Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 players who will be available for each position on March 16. A little overview today of the defensive linemen.
A match can be lost or won in the trenches. Whether putting pressure on the quarterback or defending the run, defensive linemen are fundamentally important.
If no player of this vintage should break the bank, the franchises should however find their account to strengthen themselves. Between potentials to release, shadow contributors and accomplished veterans, the general managers have the choice.
1. Haason Reddick- 27
Stats 2021: 16 games, 62 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Landed discreetly at the Panthers despite an excellent 2020 season, Haason Reddick proved that his 2020 season was not just an epiphenomenon. In a new team and a new scheme, he convinced and carried out a new exercise of very high quality. He showed that he could perform just as well in a 3-4 like in Arizona as in a 4-3 like in Charlotte. In a league where the position of pass rusher is always highly coveted, there should be no shortage of contenders.
The ideal destination: Indianapolis Colts
With more than 71 million available, Indianapolis does not lack means. Frustrated at having missed the playoffs, the franchise, which is still looking for a quarterback, must also think about strengthening itself on the other side of the ball. Only 25th in the league on sacks, Reddick would be a real added value. His association with the young Kwity Paye would be attractive on paper.
2. Emanuel Ogbah – 28 years old
Stats 2021: 17 games, 41 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Basic man of the Miami defensive line for 2 years, Emanuel Ogbah has taken on a new dimension since his arrival in Florida. In addition to his 18 sacks in two seasons, this hybrid rusher pass also regularly puts pressure on the opposing quarterback (39 in 2021). Capable of attacking the pocket from the outside as well as from the inside, it can be integrated into all defensive systems. A very sure defender, he also misses very few tackles (3 in 2021, 4 in 2020). Efficiency and versatility that should make him a name in demand from March 16.
The ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs
Already passed by Missouri in 2019, Ogbah would find a system and a coach he knows. 29th team on the sacks, the Chiefs need to strengthen their pass rush as well as their defensive squad in general. The contribution of the Nigerian player would give an immediate boost to a defensive line where Chris Jones is too often alone. Given their tight finances, the franchise will still have to rework a few contracts to be able to bring Ogbah back to Kansas City.
3. Jadeveon Clowney – 29 years old
2021 stats: 14 games, 38 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Again on the market, Jadeveon Clowney could experience a 5th franchise in 5 seasons. After two complicated years, the former 1st choice of the 2014 draft found colors in Ohio. Associated with Myles Garrett, he benefited from a space allowing him to express himself better. If he will never be a number one capable of carrying a defense on his own, Clowney shines when he is associated with a dominant pass rusher. It also has for him to contribute against the ground game.
The ideal destination: Cleveland Browns
Re-stacking for another season at the Browns might be the best thing for Clowney to do. Quickly adapted to the scheme, he also integrated perfectly into the workforce as his coach Kevin Stefanski pointed out. Even Myles Garrett, taulier in Cleveland demanded his return. A complementary and productive duo as the basis of one of the best defenses in the league.
4. Larry Ogunjobi – 27 years old
2021 stats: 16 games, 43 tackles, 7 sacks
Larry Ogunjobi made the inter-Ohio transition perfectly. After 4 solid seasons in Cleveland, he confirmed in 2021 in Cincinnati that he was a very solid player. An excellent tackler, he helped transform the Bengals run stop into a strong point. His association with DJ Reader and BJ Hill created one of the NFL’s most intimidating lines. Also capable of sinking the pocket as evidenced by his 7 sacks and 16 QB hits, his complete profile should appeal to a large number of teams.
The ideal destination: Los Angeles Chargers
Among the worst defenses against the run, the Chargers need to seriously strengthen this offseason. Ogunjobi would replace Linval Joseph at the end of the contract, offering added value in all aspects of the game. After the surprise arrival of Khalil Mack, his arrival would send a strong signal to the competition.
5. DJ Jones – 27 years old
Stats 2021: 17 games, 50 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
In a defensive line made up of the 1st draft round, DJ Jones was able to make his mark and establish himself as a holder in his own right. His power and presence in the middle of the line make him an excellent defender against the run. But he’s not content to be just a mountain, he also knows how to move and be effective as shown by his 17 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.
The ideal destination: Las Vegas Raiders
With their four main players in the position at the end of the contract, the Raiders will have to completely rethink this squad during the spring. Perfectly adaptable to Patrick Graham’s system, Jones would be an excellent starting point for building the trenches.
The Bet: Charles Harris
Drafted in the 1st round in 2017, Charles Harris wandered the field for 4 seasons before finally fulfilling his potential in 2021. Author of 62 tackles including 7.5 sacks, he was the ray of sunshine of a weak defense of Detroit. At 27, and after just one promising season, Harris must above all confirm that he can perform over time.
Potential bargains: BJ Hill, Harrison Phillips, Arden Key, Solomon Thomas
A pleasant surprise from the Cincinnati defensive line, BJ Hill had a top-flight season while playing less than half the snaps. Fearsome against the run, he also showed that he could punch the pocket. At 26, he seems ready to step up and become a full-fledged holder. Fundamental in the rotation advocated for the Bills, Harrison Phillips is a duty player capable of evolving in different schemes and on 3 attempts. His contract-yield ratio could delight his future employer.
After rocky early careers, Arden Key and Solomon Thomas have finally shown signs of progress. If they still have a lot to prove, their ascending form used in the right pattern could hit the mark and unleash their full potential.
Veterans: Von Miller, Ndamukong Suh, Calais Campbell, Justin Houston, Jason Pierre-Paul
Led by Von Miller freshly crowned with his 2nd title, the list of veterans looks great. Despite the weight of the years, they can all still contribute greatly and bring happiness to the franchise that will trust them. Like the Rams player, irresistible in the playoffs, they can assert their experience in a team that plays the leading roles.
At 35, Ndamukong Suh is still coming out of a season with 6 sacks, his contribution against the race is also very valuable. Less productive at catching the quarterback than in the past, Calais Campbell remains a reliable and consistent tackler. Jason Pierre Paul and Justin Houston can bring in a rotation while mentoring young pass rushers.
Others
Derek Barnett, Akiem Hicks, Takk McKinley, Dante Fowler, Lorenzo Carter, Jaran Reed, Eddie Goldman, Stephen Weatherly, Linval Joseph, Christian Covington, Austin Johnson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Quinton Jefferson, Sheldon Richardson, Genard Avery, Derrick Nnadi, Shamar Stephen
