer Jawuan Johnson, who had 18 tackles for loss, five interceptions and five forced fumbles during a breakout 2017 season. There's a bit of turnover in the secondary, but several non-seniors with experience return: Innis Gaines, Niko Small, Jeff Gladney. TCU also added ESPN 300 safety Atanza Vongor in its 2018 recruiting class.

    15. Michigan State Spartans

    2017 future defense ranking: NRScouting the Spartans: I

    n hindsight, it was foolish not to rank MSU in the previous edition, given the unit's track record under Mark Dantonio. Despite a lot of new faces, the Spartans finished seventh nationally in yards allowed and 19th in points allowed last fall. MSU returns nine starters from that defense for 2018, and only two of them are seniors. "They make me nervous because they know who they are," a Big Ten coach said. "Another whole year in that program, I bet they roll out a pretty stingy defense. Every year they're in the program, they get better and better."

    Junior end Kenny Willekes should be on the national radar after a breakout 2017 season, and linebacker Joe Bachie, safety David Dowell and cornerback Josiah Scott also are All-Big Ten candidates. Scott, who had 10 pass breakups and two interceptions as a freshman All-American, looks like the next elite defensive back under Dantonio. MSU's recruiting doesn't pop as much as other teams on this list, but the staff has consistently developed all-conference players and should have one of the nation's top units through 2019, and likely beyond. Freshman defensive backs Kalon Gervin and Xavier Henderson, both early enrollees, stood out this spring.


    16. USC Trojans
    2017 future defense ranking: 8
    Scouting the Trojans: A drop here was warranted after a mediocre performance in 2017 and some lukewarm reviews from coaches who faced USC's defense. "A couple of the guys were athletic up front, but they seem like a front-running team," a coach said. "I don't know how tough or how resilient they are. They have some talent, but I don't know if they'll be consistently good. If the matchups are right, they'll play well."


    The unit is more than capable of an upgrade in 2018. Linebacker could be a strength, as three-year starter Cameron Smith, an All-Pac-12 selection, is back alongside John Houston, Porter Gustin and others. USC must fill the pass-rushing void left by Uchenna Nwosu, and will lean on Gustin as well as junior Jordan Iosefa. Junior Christian Rector (7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss in 2017) leads the line, but USC lacks much proven experience other than senior end Malik Dorton.


    The Trojans have strong depth at cornerback with Iman Marshall, Jack Jones, Ajene Harris and Isaiah Langley, although only Jones has eligibility beyond 2018. First-team All-Pac-12 safety Marvell Tell III also returns, so USC should be in good shape this fall but questions loom for 2019 and 2020. Not surprisingly, the Trojans' recruiting is strong, as they just signed Palaie Gaoteote, ESPN's top inside linebacker prospect, and talented defensive backs Olaijah Griffin and Isaac Taylor-Stuart.



    17. Penn State Nittany Lions
    2017 future defense ranking: 12
    Scouting the Nittany Lions: Although the offense has propelled Penn State the past two seasons and could continue to do so in 2018, the team's improved recruiting has applied to both sides of the ball. We'll soon find out the impact on defense, as Penn State loses eight starters from 2017, including both tackles, both safeties and middle linebacker Jason Cabinda, the team's leading tackler last season. The unit lacks a guaranteed superstar, although cornerback Amani Oruwariye (four interceptions), end Shareef Miller (five sacks, 11 tackles for loss), linebacker Koa Farmer and others have that potential in 2018.


    Coordinator Brent Pry has options at end with Miller, Ryan Buchholz, Shaka Toney and Torrence Brown. Junior tackles Kevin Givens and Robert Windsor have huge roles the next two seasons, and Cam Brown looks like the next man in at middle linebacker. Cornerback John Reid's return from injury gives the secondary a nice boost. But for the defensive unit to move into the Big Ten's elite, top recruits from both the 2017 class (Lamont Wade, Ellis Brooks) and especially the 2018 class (Micah Parsons, Jayson Oweh, P.J. Mustipher) must excel. Parsons dazzled during his first spring and could become PSU's next national defensive star. "The ingredients are there," Pry told me this spring. "We've recruited well. It's just how quickly they come along."



    18. Stanford Cardinal
    2017 future defense ranking: 11
    Scouting the Cardinal: One of the nation's more consistent defenses took a step backward in 2017, as Stanford clearly missed Solomon Thomas up front. The Cardinal lose their top two playmakers, lineman Harrison Phillips and safety Justin Reid, and must recapture the form they displayed for so many years. "They weren't near as dynamic and, quite frankly, not as stout as they've been in the past," a Pac-12 coach said.


    Defensive line is the position to watch in the short term, as Stanford really needs players like Dylan Jackson and Jovan Swann to take the next step. The team's success recruiting players like Dalyn Wade-Perry and Ryan Johnson, both ESPN 300 prospects in the 2017 class, will need to translate sooner than later. Stanford returns experienced senior starters at both linebacker (Bobby Okereke, Jordan Perez and Joey Alfieri) and in the secondary (Alameen Murphy, Frank Buncom, Ben Edwards), but building depth for beyond 2018 will be key. It's a big year for younger players like cornerbacks Malik Antoine and Paulson Adebo, linebacker Gabe Reid and lineman Bo Peek.



    19. Utah Utes
    2017 future defense ranking: 19
    Scouting the Utes: It's a testament to what Kyle Whittingham has built that Utah is losing three starting linemen, including two All-Pac-12 performers (Lowell Lotulelei and Filipo Mokofisi), and still feels good about the unit's outlook. The Utes bring back sacks leader Bradlee Anae and interceptions leader Julian Blackmon, both juniors, along with key veterans like Chase Hansen and Marquise Blair. Hansen shifts from safety to rover linebacker, where he hopes to regain his playmaking prowess from 2016, when he recovered four fumbles, forced three, intercepted three passes and broke up nine.
    Utah's short-term priority is generating production around Anae up front, and will turn to players like tackles Leki Fotu, Pita Tonga and John Penisini, and ends Maxs Tupai, Nick Heninger, Caleb Repp and Mika Tafua. All have multiple years of eligibility left and should solidify the line through 2020. Blackmon and senior safety Corrion Ballard lead a secondary that includes six players who started games in 2017. Nickelback Javelin Guidry showed tremendous promise as a true freshman (31 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups) and should be a building block. Utah's junior college recruiting should continue to pay off as Tareke Lewis, ESPN's No. 31 juco prospect in the 2018 class, should be a factor at nickel this fall.



    20. Texas A&M Aggies
    2017 future defense ranking: NR
    Scouting the Aggies: The unit's struggles under respected coordinator John Chavis remain baffling, but Texas A&M should soon be on the upswing. Coaches see the untapped talent on the roster and the arrival of Mike Elko from Notre Dame as a combination that will elevate a disappointing defense. "They'll explode," a Power 5 offensive coordinator said. "Elko's really good, and they've had good players." An SEC coach added: "They had three D-ends who were rangy and long, two very athletic linebackers, one played inside and one played to the field. That was the most underachieving defense in the league."


    Expect a significant jump in Year 1, as Elko boasts a strong and experienced front seven, including 2017 SEC sacks leader Landis Durham at end, Kingsley Keke at tackle and productive linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka. Tackle Justin Madubuike, only a sophomore, had a huge spring. Elko must upgrade a secondary that was prone to busts under the previous staff, but safety Derrick Tucker and cornerback Charles Oliver are back along with safety Donovan Wilson, who missed almost all of last season with injury. Texas A&M's strong recruiting hasn't always translated, but Jimbo Fisher's first class includes ESPN 300 safety Leon O'Neal Jr.



    21. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
    2017 future defense ranking: NR
    Scouting the Irish: In one year, Notre Dame's defense went from liability to team strength. Despite losing the coordinator, Elko, who orchestrated key gains in takeaways and negative-yardage plays, the Irish expect even more progress under Clark Lea as 10 starters return and depth builds in key spots. While several key returnees are seniors -- among them, linebacker Te'von Coney, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill, who thrived after Elko moved him into the box from safety -- Notre Dame also has key players with multiple years of eligibility left, like cornerback Julian Love and end Daelin Hayes. "Their back end was average, but they played above their head, and their D-line was really good," said an offensive coordinator who faced the Irish in 2017. "That kid [Tranquill] they moved from safety to outside linebacker, [Elko] might have saved that kid's career. He was a ballplayer."


    The immediate concerns are safety and pass-rusher, although six players with multiple sacks in 2017 are back, and Navy transfer Alohi Gilman should be a big contributor at safety. Linebacker depth will be an area to watch in 2019, but Notre Dame stocked up on defensive back recruits in the most recent class, signing ESPN top 100 players Derrik Allen and Houston Griffith, among others.



    22. Virginia Tech Hokies
    2017 future defense ranking: 20
    Scouting the Hokies: The immediate forecast is murky, as the defense loses two first-round draft picks (linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Terrell Edmunds), space-eating tackle Tim Settle and productive players like linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka and cornerback Greg Stroman. But veteran coordinator Bud Foster can lean on a line that returns starters Ricky Walker, Trevon Hill and Vinny Mihota. "I'm curious about them after all they lost," an ACC offensive coordinator said. "Hats off to Bud Foster. He always seems to find a way. I'm hoping they do struggle, but they've always found a way to do a good job."


    Linebacker is the biggest short-term priority, and the depth chart there will be fluid as only sophomores Daniel Griffith and Dylan Rivers have experience. Playmaking safety Reggie Floyd (three interceptions, two forced fumbles in 2017) and nickel Mook Reynolds will lead the secondary, which also returns senior cornerback Adonis Alexander. But the Hokies could be relying on young players like Caleb Farley or newcomers like Jeremy Webb, ESPN's No. 2 junior college cornerback in the 2018 class. Virginia Tech has plucked a handful of ESPN 300 defensive prospects in the past two classes, including 2017 signee Nathan Proctor and 2018 prospect Chamarri Conner.



    23. Northwestern Wildcats
    2017 future defense ranking: 25
    Scouting the Wildcats: This defense squeaked into the rankings last season and showed why it belongs. Since 2015, Northwestern ranks 12th nationally in expected points added by the defense. Although tackle Tyler Lancaster is a significant loss, Northwestern returns several long-term building blocks. "They do great job of getting guys to play at their level or even above," a Big Ten coach said. "They were solid and well-coached. It's tough to play harder than them."
    Chief among them is sophomore linebacker Paddy Fisher, who led the Big Ten in forced fumbles (4) and led FBS first-year players with 113 tackles in 2017. Junior end Joe Gaziano matched Fisher with four forced fumbles and led the Big Ten in sacks (9). Sophomore end Samdup Miller is another budding star after leading Power 5 first-year players with 8.5 tackles for loss. Northwestern needs Jordan Thompson and others to fill Lancaster's role in the interior. Linebacker Nate Hall returns for his final season after finishing second in the league in tackles for loss (16.5).


    Northwestern gets cornerback Montre Hartage, a bona fide NFL prospect, back for his third year as a starter. Although Hartage is the only full-time starter back in the secondary, several others -- cornerback Alonzo Mayo, safeties Jared McGee and Trae Williams -- have starting experience. Northwestern continues to add solid defensive recruits and linebacker Khalid Jones, an early enrollee, could enter the rotation this fall.



    24. San Diego State Aztecs
    2017 future defense ranking: NR
    Scouting the Aztecs: In hindsight, it was a mistake to exclude the Aztecs from last year's rankings. They just keep winning, largely because of a defense that, since 2015, ranks 10th nationally in expected points added. Although SDSU wasn't quite as salty on defense in 2017, it has the right personnel for a step forward. "If you allow them to attack you with their 3-3 blitzing packages, it can get hard on you," a Mountain West offensive coordinator said. "They're not that big but they will show multiple pressures out of that 3-3 stack."


    The Aztecs bring back top tackler Ronley Lakalaka at linebacker, talented tackle Noble Hall and safety Tariq Thompson, who led the team with five interceptions as a freshman. Joining Thompson is junior cornerback Ron Smith, who recorded 18 passes defended in 2017. Although the Aztecs must replace two starters, their secondary is filled with younger players who got a dose of game action and can possibly carry the defense through 2020. Junior linebackers Kyahva Tezino and Troy Cassidy join Lakalaka, and the team hopes Andrew Aleki is the long-term answer in the middle spot.


    San Diego State must build cornerback depth opposite Smith, and defensive end is a short-term concern. Transfers Joah Robinett and Jalil Lecky give Rocky Long options, and there are high hopes for redshirt freshmen Shane Irwin and Mark Brown. Although SDSU went through a coordinator change this winter, the depth chart is filled with talented non-seniors who should maintain the unit's success.



    25. Boston College Eagles


    2017 future defense ranking: NR
    Scouting the Eagles: Boston College is largely off the radar nationally, but it has played very good defense for some time and should continue to do so. Remember, before Don Brown sparked Michigan's defense, he had Boston College maxing out. Since 2015, Boston College's defense ranks eighth nationally in expected points added, and none of the top seven had anywhere near as anemic an offense as BC's. "They're always one of the biggest challenges for us," an ACC offensive coordinator said. "They play very tough, very physical. They make you earn everything."


    Three Eagles defenders were drafted in April, including second-round pick Harold Landry, and BC should have another strong output in 2019. Safety Lukas Denis and lineman Zach Allen both appeared in Todd McShay's first mock draft for 2019. Some project Allen as a top-10 pick. Will Harris joins Denis to lead the secondary after recording 73 tackles and four fumble recoveries in 2017. The Eagles have holes to fill at cornerback, where both starters were drafted, and likely will turn to Taj-Amir Torres and Hamp Cheevers there. Linebacker depth is another priority as Boston College hopes Connor Strachan and Max Richardson return at full strength from injury.

    Last edited by Hman; 05-17-18 at 03:35 PM.

  2. #2
    BigdaddyQH
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    It's the same teams over and over again. It takes little or no brains to pick these teams.

  3. #3
    daneblazer
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    Alabama, Clemson, Georgia the next 5 seasons.

  4. #4
    michlafon15
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    Michigan has the number 1 total defense in 2016 reloaded and had the number 3 total defense last year and lost 1 player and they don’t make the list??

  5. #5
    M.W.
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    If this were a one-year projection, Clemson would be tough to move off of the top spot because of its defensive line. The Tigers bring back a once-in-a-generation front, headlined by end Christian Wilkins and tackle Dexter Lawrence
    Wilkins is not an end. Wilkins and Lawrence are both tackles.

  6. #6
    M.W.
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    Quote Originally Posted by daneblazer View Post
    Alabama, Clemson, Georgia the next 5 seasons.
    I agree. And Clemson and Georgia need to be playing every year, just like the good old days.

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