
<p>Today’s <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-disappointing-nfl-draft-picks-over-the-last-two-decades-20230426-SPD-3602.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> is characterized by a focus on offense. It’s why the Jets gambled on a 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, why the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-dalvin-cook-in-case-of-vikings-exit-20230513-SPD-3634.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> took a quarterback with the first overall choice, and so on.</p>



<p>The importance of defense, however, remains. Check with the San Francisco 49ers, who have made three consecutive visits to the NFC Championship Game thanks to their formidable pass rush, or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose offense was managed by Todd Bowles and was instrumental in Tom Brady’s record-setting eighth and final Super Bowl victory.</p>



<p>The 2023 season is still a ways off, but CBS Sports is already looking forward to the top four defensive players that might have a huge effect on the next campaign.</p>



<h2>Jalen Ramsey</h2>



<p>While the Rams were eager to get rid of his massive contract, the Dolphins stand to gain significantly from the move. Although the former Pro Bowler is starting to show signs of decline, he is still light years ahead of his competition when it comes to confidence and skill. With Xavien Howard on the other side of the field and Vic Fangio at the helm, he has a chance to emerge as the Dolphins’ next star player.</p>



<h2>Javon Hargrave</h2>



<p>After a decent run in Pittsburgh, he blossomed into a star for the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run. Now, he’s part of the most talented defensive front of his career, playing in front of veterans like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and with stars like Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead. San Francisco’s chances of being an NFC powerhouse should improve if he can replicate the disruption he showed in his 11-sack outburst.</p>



<h2>Sauce Gardner</h2>



<p>After just one season in the NFL, the native of Cincinnati has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young players. Everyone knows Aaron Rodgers will be crucial to the Jets’ success this season, but imagine for a moment that the veteran Packers great isn’t getting much help from the Jets’ questionable offensive line. Gardner’s outside locking skill may yet help Robert Saleh’s team stay in the hunt.</p>



<h2>Minkah Fitzpatrick</h2>



<p>Even though Fitzpatrick has been just as effective at his position as people like Derwin James, Jessie Bates, etc., he doesn’t get nearly as much attention as they do. He has 17 interceptions and 38 pass breakups in less than four full seasons with the Steelers. That is to say, the ball never escapes his sight. He’s got the takeaway talents, along with Patrick Peterson, to mess up the AFC North predictions that have the Bengals and Ravens as the clear favorites.</p>


Minkah Fitzpatrick

NFL: Top 4 defensive players that might make major difference in 2023

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