With rosters mostly set and training camps looming, our NFL Power Rankings project the best defenses for the coming 2023 season.
With training camps getting ready to kick off, it is a good time to look around the league and reevaluate. After an eventful offseason, let's reassess where every NFL defense stands heading into the 2023 season.
NFL Power Rankings: Who will have the best defense next season?
32. Arizona Cardinals
- Notable additions: OLB Kyzir White
- Notable losses: DE J.J. Watt, DE Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy
- 2022 scoring defense: 31st
- 2022 yards defense: 20th
After fielding the second-worst scoring defense in the NFL, the Cardinals lost three key starters in J.J. Watt, Zach Allen, and Byron Murphy.
Last season, Watt and Allen combined for 56 pressures and 18.0 sacks. That is a tough break for a team that was tied for 23rd in the NFL in total sacks (36).
Murphy was limited to nine games last season due to a back injury, but in 2021, he led the Cardinals with four interceptions.
Honestly, the short-term outlook for this defense is bleak. If they want to be competitive, they will need breakout campaigns from several of their young players, and the coaching staff is getting creative. 2021 first-round pick Zaven Collins is moving from inside linebacker to edge rusher. He will look to help the void left by Watt and Allen. Concurrently, 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Simmons is moving from linebacker to safety.
31. Minnesota Vikings
- Notable additions: CB Byron Murphy, EDGE Marcus Davenport
- Notable losses: EDGE Za'Darius Smith, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, ILB Eric Kendricks
- 2022 scoring defense: 30th
- 2022 yards defense: 31st
The Vikings' defense struggled in 2022, finishing in the bottom three in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed.
To make matters worse, they lost key pieces in edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Last season, Smith was an elite pass rusher, recording 10 sacks and 37 pressures. Meanwhile, PFF ranks Tomlinson as the 18th-best interior defender in the NFL.
Free-agent addition Marcus Davenport has upside. In 2021, he had nine sacks and 21 pressures, but his production dipped last season. In 15 games, he posted only 0.5 sacks and 14 pressures. Even if Davenport has a bounce-back season, it will not be enough to elevate the unit as a whole.
Barring any unforeseen developments, the Vikings' defense seems destined to be a bottom-three unit, once again.
30. Chicago Bears
- Notable additions: ILB Tremaine Edmunds, DE DeMarcus Walker, LB T.J. Edwards
- Notable losses: N/A
- 2022 scoring defense: 32nd
- 2022 yards defense: 29th
The 2022 Bears' defense was legitimately awful. They surrendered the most points per game in the NFL (27.2). In addition, they also finished last in sacks (20) and rushing touchdowns allowed (31).
The front office made a big splash in free agency, signing Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million deal.
DeMarcus Walker is a nice addition. He is coming off a breakout campaign, in which he recorded career-highs in sacks (seven), quarterback hits (16), and pressures (17).
T.J. Edwards finished seventh in the NFL in total tackles last season (159). He will bring a strong presence to the heart of the Bears' defense.
All three players will certainly make the team better in 2023, but collectively, they are still not enough to make their defense an elite group.
29. Los Angeles Rams
- Notable additions: N/A
- Notable losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, EDGE Leonard Floyd, ILB Bobby Wagner, S Nick Scott, DE A'Shawn Robinson, DT Greg Gaines, S Nick Scott
- 2022 scoring defense: 21st
- 2022 yards defense: 19th
This offseason marked a mass exodus of talent for the Rams. Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, Bobby Wagner, Nick Scott, and A'Shawn Robinson all played key roles for the franchise. Ramsey has made six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Floyd has posted 9.0+ sacks for three straight seasons. Wagner was an AP second-team All-Pro. Scott started 16 games last season. Robinson was a regular starter and reliable run defender.
Last season, the Rams' offense underwhelmed, finishing in the bottom half of the NFL in both points and yards allowed. Losing five key starters without making any big veteran additions is a recipe for disaster.
Aaron Donald should continue to be a dominant force, but the Rams lack proven depth around him.
28. Indianapolis Colts
- Notable additions: DE Samson Ebukam
- Notable losses: CB Stephon Gilmore, LB Bobby Okereke
- 2022 scoring defense: 29th
- 2022 yards defense: 15th
2022 represented a massive drop-off for the Colts' defense. In three of the four previous years, they were a top-10 scoring defense. In 2021, they finished ninth in the NFL in points per game allowed. However, they finished 29th in points per game allowed in 2022.
So, what went wrong? Well, takeaways stand out as a big factor. The Colts forced the second-most turnovers in the league in 2021 (33). Individually, Shaquille Leonard forced 12 turnovers (eight forced fumbles, four interceptions). For perspective, that was more than the entire Jaguars' defense.
Last season, the Colts dropped down to 19th in takeaways (21). Leonard was limited to three games played due to a back injury. Without the splash plays, the Colts' defense regressed to below-average.
Losing Gilmore in the offseason stings. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still a valuable cornerback, allowing a completion percentage of only 56.2 percent in coverage last season.
Nevertheless, the Colts do have the potential to outperform this ranking. Leonard is working his way back to the field. A healthy Leonard would be a big difference-maker for the team.
With a lack of depth and an injured star, everything has to go right for this unit to be successful in 2023.
27. Las Vegas Raiders
- Notable additions: EDGE Tyree Wilson, S Marcus Epps
- Notable losses: CB Rock Ya-Sin
- 2022 scoring defense: 26th
- 2022 yards defense: 28th
Speaking of turnover problems, the Raiders finished last in the NFL in takeaways (13). They also allowed a league-high 98.8 opponent passer rating. They simply do not have enough playmakers in the secondary.
This offseason, the front office did not do enough to address this glaring need. Marcus Epps is a quality safety, but he is known primarily for his abilities as a run defender. Last season, Epps earned the sixth-highest PFF run defense grade among safeties, but his PFF coverage grade ranked 59th out of 64 qualifying safeties.
They made several smaller signings, including cornerbacks Brandon Facyson, Duke Shelley, and David Long Jr. Although the trio gives them some much-needed depth, none of them are proven quality starters.
First-round pick Tyree Wilson will look to improve their pass rush, which produced the third-fewest sacks last season (27). Wilson and Maxx Crosby have the potential to be a fearsome duo.
Regardless, opposing AFC quarterbacks should be able to throw the football against them with ease.
26. Detroit Lions
- Notable additions: CB Cameron Sutton, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, CB Emmanuel Moseley, ILB Jack Campbell
- Notable losses: CB Jeff Okudah
- 2022 scoring defense: 28th
- 2022 yards defense: 32nd
Last season, the Lions had a breakout 9-8 campaign, and it was led by their offense, which was fifth in the NFL in points per game (26.6).
For the Lions to truly become contenders, their defense needs to catch up. The front office opted to overhaul their secondary this offseason, signing cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Garnder-Johnson. They also moved on from former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah, trading him to the Atlanta Falcons for a fifth-round pick.
Sutton is an excellent cornerback in pass coverage. Last season, he allowed a 47.9 completion percentage and 65.3 opponent passer rating; only four other NFL players hit those benchmarks.
Gardner-Johnson is coming off a career year, in which he was tied for the league lead in interceptions (six).
Moseley has been a good starter for the San Francisco 49ers over the last four seasons, but he has had trouble staying on the field. If he can remain healthy, he could be a solid No. 2 cornerback.
Still, they were some puzzling moves. Okudah had limited experience after missing the majority of the 2021 season with an Achilles injury. The 24-year-old showed signs of promise last season. Was it worth selling low on him? In addition, the Lions selected Jack Campbell with the 18th overall pick, when he was projected to be a Day 2 selection. Campbell can be a good NFL linebacker, but the Lions probably could have traded down and grabbed him.
The Lions' defense should take a step forward in 2023, but they missed opportunities to maximize their potential.
25. Houston Texans
- Notable additions: EDGE Will Anderson Jr., DT Sheldon Rankins, S Jimmie Ward
- Notable losses: EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
- 2022 scoring defense: 27th
- 2022 yards defense: 30th
The Texans made a bold move on draft night, as they traded the 12th overall pick, 33rd overall pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick in exchange for Will Anderson Jr. and the 105th overall pick.
Anderson is one of the most exciting edge rusher prospects in recent memory. At Alabama, he racked up 207 career pressures (the most ever in the PFF era).
Anderson should be a day-one impact player for the organization.
The Texans have some young talent in the secondary led by safety Jalen Pitre and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Pitre made NFL history last season, becoming the first rookie ever to record 147 combined total tackles and five interceptions in a single season. Stingley was the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and at 21 years old, he still has plenty of upside.
The Texans also have some good veterans in edge rusher Jerry Hughes and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Last season, Hughes recorded nine sacks, while Rankins posted a PFF grade of 73.1.
This defense has a lot of tools to be successful. They should take a step forward this season, but they are likely still a couple of years away from being an elite group.
24. New York Giants
- Notable additions: LB Bobby Okereke, DE A'Shawn Robinson, CB Deonte Banks
- Notable losses: S Julian Love
- 2022 scoring defense: 17th
- 2022 yards defense: 25th
Under the surface, the Giants' defense had some concerning statistics in 2022. They were 30th in the NFL in first downs allowed (370). That problem stems from their subpar run defense, which gave up a whopping 5.2 yards per carry (second-most in the NFL).
Losing Julian Love in free agency stings. He led the Giants in combined tackles (124) while missing only 3.9 percent of his tackles. In addition, the versatile defensive back held his own in pass coverage and came up with two interceptions.
Bobby Okereke is an excellent addition. With the Colts, he racked up 151 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 2022. A'Shawn Robinson was a starter for the Rams; he gives them another capable run defender at the line of scrimmage.
Overall, this unit should settle somewhere in the back half of the league, once again.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Notable additions: N/A
- Notable losses: EDGE Arden Key
- 2022 scoring defense: 12th
- 2022 yards defense: 24th
With all due respect, do not let the numbers fool you. There are two big factors at play here.
First of all, the Jaguars were startlingly healthy in 2022:
Secondly, their three divisional opponents each had bottom-five offenses last season. In divisional matchups, the Jaguars' defense gave up only 14.7 points per game. Against non-divisional opponents, that number ballooned to 23.82 points per game, which would have ranked 25th in the NFL.
The Jaguars have the potential to improve this season through internal development. They have young players with upside, including edge rusher Travon Walker and safety Andre Cisco.
Edge rusher Arden Key is a key loss, though. In a limited role, he produced 4.5 sacks and 20 pressures.
22. Atlanta Falcons
- Notable additions: S Jessie Bates III, DT David Onyemata, OLB Kaden Eliss, DE Calais Campbell, CB Jeff Okudah
- Notable losses: N/A
- 2022 scoring defense: 23rd
- 2022 yards defense: 27th
The Falcons are bringing in four high-impact defensive players: Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata, Kaden Eliss, and Calais Campbell.
Bates is an elite NFL safety. He is known for his ball skills, as he racked up 14 interceptions in five seasons. However, he has been a strong run defender, as well. Last season, he posted a PFF run defense grade of 88.3.
Onyemata was a reliable presence in the heart of the Saints' defense. Over the past three seasons, his 11.4 pressure percentage is the 11th-highest among interior defenders, per PFF.
Eliss is a former seventh-round pick. After playing limited snaps over the first three years of his career, he broke out in 2022, recording 78 combined tackles and seven sacks.
Campbell is a versatile defensive lineman. The 36-year-old remains a formidable run defender and pass rusher.
In addition, they made low-risk, high-reward trade in acquiring former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah. The Falcons' secondary suddenly has a lot of upside with Bates, Okudah, and All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell.
21. Los Angeles Chargers
- Notable additions: ILB Eric Kendricks
- Notable losses: S Nasir Adderley, ILB Drue Tranquill
- 2022 scoring defense: 21st
- 2022 yards defense: 20th
Conventional wisdom tells me that the Chargers should be better than this, but last season, the results were just not there.
Their defense boasts some big names in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Dervin James, and J.C. Jackson. Unfortunately, the star quartet was not enough to lift the unit collectively. Bosa and Jackson each played only five games due to injuries, and the team's lack of depth came back to bite them.
The 2022 Chargers boasted one glaring weakness. Other teams ran the ball at will against them. The Chargers allowed a league-high 5.4 yards per carry last season. For perspective, that is the highest single-season mark since 1961.
With little roster turnover, it is difficult to project a huge leap in 2023.
20. Seattle Seahawks
- Notable additions: CB Devon Witherspoon, DE Dre'Mont Jones, S Julian Love, ILB Bobby Wagner, DT Jarran Reed
- Notable losses: ILB Cody Barton
- 2022 scoring defense: 25th
- 2022 yards defense: 26th
Pro Bowl selection Tariq Woolen and fifth overall pick Devon Witherspoon should make up one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL. Last season, Woolen was outstanding. In coverage, he allowed an opponent passer rating of 48.7 (best in the NFL). He made plenty of splash plays, as well; his six interceptions were tied for the most in the league. Meanwhile, Witherspoon is coming off a tremendous season at Illinois, in which he was named the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year.
Last season, Seattle's pass rush was quietly effective, recording 45 total sacks (tied for seventh-most in the NFL). The group was led by Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor, who posted 9.5 sacks each. The young duo will look to maintain that momentum in 2023.
The biggest x-factor for the Seahawks will be their run defense. In 2022, they gave up the third-most rushing yards per game (150.2). Bobby Wagner, Dre'Mont Jones, and Jarran Reed should help fill that need, but will it be enough?
19. Carolina Panthers
- Notable additions: S Vonn Bell, DT Shy Tuttle
- Notable losses: N/A
- 2022 scoring defense: 19th
- 2022 yards defense: 22nd
Brian Burns is a bonafide superstar. The two-time Pro Bowl selection had a career-high 12.5 sacks last season. Since 2020, Burns is ninth in the NFL in total sacks (30.5).
Cornerback Jaycee Horn took a leap forward in his second year. He was targeted 60 times and allowed an opponent passer rating of 62.4 (11th-best in the NFL).
Bell is a quality, all-around safety. Last season, he hauled in a career-high four interceptions. He is known primarily for pass coverage, but he is a capable run defender, as well. Over the past five years, he posted an 88.7 PFF run defense grade, the eighth-best among safeties.
In 2022, the Panthers found themselves in the middle of the pack in several key metrics. They were 18th in rushing yards allowed and 22nd in the passing yards allowed.
As a whole, the Panthers' defense should continue to be fine, albeit unspectacular in 2023.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
- Notable additions: EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE Charles Omenihu, ILB Drue Tranquill
- Notable losses: S Juan Thornhill, DE Frank Clark
- 2022 scoring defense: 16th
- 2022 yards defense: 11th
It was a tale of two seasons for the Chiefs. Prior to their Week 8 bye, they were surrendering 24.57 points per game. After the bye, that dropped to 19.7 points per game.
For the season, their defensive numbers were mediocre. They allowed 4.4 yards per carry (15th in the NFL) and 3,756 total passing yards (18th in the NFL).
The offseason departures of Juan Thornhill and Frank Clark should impact the team in the short term. Thornhill was a solid starter last season, posting 71 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions. Clark has been an integral presence over the last four years. During that span, he has racked up 23.5 sacks, which is the second-most on the team behind only Chris Jones.
First-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah has a lot of potential, but the 21-year-old will need time to develop.
Charles Omenihu is an intriguing flier. Over the first three seasons of his career, he had 7.0 total sacks. In 2022, he emerged as an effective pass rusher for the 49ers with 4.5 sacks. His strong play continued during the postseason. In the Wild Card round, he had two sacks and a forced fumble against the Seattle Seahawks.
In a larger role, he took a massive step forward.
I expect the Chiefs' defense to take a small step back this season, but their offseason acquisitions benefited their long-term outlook.
17. Green Bay Packers
- Notable additions: EDGE Lukas Van Ness
- Notable losses: DT Jarran Reed, DE Dean Lowry
- 2022 scoring defense: 17th
- 2022 yards defense: 17th
Like a couple of other defenses in the "middle of the pack", the Packers could simply not stop the run. This was on full display against the Eagles in Week 12, when they shredded the Packers for 363 rushing yards. It was the franchise's highest single-game total since 1948. Over the course of the season, the Packers allowed 5.0 yards per carry (fifth-most in the NFL).
Notably, the Packers boasted an excellent pass defense. They were sixth in opponent passing yards (3,349) and fifth in interceptions (17). The cornerback duo of Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas has proven capable of holding their own against anybody.
Without any big offseason signings, the Packers will lean on internal development to turn around their run defense this season. 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt should take on a larger role, and young players like Quay Walker and T.J. Slaton could take leaps forward.
16. Miami Dolphins
- Notable additions: CB Jalen Ramsey, LB David Long Jr.
- Notable losses: ILB Elandon Roberts
- 2022 scoring defense: 24th
- 2022 yards defense: 18th
The Dolphins' defense is looking to bounce back from an underwhelming campaign. They finished 24th in the NFL in opponent points per game (23.5), but there was still plenty to be optimistic about. Their run defense was phenomenal, as they were sixth in yards per carry allowed (4.1) and fourth in total rushing yards allowed (1,751).
The front office addressed their need in the secondary by trading for six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He should immediately elevate their pass defense.
The Dolphins are a safe bet to rebound in 2023.
15. Cleveland Browns
- Notable additions: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, S Juan Thornhill, EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
- Notable losses: EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, S John Johnson III
- 2022 scoring defense: 20th
- 2022 yards defense: 14th
In 2022, the Browns' defense was elite against the pass and terrible against the run. They held opposing offenses to 3,396 total passing yards (fifth-fewest in the NFL) but surrendered 2,295 total rushing yards (eighth-most in the NFL).
Heading into this season, Cleveland's run defense will be crucial to their success. Last season, they gave up 140+ rushing yards in eight individual games. In those games, they carried a record of 1-7.
Free agent acquisition Dalvin Tomlinson is an excellent fit. Since 2017, he has a PFF run defense grade of 83.0.
Meanwhile, Juan Thornhill and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo will look to fill voids left by veterans John Johnson III and Jadeveon Clowney (both players were released). Last season, Thornhill had 71 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions, and Okoronkwo had a career-high five sacks.
14. New Orleans Saints
- Notable additions: DE Nathan Shepherd, DT Bryan Bresee
- Notable losses: EDGE Marcus Davenport, DT David Onyemata, OLB Kaden Eliss, DT Shy Tuttle
- 2022 scoring defense: 9th
- 2022 yards defense: 5th
Continually in a precarious salary cap situation, the Saints lost four key defensive players in Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, Kaden Eliss, and Shy Tuttle.
Last season, the Saints' defense was excellent, but it was led by their pass rush. The Saints were tied for fifth in the NFL in total sacks (48). Davenport, Onyemata, and Eliss were three out of their top-five producers in quarterback pressures.
Davenport is capable of elite pass-rushing production. In 2021, he had nine sacks in only 11 games. In addition, Eliss is coming off a breakout season, in which the former seventh-round pick recorded a career-high seven sacks.
In the wake of the offseason losses, the Saints' pass rush looks far less intimidating. Of course, Cameron Jordan should continue to be a force on the edge, but the group lacks proven options around him.
First-round pick Bryan Bresee is still developing. He is an impressive athlete, but during his three-year run at Clemson, he produced nine total sacks.
Nathan Shepherd has flashed potential as a pass rusher, but he has only 1.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
Barring breakout seasons from Bresee and Shepherd, the Saints' defense appears primed to take a step back this season.
13. Tennessee Titans
- Notable additions: EDGE Arden Key, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- Notable losses: DE DeMarcus Walker, EDGE Bud Dupree, LB David Long Jr.
- 2022 scoring defense: 14th
- 2022 yards defense: 23rd
First of all, respect to the Titans, who had the most games lost to injury last season but still weathered the storm.
Their 2022 statistics are eye-popping. They simultaneously allowed the most passing yards and the least rushing yards.
With that in mind, the Titans' run defense is far from a concern, given their elite performance last season, but their pass defense is clearly a big problem.
However, there are reasons to project a bounce back. Obviously, injuries played a key role in their performance. Amani Hooker, Kristian Fulton, and Caleb Farley missed a combined 22 games.
All three defensive backs are capable of being key contributors. Hooker posted a PFF grade of 83.3 in 2021. Fulton allowed a completion percentage of 52.1 percent when targeted. Farley was a 2021 first-round pick, and he still has potential.
Secondly, free agent signing Sean Murphy-Bunting will make an immediate impact. He was phenomenal in coverage for the Buccaneers. Last season, he allowed an opponent passer rating of 59.6 when targeted, which was the seventh-best mark in the league.
It is reasonable to expect Tennessee's pass defense to be near league-average this season, which would allow them to take a slight step forward as a unit.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Notable additions: DT Calijah Kancey, DT Greg Gaines
- Notable losses: DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
- 2022 scoring defense: 13th
- 2022 yards defense: 9th
Given their circumstances, the Buccaneers did a remarkable job of managing their defense this offseason. With little cap space, they were able to retain cornerback Jamel Dean, linebacker Lavonte David, and edge rusher Anthony Nelson.
In addition, Calijah Kancey has sky-high potential. The defensive tackle put on a show at the NFL combine. His 4.67-second 40-yard dash was the fastest by a defensive tackle in the history of the combine; the previous record-holder was Aaron Donald. Prior to the draft, I graded him as the top defensive tackle on my big board, ahead of Jalen Carter.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
- Notable additions: EDGE Myles Murphy, S Nick Scott
- Notable losses: S Jessie Bates III, S Vonn Bell
- 2022 scoring defense: 6th
- 2022 yards defense: 16th
The Bengals lost their starting safety duo of Jessie Bates III and Von Bell. Both players were critical components of their defensive success last season. The pair had eight interceptions, while the rest of the roster had five interceptions.
More importantly, Bates and Bell are good defensive backs in pass coverage. When targeted, Bates allowed a completion percentage of 51.4, and Bell allowed an opponent passer rating of 64.0. Even with the two safeties on the roster, the Bengals finished 23rd in the NFL in opponent passing yards per game (229.1). So, their secondary is a real concern.
Rookie Myles Murphy has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher. He is 6'5″ with impressive speed and athleticism to go along with a variety of pass-rush moves.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Notable additions: CB Patrick Peterson, CB Joey Porter Jr., ILB Cole Holcomb
- Notable losses: CB Cameron Sutton, ILB Elandon Roberts
- 2022 scoring defense: 10th
- 2022 yards defense: 13th
Last season, T.J. Watt was limited to 10 games due to a pectoral injury. In his absence, 2020 third-round pick Alex Highsmith had a breakout campaign with a career-high 14.5 sacks.
In 2023, Watt, Highsmith, and veteran Cameron Heyward will make up one of the best pass-rushing trios in the league.
Cameron Sutton is a big loss, but Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. both have the potential to fill the need. Peterson has not made a Pro Bowl since 2018, but he is still a solid starter. Last season, he started all 17 games, allowing an opponent passer rating of 79.6. Meanwhile, Porter is an athletic, physical cornerback with long-term upside.
After finishing eighth in the NFL in opponent yards per carry (4.2), the Steelers' run defense should continue to be reliable.
With Watt back in the lineup, the Steelers project to remain a top-10 defense.
9. Washington Commanders
- Notable additions: CB Emmanuel Forbes, ILB Cody Barton
- Notable losses: ILB Cole Holcomb
- 2022 scoring defense: 7th
- 2022 yards defense: 3rd
In 2022, the Commanders allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards (3,252) and 11th-fewest rushing yards (1,926). Over the final 12 games, they gave up only 17.9 points per game; over the course of the season, that would have been tied for the second-fewest in the league.
This offseason, the Commanders largely stood pat on the defensive side of the ball, which was the right call. Additionally, 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young will return to the field. He was inactive for the first 15 weeks of the 2022 season; he returned for the final three games of the regular season.
First-round pick Emmanuel Forbes is projected to play a significant role as a rookie. Across three collegiate seasons, he recorded 14 interceptions. In 2022, his 87.2 PFF grade ranked 16th among 917 qualifying cornerbacks.
8. New England Patriots
- Notable additions: CB Christian Gonzalez
- Notable losses: S Devin McCourty
- 2022 scoring defense: 11th
- 2022 yards defense: 8th
The 2022 Patriots boasted an elite run defense and dynamic pass rush. They were fourth in opponent yards per carry (4.1) and tied for third in total sacks (54). Subsequently, one clear need stood out: cornerback.
Somehow, the Patriots managed to trade down and still snag the No. 2 cornerback on my big board, Christian Gonzalez. As a junior, the 6-foot-1 cornerback had a career-high four interceptions. At the NFL combine, he showed out, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and posting a 41.5-inch vertical.
In addition, they managed to retain defensive backs Jonathan Jones, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills, and Cody Davis.
This season, they have all the components to be a top-level defensive unit.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
- Notable additions: DT Jalen Carter, EDGE Nolan Smith=
- Notable losses: DT Javon Hargrave, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S Marcus Epps, LB T.J. Edwards, OLB Kyzir White
- 2022 scoring defense: 8th
- 2022 yards defense: 2nd
It was a rough offseason for the Eagles' defense, which lost five starters in free agency, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Last season, Hargrave was tied for second on the team in sacks (11.0). Over the last two years (including the playoffs), he has recorded a PFF pass-rush grade of 92.4; that is the second-best in the NFL behind only Aaron Donald.
Nevertheless, the Eagles were able to re-sign cornerback James Bradberry and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Furthermore, many key players from their 2022 defense remain on the roster, including edge rusher Haason Reddick, defensive ends Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, and cornerback Darius Slay.
Rookies Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith are wild cards. Carter was labeled as one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was reportedly out of shape at his Pro Day and could not finish the drills. Smith was ranked as the top edge rusher in the 2019 recruiting class by 247Sports, but he did not put up big numbers at Georgia. As a senior, he recorded 18 total tackles and three sacks.
6. Denver Broncos
- Notable additions: DE Zach Allen
- Notable losses: DT Dre'Mont Jones, CB Ronald Darby
- 2022 scoring defense: 14th
- 2022 yards defense: 7th
Lost in the Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett dialogue was the Broncos' terrific defensive season.
Through the first 10 weeks, the Broncos had the best scoring defense in the NFL (16.6 points per game).
That defensive performance came in the face of adversity. The Broncos had the second-most games lost to injuries. In addition, the defense had to hold up, while the offense was sputtering. For the season, the team's offense was 30th in average time per drive. That put a lot of pressure on the defense.
Leading the charge was star defensive backs Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II.
Prior to the 2022 season, I interviewed Simmons for Heavy.com, and he expressed high expectations for the Broncos' secondary.
"I don't think even think I would put kind of like a limit on (the secondary's ceiling). Obviously, my expectations are going to be the highest out of anybody. I think we can be the best secondary in the NFL."
Despite the aforementioned obstacles, that secondary was outstanding, as the Broncos finished fifth in both opponent net yards gained per pass attempt (5.6) and opponent passing touchdowns (20).
After struggling with injuries, edge rusher Randy Gregory and linebacker Jonas Griffith are set to return to the lineup.
In 2023, the Broncos' defense is primed to be a force to be reckoned with.
5. Baltimore Ravens
- Notable additions: CB Rock Ya-Sin
- Notable losses: DE Calais Campbell, S Chuck Clark
- 2022 scoring defense: 3rd
- 2022 yards defense: 9th
Cornerback Marcus Peters and edge rusher Justin Houston remain free agents. Neither player is officially a "loss", but their returns appear to be unlikely.
Both players represent significant potential losses. Since 2015, Peters leads the NFL in interceptions (32). Last season, Houston led the Ravens in sacks (9.5).
After finishing as the 19th-best scoring defense in 2021, the Ravens' defense took a huge leap forward in 2022. They made big moves to improve their secondary, acquiring safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton. Both moves paid off. In 10 games, Williams hauled in a team-high four interceptions. Meanwhile, Hamilton posted a PFF grade of 82.3.
Furthermore, the Ravens held opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (3rd-best in the NFL). There is no reason to anticipate a significant drop in that category this season.
In 2023, the Ravens' defense could take a small step back, but they should still be one of the best all-around units in the league.
4. New York Jets
- Notable additions: S Chuck Clark, EDGE Will McDonald IV
- Notable losses: DT Sheldon Rankins, DE Nathan Shepherd
- 2022 scoring defense: 4th
- 2022 yards defense: 4th
As a rookie, Sauce Gardner was one of the best cornerbacks in the league. The first-round pick was a first-team All-Pro, leading the NFL in passes defended (20).
Behind the rookie phenom, the Jets had an elite pass defense, allowing the second-fewest net yards gained per pass attempt (5.4).
Their run defense was formidable, as well, allowing the 10th-fewest yards per carry (4.2).
Trade acquisition Chuck Clark played a big role for the Ravens, wearing the "green dot". Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury during practice, which is believed to be "serious", per The Athletic.
Rookie Will McDonald IV is known for his unstoppable spin move, but he will need time to develop.
3. Buffalo Bills
- Notable additions: EDGE Leonard Floyd
- Notable losses: ILB Tremaine Edmunds
- 2022 scoring defense: 2nd
- 2022 yards defense: 6th
This offseason was a massive success for the Bills, who managed to re-sign safety Jordan Poyer and add edge rusher Leonard Floyd.
Since joining the team in 2017, Poyer has been an integral piece of the Bills' defense. Last season, he gave up a passer rating of only 60.1 when targeted, which led all NFL safeties.
Floyd has established himself as a quality pass rusher during his tenure with the Rams. He has posted 9.0+ sacks in each of the past three seasons. He gives the Bills some additional depth with Von Miller recovering from an ACL injury.
This group was the second-best scoring defense in the NFL last season, and there is no reason to project a major drop-off.
2. Dallas Cowboys
- Notable additions: CB Stephon Gilmore, DT Mazi Smith
- Notable losses: N/A
- 2022 scoring defense: 5th
- 2022 yards defense: 12th
Speaking of good offseasons, the Cowboys were able to re-sign both safety Donovan Wilson and edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr.
In 2022, Wilson quietly played at a star level. He led all NFL safeties in both sacks (five) and pressures (12). In addition, he gave up a completion percentage of only 51.3 percent when targeted (third-best among safeties).
Fowler racked up six sacks and 21 pressures, while only playing 30 percent of the team's defensive snaps. He gives them an excellent depth option behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The Cowboys' defense is one of the most dynamic in recent memory, leading the league in takeaways in back-to-back years. Collectively, they have the talent to match up with anybody, and they should continue to be a nightmare for opposing offenses in 2023.
1. San Francisco 49ers
- Notable additions: DT Javon Hargrave
- Notable losses: DE Charles Omenihu, DE Samson Ebukam, S Jimmie Ward, CB Emmanuel Moseley, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- 2022 scoring defense: 1st
- 2022 yards defense: 1st
Right now, this is not much of a debate. In 2022, the 49ers' defense led the NFL in opponent points per game (16.3) and opponent yards per game (300.6). Here are some other notable statistics from last season:
- 2nd in takeaways (30)
- 2nd in first downs allowed (291)
- 2nd in opponent yards per carry (3.4)
- 4th in opponent average time per drive (2:38)
The 49ers did lose some depth, but they pulled off a major coup by signing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. As I previously mentioned, he has recorded a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade over the past two seasons (including the playoffs), which is the second-highest mark in the NFL behind only Aaron Donald.
