Ravens All-Pro linebacker names his Top 10 NFL defenders to build around, highlighting elite talent and future impact players.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the importance of defensive playmakers remains as strong as ever. A dominant defense can be the difference between a championship and an early playoff exit, with top-tier players making significant impacts on both individual and team success. Recently, a renowned All-Pro linebacker from the Baltimore Ravens, known for his ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays, named his Top 10 NFL Defenders to Build Around. His list includes a mix of established stars and emerging talent, underscoring both immediate impact and long-term potential. Here’s a deep dive into the players he selected, with analysis of what makes them stand out as the best defensive players to build a team around in the modern NFL.
1. Aaron Donald – Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald has redefined the role of a defensive tackle in today’s NFL. His combination of strength, speed, and technique makes him one of the most disruptive players in the league. Donald is not just a sack machine; his presence in the middle of the defense opens up opportunities for others around him. As a former Defensive Player of the Year multiple times, Donald is consistently double-teamed, yet he still finds ways to impact the game, whether it’s with a sack, a tackle for loss, or simply by demanding constant attention from opposing offensive lines.
What makes Donald indispensable is his versatility. He can line up anywhere along the defensive line and still dominate. Whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run, Donald’s ability to collapse the pocket and create chaos makes him a cornerstone player. Even though he’s in his early 30s, his skill set remains elite, and with the ability to anchor a defensive line, he remains an ideal player to build a defensive unit around.
2. Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback, Miami Dolphins
Jalen Ramsey is one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL. His rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a nightmare for wide receivers. Ramsey’s ability to follow any wide receiver around the field, cover both the inside and outside, and eliminate half of the field for quarterbacks gives him a unique ability to change the dynamics of an offense.
Over the years, Ramsey has shown he can lock down elite players, from DeAndre Hopkins to Stefon Diggs, and even managed to excel in critical playoff games. The 28-year-old cornerback is entering his prime and continues to show why he’s one of the top players to invest in for the long term. In a passing league, having a cornerback like Ramsey, who can effectively neutralize the opposing team’s top receiver, is invaluable.
3. Micah Parsons – Edge Rusher, Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons is quickly establishing himself as one of the most explosive and versatile defensive players in the NFL. In just a few seasons, he’s already become a dominant force as an edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons has the ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and cover in space, giving him the flexibility to play multiple positions within the defense.
At just 24 years old, Parsons is already a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, and his relentless motor and instinct for the game make him one of the most exciting young players to watch. He can be used in multiple ways, and his ability to change the course of a game with a sack or key pressure is a testament to his disruptive impact. Parsons is an essential piece for the Cowboys’ future, and any team looking to build a defense around a generational talent would be wise to look in his direction.
4. T.J. Watt – Edge Rusher, Pittsburgh Steelers
T.J. Watt is arguably one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league today. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt’s ability to rush the passer is unmatched, as his quick first step and relentless pursuit make him a nightmare for quarterbacks. He’s not only a pass-rushing specialist; Watt’s ability to make plays against the run and in coverage makes him an all-around weapon.
Watt has already proven that he can change the game with his pressure on the quarterback and his ability to strip the ball. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and has a tremendous ability to finish plays. At 29 years old, Watt is still at the peak of his powers and should be a cornerstone for any defense looking to dominate for years to come.
5. Devin White – Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL, Devin White combines speed, power, and intelligence to make an immediate impact. His ability to cover ground sideline to sideline and his excellent instincts in both the run game and pass coverage set him apart from many other linebackers in the league. White has proven to be a game-changer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making key plays in crucial moments, including in Super Bowl LV, where his aggressive play helped shift momentum.
At just 25 years old, White is in the prime of his career, and his athleticism and versatility make him an ideal player to build a defense around. Whether it’s blitzing the quarterback, tracking running backs in coverage, or making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, White is a player who can be counted on to make an impact on all three downs.
6. Darius Leonard (Shaquille Leonard) – Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
Darius Leonard is one of the premier linebackers in the NFL, known for his incredible ball skills and playmaking ability. He’s a force both against the run and in pass coverage, and his natural instinct for finding the football makes him a constant threat on the field. Leonard’s ability to change the game with interceptions, forced fumbles, and big-time tackles in critical moments makes him a leader on the Colts’ defense.
Leonard is also a master at reading opposing offenses and diagnosing plays, which is a critical skill for a linebacker. His speed and ability to cover the field from sideline to sideline make him an ideal candidate for any defense looking to maintain a high level of excellence. At 28 years old, he’s still in the prime of his career and has the potential to continue leading the Colts’ defense for many years.
7. Derwin James – Safety, Los Angeles Chargers
Derwin James is a safety with rare athleticism, versatility, and instincts. Known for his hard-hitting style and ability to cover both tight ends and wide receivers, James can do it all. Whether it’s playing in the box, covering deep, or blitzing the quarterback, James is a true Swiss Army knife in the secondary. His ability to affect both the run and pass game makes him a top-tier defender and an ideal building block for a defensive unit.
James is known for his leadership on the field, and his playmaking ability has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections. At just 27 years old, James has several years ahead of him to continue shaping the Chargers’ defense and establishing himself as one of the league’s best safeties.
8. Fred Warner – Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
Fred Warner is one of the most consistent and reliable linebackers in the NFL today. His ability to read offenses, cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and stop the run with precision makes him a key player in the 49ers’ defensive scheme. Warner is also known for his leadership and intelligence on the field, making him an indispensable part of San Francisco’s defense.
At 27 years old, Warner is in his prime and has already cemented himself as one of the top linebackers in the league. His ability to cover a large amount of ground while still being a force against the run and pass is what makes him an ideal player to build a defense around.
9. Bobby Wagner – Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams
Though Bobby Wagner is in the later stages of his career, his impact on the game cannot be overstated. Wagner remains one of the most intelligent and instinctive linebackers in the NFL, capable of making plays in every phase of the game. His experience and leadership continue to be invaluable to his teams, and his ability to read offenses and react to them has allowed him to remain an elite player even as he ages.
At 33 years old, Wagner may not have many years left in the league, but his presence on the field and his ability to mentor younger players make him a prime candidate to help build a defense, especially for teams looking for leadership and consistency at the linebacker position.
10. Nick Bosa – Edge Rusher, San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa is one of the most destructive pass rushers in the NFL today. His quickness off the edge, combined with his ability to use a variety of pass-rush techniques, makes him nearly impossible to block. Bosa has the ability to change the outcome of a game with his relentless pressure on the quarterback, and his ability to disrupt offensive schemes makes him an essential piece of the 49ers’ defense.
At just 25 years old, Bosa is one of the top young pass rushers in the league and will continue to be a force for years to come. His ability to rack up sacks, pressures, and tackles for loss makes him a cornerstone piece for any defensive unit looking to dominate.
