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05/28/2019
They are not
necessarily the NFL's best defenders; they are the NFL's most indispensable
defenders. Take these players away from their teams, and those defenses
suddenly fall apart.
What
does it mean to be an "indispensable" defensive player in the NFL?
Based on the definition of the word, it's someone who plays a role that is
essential or "absolute necessary" for success.
This is not
simply the NFL's best defensive players. For this exercise, we thought more
about the defensive players who are most critical to a team's execution, as
some of the NFL's best defenders are slightly more replaceable by committee
than others who don't play alongside as much talent.
Here are
the top 25, starting with the NFL's most dominant force at any position.
#9
Trey
Flowers, DE, Lions
The Patriots couldn't afford to keep him, but he ended up in
a familiar scheme with Matt Patricia.
There should be no transitional pains or drop-off in
production, and Flowers will have free
pass-rushing reign lining up next to elite run-stuffing
tackle Damon Harrison.
Flowers is a major
upgrade from oft-injured Ezekiel Ansah,
and the Lions hope his pressure can significantly raise
the playmaking quotient of the back
seven.
