
<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>


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

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

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<p>After 13 weeks, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-3-reasons-washington-commanders-playoff-chances-are-real-20221116-SPD-3157.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 NFL rookie class</a></strong> still looks impressive. It’s possible that a few running backs may finish the season with 1,000 rushing yards, and a few receivers are on track to do the same.</p>



<p>As a group, the rookie defensive unit has recorded 70.5 sacks and 40 interceptions so far this season. Several members of the unit have already reached the three-sack mark. Brock Purdy, who will start for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers, is among the quarterbacks with game experience.</p>



<p>At this point of the 2022-23 NFL season, the contenders for Rookie of the Year are dispersed. Only a little before the end of the regular season, and it has already been months since these rookies joined the professional ranks. As of right now, these are the three best NFL rookie players, as per <em>NFL.com.</em></p>



<h2>3. Tariq Woolen</h2>



<p>Despite entering the NFL as a developing prospect, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-patrick-mahomes-and-potential-mvp-candidates-of-2022-season-20221108-SPD-3092.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolen</a></strong> has been technically sound thus far, which has helped showcase his exceptional athleticism. There have been four interceptions made by the long, nimble corner.</p>



<p>Woolen has kept the young Seahawks’ secondary organized and on the right track. His length and zone coverage have been outstanding, and he is a perfect match for the system. He has exceeded anyone’s expectations heading into the end of the season.</p>



<h2>2. Chris Olave</h2>



<p>With his refined route-running and surprising quickness, Olave has stood out as the most promising rookie wide receiver. The rookie from Ohio State has more receptions (43) and receiving yards than any other player (618).</p>



<p>Olave has improved route-running skills and perimeter speed, allowing him to glide past defenders in the vertical passing game and generate separation on second-level cuts. On the season, Olave has caught 11 balls that turned into big plays, and he has a catch average of over 15 yards.</p>



<h2>1. Sauce Gardner</h2>



<p>Gardner is well on his way to becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. His two interceptions this season have been game-changers for the Jets, and he had another in their recent upset victory against the Bills.</p>



<p>Gardner has a chance to become the first rookie from the Jets to be picked for the Pro Bowl since safety Erik McMillan in 1988. The amount of times quarterbacks has begun to turn the other way already shows his true stature among his peers, more so than the plays he has made, such as his involvement in restricting Justin Jefferson to 45 yards in Week 13.</p>


Sauce Gardner

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

Top 3 rookies for 2022-23 NFL season

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