FanSided Debate: All-AFC South Defensive Line
By Daniel Lago
As posted earlier, NFL team editors around the FanSided network are getting together and compiling All-Division teams for an epic 32 team tournament to decide the most talented division in the NFL. Regarded by some as one of the worst divisions in all of football, the AFC South has some work to do to put together a team that can go far in the bracket.
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We’ve already
,
,
,
, and
, so let’s take a look at the defensive line.
It was tempting to go with a 4-3 defensive front due to the abundance of defensive line talent in the division, but with 3 of the 4 teams running a 3-4 scheme, we decided to go with that front. In all likelihood, this imaginary team of all-stars would run a hybrid front anyway.
Let’s get the most obvious choice out of the way first – J.J. Watt is one of the defensive ends and there’s really no reason to linger here. He’s one of if not the best defensive player in the league, let alone one of the top defensive lineman. Watt has an astounding 31 sacks over the last 2 seasons as a 3-4 defensive end.
The other 2 spots on our 3-man front are a little more tricky. We decided to go with more of a pass rush and hope the speed at linebacker can cover up some of the run-stuffing deficiencies up front.
Newly signed Jaguar Chris Clemons is our choice for the other defensive end spot. Even though he’s probably a better fit as a 4-3 defensive end, Clemons just has too much pass rushing ability to leave him out. He has the size to hold up at end, and he’s had experience in hybrid schemes.
The nosetackle spot was by far the trickiest position to figure out. There really isn’t an above average 3-4 defensive tackle in the division, so we decided to just go with the best defensive tackle – Jurrell Casey of the Tennessee Titans. Casey is a little lighter than we would like for the nose, but he’s a guy who will command double teams based on his interior pass rush. A front of Casey, Clemons, and Watt is too tempting to pass up here.
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below.
– Daniel Lago