The NFL's best position groups
Pro Football Focus
ESPN INSIDER

All the heavy lifting of NFL roster-building is done.With the draft and free agency over, let's take a look at the best position groups throughout the league using the data and grading from the Pro Football Focus database.Note: This uses information from PFF's analytics department that focuses heavily on the passing game over the running game as it relates to positions that do both.

Quarterback: New England Patriots

Depth chart: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Danny EtlingNick Foles channeled the spirit of Joe Montana in the two most important games of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2017 season, but most teams are treading water when their starter goes down. There's typically such a big drop-off in quality between a team's starter and the player holding his clipboard that this position group is often all about the quality of the guy under center. Tom Brady remains the gold standard here for that reason, coming off a 95.5 overall PFF grade, leading the league for the second straight season. He was even better the year before (98.0), and while there are players who are capable of matching Brady in their best seasons, none has been able to replicate what he has done over the past few seasons combined -- with Father Time knocking at his door. Last season, he had the third-best big-time throw percentage (PFF's highest-graded passes) and the fifth-best turnover-worthy play rate, ranking in the top three in both grade from a clean pocket and when under pressure.
Runners-up

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees isn't at his peak, but he's still an exceptional quarterback and had the second-best overall PFF grade in the league in 2017 (88.6). With the Saints better than ever around him, his job is also easier than it has ever been.Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is now the league's highest-paid player, and he is probably closer to deserving that than his detractors will ever acknowledge. He had 12 interceptions last season but suffered terrible luck, and he actually had the best turnover-worthy play rate in the game (0.9 percent).

Running back: New Orleans Saints

Depth chart: Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, Trey Edmunds, Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams, Daniel LascoWith Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games, this unit will be a little worse at the start of the regular season. But Alvin Kamara was phenomenal as a rookie, and there are depth players who will mitigate that loss. Kamara's overall PFF grade of 90.2 ranked second in the league, and he did that on just 548 snaps. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry after contact, breaking 28 tackles on 120 attempts and another 29 on 81 receptions. He was the perfect matchup weapon for today's NFL and will likely see an even bigger workload in Year 2, especially in the four games without Ingram. Sixth-round pick Boston Scott could be a surprise factor early in the season with Ingram absent. Scott trailed only Ronald Jones and Saquon Barkley in overall PFF grade in college a season ago and averaged 3.9 yards per carry after contact. The 5-foot-7, 203-pound Scott could find a way to contribute and make a surprising statement.
Runners-up

Philadelphia Eagles: Jay Ajayi has broken 113 tackles over the past two seasons and is a monster after contact. Darren Sproles returns for one more go, and Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood and others can contribute -- even in key moments (like, say, the Super Bowl).Atlanta Falcons: Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman are a formidable duo, but fifth-round rookie Ito Smith also could be a factor. Smith broke 225 tackles in his college career and can be a factor on the ground and as a receiver.
Wide receiver: Minnesota Vikings

Depth chart: Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Kendall Wright, Laquon Treadwell, Stacy Coley, Brandon Zylstra, Tavarres King, Cayleb Jones, Korey Robertson, Jake WienekeStefon Diggs and Adam Thielen were the best wide receiver duo in the game last season. Though neither can challenge the likes of Antonio Brown as the game's best at the position, they did more to help their quarterback as a pair than any one receiver in the league. Diggs led all receivers in contested catch rate (64.5 percent), while Thielen ranked in the top six, meaning they led the league in contested catch rate as a duo. They were the only wide receiver pairing to both rank inside the top 10 in overall PFF grade in 2017. The key now becomes what depth looks like behind them in 2018. Kendall Wright was signed in free agency and can be a capable slot weapon, but Laquon Treadwell's time is running out to prove he can make any kind of impact. Stacy Coley graded extremely well in the preseason a year ago, catching 10 of 16 targets, and could pass Treadwell on the depth chart.
Runners-up

Detroit Lions: The Lions have one of the most balanced receiving corps in the league, with Golden Tate a run-after-the-catch monster (a league-best 22 broken tackles for receivers in 2017) and Marvin Jones an excellent deep threat (a league-leading 16 deep receptions in 2017). Kenny Golladay flashed as a rookie and could make this group even better in 2018.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Adam Humphries form a classically balanced receiving trio that fulfills all roles an offense could want from its wide receivers. Chris Godwin was the highest-graded rookie receiver a year ago (79.9) and could take his game to another level this season.

Tight end: New England Patriots

Depth chart: Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Will Tye, Troy Niklas, Ryan IzzoStill one of the game's most unstoppable players, Rob Gronkowski is a matchup problem capable of changing entire games. The Steelers were the league's most zone-heavy team last season, playing man coverage on just 15.0 percent of their coverage snaps, but implemented a man-heavy coverage plan against the Patriots because that was how teams gave New England the most trouble. Overall, it was successful, but Gronkowski rendered it impotent because Pittsburgh still could not cover him. He caught 9 of 11 passes thrown his way for 168 yards and a touchdown, added a two-point conversion and dominated on the ground in a couple of key run blocks to punish the Steelers' run defense. He is the best tight end in the game and one of the biggest mismatches in the entire league. Behind him is Dwayne Allen, who is a capable blocking tight end.
Runners-up

Kansas City Chiefs: Travis Kelce is one of the best run-after-the-catch weapons in the league, breaking at least 10 tackles in each of his four seasons and averaging 6.9 yards after the catch in his NFL career.Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Ertz alone would put the Eagles in this position, but second-rounder Dallas Goedert could push them even higher. He was the highest-graded college tight end we have seen since 2014 (96.8 overall PFF grade).

Offensive line: Philadelphia Eagles

Depth chart: Jason Peters (OT), Lane Johnson (OT), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (OT), Matt Pryor (OT)), Brandon Brooks (G), Stefen Wisniewski (G), Isaac Seumalo (G), Chance Warmack (G), Jason Kelce (C)The Eagles had the best offensive line in 2017, and it should be strong again in 2018 with the return of Jason Peters at left tackle. The unit surrendered just 154 total pressures, the eighth best in the game. But 39 of those pressures came from Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who held his own when he stepped in at left tackle but was a massive downgrade from Peters, who remains one of the best in the league. In his 423 snaps of action last season, Peters earned an overall PFF grade of 86.4, tied for the fourth-best mark. Lane Johnson might be the best right tackle in the NFL and allowed only 20 total pressures in the regular season. He also had a perfect game in pass protection in the Super Bowl. Jason Kelce is coming off a career year in which he was instrumental in a formidable running game, though his pass blocking could stand to improve.
Runners-up

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys aren't far removed from again having the league's best offensive line. Paul Alexander is the new offensive line coach, and they added second-round draft pick Connor Williams, who allowed just one sack in his college career.Tennessee Titans: Tennessee's offensive line took a step back in 2017 but was the best in the league the season before. Jack Conklin backed up his impressive rookie year with an overall PFF grade of 81.8 in Year 2.
Edge: Los Angeles Chargers

Depth chart: Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Isaac Rochell, Chris Landrum, Whitney Richardson, Albert Havili, Tevin LawsonJoey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are the game's most potent pass-rushing duo, ranking seventh and sixth in overall PFF grade with respective scores of 91.7 and 91.9 last season. They combined for 151 total pressures and were two of the most formidable pass-rushers in the game. They also combined to produce 73 defensive stops, 47 of which came in the running game. If there's a question with this group, it's depth, because the Chargers have little in the way of proven production behind Bosa and Ingram. But as long as they each take the field for more than 800 snaps, as they did in 2017, that's of limited concern.
Runners-up

Denver Broncos: Any unit with Von Miller will always be among the league's best. He notched 83 total pressures in 2017. The Broncos also drafted Bradley Chubb, who had PFF pass-rush and run-defense grades above 85.0 in his final college season.Jacksonville Jaguars: Calais Campbell moved to more of an edge rusher in Jacksonville and was a true force outside, where he registered 73 total pressures and the fourth-best overall PFF grade among edge defenders (89.5). Yannick Ngakoue also had a breakout year with 70 total pressures.

Defensive interior: Los Angeles Rams

Depth chart: Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, Dominique Easley, Ethan Westbrooks, Tanzel Smart, Morgan FoxThe Rams decided that having one unstoppable force in the middle wasn't enough, so they added Ndamukong Suh to pair with Aaron Donald. Donald led the league with 91 total pressures last season despite not playing in two games, while Suh had an overall PFF grade of 91.0 and the second-best run-defense grade (92.4) of any interior defender. Michael Brockers had a career year under Wade Phillips in 2017, earning an overall PFF grade of 83.1 and a run-defense score of 88.0, so this trio has the potential to make life miserable for any offensive line it faces. Suh's presence should result in less attention toward Donald, freeing him up to wreak even more destruction on opposing blockers in one-on-one situations.
Runners-up

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles had the best defensive front last season and are strong both outside and up the middle. That interior dominance is led by Fletcher Cox, who was PFF's third-ranked interior defender last season, with a 91.2 overall grade.Minnesota Vikings: Linval Joseph is one of the best nose tackles in the league. The Vikings also signed Sheldon Richardson, who had only one sack last season but notched 36 total pressures and can rush the passer.

Linebacker: Seattle Seahawks

Depth chart: Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, Barkevious Mingo, Shaquem Griffin, D.J. Alexander, Paul Dawson, Emmanuel Beal, Warren Long, Jacob PughThe duo of Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright is as good as it gets. Wagner is coming off back-to-back elite seasons with overall PFF grades of 90.8 in 2016 and 96.7 in 2017, while Wright has posted a grade of 80-plus in every season since 2011, including a career-high 89.5 in 2015. As the league becomes more dependent on nickel packages featuring only two linebackers, Wagner and Wright are perfect three-down players capable of playing both man and zone coverage while showing well against the run in the blitz game. The addition of fifth-round rookie Shaquem Griffin adds another versatile threat to the linebacking corps. He's strong in the running game, grading at 80.6 last year at UCF, but it's his ability to rush the passer -- he had the second-best pass-rush productivity in the draft class at 17.8 last season -- that makes him a potential chess piece for Seattle's defense in nickel and dime packages.
Runners-up

Carolina Panthers: When healthy, Luke Kuechly is as good as it gets, while Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson are athletic options in coverage. Davis has taken a step back over the past two years, and he's suspended for the first four games of 2018.Dallas Cowboys: Sean Lee is the anchor in the middle, posting excellent grades between 86.9 and 90.9 over the past five years, while the addition of first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch combined with Jaylon Smith gives Dallas potentially one of the best trios in the NFL.



Secondary: Los Angeles Chargers

Depth chart: Casey Hayward, Jason Verrett, Jahleel Addae, Derwin James, Trevor Williams, Desmond King, Craig Mager, Michael Davis, Jeff Richards, Tony Brown, B.J. Clay, Marcus Edmond, Brandon Facyson, Adrian Phillips, Jaylen Watkins, Rayshawn Jenkins, A.J. HendyIt all starts at cornerback for the Chargers, who boast last year's top-graded corner in Casey Hayward (96.4 overall). He was flanked by Trevor Williams, who had a breakout season with an 88.5 overall grade, while rookie Desmond King continued the excellent play we saw at Iowa, grading at 86.5 while manning the slot. This unit gets even better with the return of Jason Verrett, who was on his way to becoming one of the best young cornerbacks in the league before injuries limited him to only 323 snaps over the past two seasons. First-round pick Derwin James adds another playmaker, posting the top overall grades among safeties in both 2015 and 2017. He's a perfect run-stopping, versatile safety for their Cover 3 scheme. The Chargers have the ability to match up with even the best wide receiver corps, and the addition of James gives them a man-to-man option against the league's top tight ends as well.
Runners-up

Los Angeles Rams: The offseason additions of Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib give the Rams playmaking matchup weapons, while re-signing slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman and Lamarcus Joyner secured two important spots on the back end. Safety John Johnson III was the second-highest-graded rookie safety a year ago at 85.8 overall.Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey took the step forward into elite cornerback range last season with his 91.8 grade, good for third in the NFL, while A.J. Bouye put together his second straight strong season at 88.0 overall. The Jaguars have solid starting safeties in Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson; it's now just a matter of replacing slot corner Aaron Colvin's strong production, as he moves on to the Texans.

Special teams: Los Angeles Rams

Depth chart: Johnny Hekker (P), Greg Zuerlein (PK), Jake McQuaide (LS), Pharoh Cooper (PR/KR)The Rams boast the top special-teams units in the league. Johnny Hekker is consistently one of the best punters in the NFL and was second in the league with a 44.3 net-yard average in 2017. Kicker Greg Zuerlein was tied for third with a 95.0 percent accuracy on field goals and boomed 6 of 7 from 50 yards or longer. Pharoh Cooper was PFF's highest-graded punt and kick returner, averaging 12.5 yards per punt return and 27.4 yards per kick return. Cory Littleton was one of the best special-teams players in the league, registering six solo tackles, two assists and zero missed tackles while playing across multiple positions and units for the Rams. An undrafted free agent in 2016, Littleton has become worthy of the often-overused term "special-teams ace."
Runners-up

Baltimore Ravens: Kicker Justin Tucker is just one year removed from arguably the greatest season for a kicker all time. Confident from anywhere inside 55 yards, this might be the season we see him attempt an NFL-record-breaking field goal.Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have several standouts on their special teams units. C.J. Ham, Ben Gedeon, Kentrell Brothers, Jayron Kearse and Anthony Harris continue to impress when on the field for the third phase.