Ranking NFL's best front sevens: Where Khalil Mack, Bears land
Ranking NFL's best front sevens: Where Khalil Mack, Bears land
Matt BowenESPN PLUS ($ MATERIAL)
The Jacksonville Jaguars last season allowed just 4.6 yards per play and racked up 55 sacks, both tops in the league. It was a suffocating defense led by a versatile and athletic front seven to match the modern offenses we see in today's NFL.
Which teams have the best front sevens in 2018? Let's run through the top five based on what I've seen on film, pick out a few potential breakout players, and then I'll give you one thing to keep an eye on this season for each D.
The Jags are still in the top five -- Myles Jack could be in for a monster season. But don't forget about Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears, who are young and supremely talented. Let's get to the rankings, plus a closer look at teams on the cusp of making it:
Which teams have the best front sevens in 2018? Let's run through the top five based on what I've seen on film, pick out a few potential breakout players, and then I'll give you one thing to keep an eye on this season for each D.
The Jags are still in the top five -- Myles Jack could be in for a monster season. But don't forget about Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears, who are young and supremely talented. Let's get to the rankings, plus a closer look at teams on the cusp of making it:
1. Jacksonville JaguarsStarting defensive line: Calais Campbell, Marcell Dareus, Malik Jackson, Yannick Ngakoue
Starting linebackers: Telvin Smith, Myles Jack, Leon Jacobs
Why they're ranked here: The monster sack production of Campbell and Ngakoue jump out when you turn on the tape. Campbell put up 14.5 sacks last season, and Ngakoue had 12. But don't forget about the impact Dareus had in Jacksonville in 2017. With Dareus in the middle of that defensive line in Weeks 9-17, the Jags ranked No. 9 against the run, allowing 98.9 yards per game. In Weeks 1-8, before they made the trade with Buffalo? Dead last, giving up 136.8 rushing yards per game. It's the versatility of this defensive front with the speed of Smith and Jack at the second level. They are ideal fits at the linebacker position in Jacksonville's three-deep coverage looks.
Breakout candidate: Jack had 90 tackles and two sacks last season, but I expect a serious uptick in impact-play production going into his second full season as a starter. He made a house call on a pick-six against the Giants in Week 1 and had 10 tackles. Go back to the divisional-round playoff game against Pittsburgh last season to highlight his unique athleticism. That's linebacker size, paired with the skill set of a strong safety in space. Rare.
Keep an eye on ... Campbell generated Defensive Player of the Year consideration in his first season in Jacksonville, but the 23-year-old Ngakoue is a rising star. The first-step quicks give Ngakoue a jump off the ball, but it's the development of the counter moves at the point of attack that have allowed the third-year pro to blend his athleticism with technique. He has the pass-rushing makeup to post double-digit sack numbers again in 2018 -- and many seasons after.
2. Minnesota VikingsStarting linebackers: Telvin Smith, Myles Jack, Leon Jacobs
Why they're ranked here: The monster sack production of Campbell and Ngakoue jump out when you turn on the tape. Campbell put up 14.5 sacks last season, and Ngakoue had 12. But don't forget about the impact Dareus had in Jacksonville in 2017. With Dareus in the middle of that defensive line in Weeks 9-17, the Jags ranked No. 9 against the run, allowing 98.9 yards per game. In Weeks 1-8, before they made the trade with Buffalo? Dead last, giving up 136.8 rushing yards per game. It's the versatility of this defensive front with the speed of Smith and Jack at the second level. They are ideal fits at the linebacker position in Jacksonville's three-deep coverage looks.
Breakout candidate: Jack had 90 tackles and two sacks last season, but I expect a serious uptick in impact-play production going into his second full season as a starter. He made a house call on a pick-six against the Giants in Week 1 and had 10 tackles. Go back to the divisional-round playoff game against Pittsburgh last season to highlight his unique athleticism. That's linebacker size, paired with the skill set of a strong safety in space. Rare.
Keep an eye on ... Campbell generated Defensive Player of the Year consideration in his first season in Jacksonville, but the 23-year-old Ngakoue is a rising star. The first-step quicks give Ngakoue a jump off the ball, but it's the development of the counter moves at the point of attack that have allowed the third-year pro to blend his athleticism with technique. He has the pass-rushing makeup to post double-digit sack numbers again in 2018 -- and many seasons after.
Starting defensive line: Everson Griffen, Sheldon Richardson, Linval Joseph, Danielle Hunter
Starting linebackers: Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Ben Gedeon
Why they're ranked here: The Vikings allowed only 275.9 yards per game last season, best in the league. They were No. 1 in points allowed per game at 15.8. And they held opposing offenses to a 25.2 percent third-down conversion rate, which is ridiculously low. With two high-end pass-rushers in Griffen and Hunter, plus the interior disruption that Joseph provides next to Richardson, this D-line is as nasty as it gets. With versatile linebackers off the ball who can plug gaps in the run game, a unique blitz front in coach Mike Zimmer's camouflaged pressure schemes, the Vikings have one of the most complete front sevens in the league.
Breakout candidate: Richardson is coming off a one-sack season in Seattle, but don't let the numbers fool you. He can turn back the clock to his early years in the league with the Jets. Playing in Zimmer's scheme, Richardson will be put in productive situations. And if the Week 1 tape tells us anything, Richardson still can play at a high level. With a half-sack and six tackles, he was a problem for the 49ers' offensive line in Week 1.
Keep an eye on ... Focus on Joseph when watching the Vikings this season. Going into his ninth pro season, Joseph is a true pro on the interior. While he doesn't produce high-end pass-rushing numbers -- just 3.5 sacks last season -- his ability to wreck things shows on the film in every situation. He's a disruptor and a vital piece to this front seven.
3. Philadelphia EaglesStarting linebackers: Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Ben Gedeon
Why they're ranked here: The Vikings allowed only 275.9 yards per game last season, best in the league. They were No. 1 in points allowed per game at 15.8. And they held opposing offenses to a 25.2 percent third-down conversion rate, which is ridiculously low. With two high-end pass-rushers in Griffen and Hunter, plus the interior disruption that Joseph provides next to Richardson, this D-line is as nasty as it gets. With versatile linebackers off the ball who can plug gaps in the run game, a unique blitz front in coach Mike Zimmer's camouflaged pressure schemes, the Vikings have one of the most complete front sevens in the league.
Breakout candidate: Richardson is coming off a one-sack season in Seattle, but don't let the numbers fool you. He can turn back the clock to his early years in the league with the Jets. Playing in Zimmer's scheme, Richardson will be put in productive situations. And if the Week 1 tape tells us anything, Richardson still can play at a high level. With a half-sack and six tackles, he was a problem for the 49ers' offensive line in Week 1.
Keep an eye on ... Focus on Joseph when watching the Vikings this season. Going into his ninth pro season, Joseph is a true pro on the interior. While he doesn't produce high-end pass-rushing numbers -- just 3.5 sacks last season -- his ability to wreck things shows on the film in every situation. He's a disruptor and a vital piece to this front seven.
Defensive line rotation: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Haloti Ngata, Derek Barnett, Chris Long, Michael Bennett, Destiny Vaeao
Starting linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham, Nathan Gerry
Why they're ranked here: Forget about the starters along the defensive line -- this is a deep and talented rotation of studs. The Eagles led the NFL in rushing defense last season, allowing just 79.2 yards per game. This unit also held opposing offenses to a 32.3 percent conversion rate on third downs while ranking fourth in points allowed per game at 18.4. Cox is in the discussion with Aaron Donald as the top defensive tackle in the league. He's a game-wrecker. And coordinator Jim Schwartz can throw multiple edge rushers at opposing offenses. Plus, as we saw in the Week 1 win vs. Atlanta, Hicks has the ability to rush from the second level, and Bradham is a solid player. Both are fits for what Schwartz wants to do with his game plan.
Breakout candidate: Barnett picked up five sacks during his rookie season in 2017 while playing only 41.8 percent of the Eagles' defensive snaps. While he still will be a rotation pass-rusher, I'm really impressed with his technique off the edge and the energy level he brings to the field. Barnett is a high-effort player who should produce this season.
Keep an eye on ... Let's focus on Schwartz's coverage rotations in the secondary. The Eagles do a great job disguising their robber looks, and that can lead to coverage sacks when the safeties use late rotation to take away inside throwing lanes. Make the quarterback hold the ball in the pocket, and this front seven will create havoc.
4. Carolina PanthersStarting linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham, Nathan Gerry
Why they're ranked here: Forget about the starters along the defensive line -- this is a deep and talented rotation of studs. The Eagles led the NFL in rushing defense last season, allowing just 79.2 yards per game. This unit also held opposing offenses to a 32.3 percent conversion rate on third downs while ranking fourth in points allowed per game at 18.4. Cox is in the discussion with Aaron Donald as the top defensive tackle in the league. He's a game-wrecker. And coordinator Jim Schwartz can throw multiple edge rushers at opposing offenses. Plus, as we saw in the Week 1 win vs. Atlanta, Hicks has the ability to rush from the second level, and Bradham is a solid player. Both are fits for what Schwartz wants to do with his game plan.
Breakout candidate: Barnett picked up five sacks during his rookie season in 2017 while playing only 41.8 percent of the Eagles' defensive snaps. While he still will be a rotation pass-rusher, I'm really impressed with his technique off the edge and the energy level he brings to the field. Barnett is a high-effort player who should produce this season.
Keep an eye on ... Let's focus on Schwartz's coverage rotations in the secondary. The Eagles do a great job disguising their robber looks, and that can lead to coverage sacks when the safeties use late rotation to take away inside throwing lanes. Make the quarterback hold the ball in the pocket, and this front seven will create havoc.
Starting defensive line: Mario Addison, Kawann Short, Dontari Poe, Julius Peppers
Starting linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, David Mayo
Why they're ranked here: The Panthers produced 50 sacks in 2017 and allowed just 88.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked No. 3 in the league. Given the high-level consistency of Kuechly inside and the ascending talent of Thompson, the Panthers are set at the linebacker position, with Davis returning from suspension in Week 5. Up front, this is a veteran unit, anchored by Short on the interior and the presence of Peppers in passing situations. The 38-year-old still can hunt for a front seven that continues to show up year after year.
Breakout candidate: Thompson is entering his fourth season, and I'm expecting the linebacker to make a big jump. He has flashed the playmaking skills, and we know the athleticism is there. Now the opportunity is real. With the ability to play in space and close on the ball, Thompson can emerge as a productive, every-down defender.
Keep an eye on ... The clock is ticking on Peppers, and I'm looking for young defensive ends Bryan Cox Jr. and Marquis Haynes to get some game reps. The rookie Haynes has the quick-twitch burst off the ball and the length NFL scouts look for in edge rushers. Let's see if Carolina can develop some young rushers to play in the rotation.
5. Chicago BearsStarting linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, David Mayo
Why they're ranked here: The Panthers produced 50 sacks in 2017 and allowed just 88.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked No. 3 in the league. Given the high-level consistency of Kuechly inside and the ascending talent of Thompson, the Panthers are set at the linebacker position, with Davis returning from suspension in Week 5. Up front, this is a veteran unit, anchored by Short on the interior and the presence of Peppers in passing situations. The 38-year-old still can hunt for a front seven that continues to show up year after year.
Breakout candidate: Thompson is entering his fourth season, and I'm expecting the linebacker to make a big jump. He has flashed the playmaking skills, and we know the athleticism is there. Now the opportunity is real. With the ability to play in space and close on the ball, Thompson can emerge as a productive, every-down defender.
Keep an eye on ... The clock is ticking on Peppers, and I'm looking for young defensive ends Bryan Cox Jr. and Marquis Haynes to get some game reps. The rookie Haynes has the quick-twitch burst off the ball and the length NFL scouts look for in edge rushers. Let's see if Carolina can develop some young rushers to play in the rotation.
Starting defensive line: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Jonathan Bullard
Starting linebackers: Khalil Mack, Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Leonard Floyd
Why they're ranked here: The addition of Mack amplifies a front seven under veteran coordinator Vic Fangio that has so much upside. The Bears ranked No. 10 in total defense last season, allowing an average of 319.1 yards per game, and they produced 42 sacks. We should expect a boost in total sack numbers with Mack in town, and the veteran put on a show in Week 1 against the Packers with a sack, forced fumble and a pick-six off a screen concept. Along with the interior push of Hicks and the length/speed combo of Floyd off the opposite edge, the Bears will be able to create pressure up front. And the hype with Smith is real, too. Playing behind the big body of Goldman, the rookie linebacker should rack up tackles in the run game. Given Fangio's ability to blur coverage schemes with his two-high safety looks, the Bears now have the personnel to aggressively attack opposing offenses.
Breakout candidate: Smith saw limited reps in Week 1 after a prolonged contract holdout and then a hamstring injury in August, but he picked up a sack on his first NFL snap. It's the sideline-to-sideline speed we're looking at here. He can move, and he has natural instincts to find the ball. Smith has an extremely high ceiling given his modern skill set. Fangio's scheme leans heavily on linebackers, especially in nickel situations. Look for Smith to make an early impact.
Keep an eye on ... In two NFL seasons, Floyd has flashed his speed and pass-rushing technique off the edge, but the former top-10 pick has missed time due to injuries and heads into Year 3 with just 11.5 career sacks. Given that Mack should draw more double-teams and chips, with opposing offensive lines sliding the protection to his side, it's time for Floyd to produce consistently. He should see more one-on-one opportunities where he can use that athletic and long 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame to win matchups on the edge.
Starting linebackers: Khalil Mack, Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Leonard Floyd
Why they're ranked here: The addition of Mack amplifies a front seven under veteran coordinator Vic Fangio that has so much upside. The Bears ranked No. 10 in total defense last season, allowing an average of 319.1 yards per game, and they produced 42 sacks. We should expect a boost in total sack numbers with Mack in town, and the veteran put on a show in Week 1 against the Packers with a sack, forced fumble and a pick-six off a screen concept. Along with the interior push of Hicks and the length/speed combo of Floyd off the opposite edge, the Bears will be able to create pressure up front. And the hype with Smith is real, too. Playing behind the big body of Goldman, the rookie linebacker should rack up tackles in the run game. Given Fangio's ability to blur coverage schemes with his two-high safety looks, the Bears now have the personnel to aggressively attack opposing offenses.
Breakout candidate: Smith saw limited reps in Week 1 after a prolonged contract holdout and then a hamstring injury in August, but he picked up a sack on his first NFL snap. It's the sideline-to-sideline speed we're looking at here. He can move, and he has natural instincts to find the ball. Smith has an extremely high ceiling given his modern skill set. Fangio's scheme leans heavily on linebackers, especially in nickel situations. Look for Smith to make an early impact.
Keep an eye on ... In two NFL seasons, Floyd has flashed his speed and pass-rushing technique off the edge, but the former top-10 pick has missed time due to injuries and heads into Year 3 with just 11.5 career sacks. Given that Mack should draw more double-teams and chips, with opposing offensive lines sliding the protection to his side, it's time for Floyd to produce consistently. He should see more one-on-one opportunities where he can use that athletic and long 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame to win matchups on the edge.
Teams on the cusp of the top five
This starts with J.J. Watt. If the defensive end returns to the high-level play that allowed him to rack up Hall of Fame-level numbers before injuries the past two seasons, Houston is in the mix. The upside is there with young linebackers Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney. And we know the issues that Jadeveon Clowney can create against opposing offenses.
Cincinnati BengalsDon't sleep on a Cincinnati defensive line that is led by Geno Atkins. Highlight stuff. Carlos Dunlap is the vet on the edge, but the Bengals also have some youth there in Carl Lawson and Sam Hubbard. Preston Brown brings some veteran experience to a young linebacking group.
Baltimore RavensLinebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive tackle Brandon Williams fit the Don "Wink" Martindale scheme in Baltimore. And Terrell Suggs is still getting to quarterbacks off the edge. Coming off an 11 sack season, Suggs has now racked up 125.6 sacks over his 16 years in the league.
Los Angeles ChargersThe Chargers have the edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. These two can generate chaos when they turn the corner. The question I have is at the second level with the linebackers. L.A. has to show more consistency there to rise higher.
Washington RedskinsJonathan Allen is back, and they have rookie nose tackle Daron Payne. Those are young, physical players who mesh with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith, with Zach Brown off the ball.
San Francisco 49ersDefensive end Solomon Thomas needs to make a jump in his second pro season, but the 49ers have talent on the interior with DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead. Pair that with Reuben Foster at linebacker. He has the tools to be a star.