Defense/Special Teams preview: Dominate to secure the victory

Franchise makers

The top fantasy defense/special teams own a solid pass rush to put pressure on the quarterback, a stout run defense to force offenses into third-and-longs, a quality secondary to procure interceptions, and playmakers to create turnovers and wreak havoc with offensive gameplans. Strong special teams are a bonus, but not a prerequisite since so few touchdowns are scored from kickoff and punt returns.

Led by the NFL’s best cornerback, Darrelle Revis, the New York Jets' No. 1 pass defense became stronger with the offseason additions of pass rusher Jason Taylor and first-round cornerback Kyle Wilson. Trading for Antonio Cromartie also bolsters the cornerback depth. Run-stuffer Kris Jenkins and talented linebacker David Harris anchor the run defense. Outside linebacker Calvin Pace and end Greg Ellis highlight the returning pass rushers.

Minnesota’s inconsistent secondary was bolstered by the additions of early second-round choice Chris Cook and free-agent pickup Lito Sheppard at cornerback. They’ll compete with Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield for playing time. Minnesota led the NFL in sacks (48) by receiving great play from end Jared Allen and superior interior pressure from the Williams duo of Kevin and Pat.

Philadelphia generated the third-most sacks (44) last year but still added one of the draft’s top pass rushers with Brandon Graham. The Eagles hope the second-round pick of safety Nathaniel Allen replaces the sorely missed Brian Dawkins. Philly also helped the secondary by signing Marlin Jackson to assist top corner Asante Samuels and keep the Eagles among the best at procuring interceptions (they finished with fourth-most of 28 last year). Additionally, along with several offseason trade acquisitions, the draft’s first five picks and nine of the 13 choices were used to strengthen the defense.

The healthy return of Troy Polamalu will help last year’s disappointing Pittsburgh defense become a dominant force again. The reunion of cornerback Bryant McFadden will also help increase Pittsburgh’s low interceptions number that ranked in the bottom quarter last year. Outside linebackers LaMarr Woodley (13.5) and James Harrison (10) combined for 23.5 sacks last year, and two of the draft’s first four picks yielded two more outside linebackers to provide depth behind the dynamic duo. Defensive end Aaron Smith is returning from an injury, and his presence will help run-stuffer Casey Hampton and inside linebackers like James Farrior keep Pittsburgh’s run defense as one of the league’s best.

Baltimore bolstered the front seven by adding pass rusher Sergio Kindle and run-stuffer Terrence Cody with its first two draft picks. The Ravens hope to increase their number of sacks after ranking in the bottom half last year. The run defense declined last season, and Baltimore’s overall potency on defense is tied to Ed Reed’s health and Ray Lewis’ effectiveness for his 15th season.

Sleepers

San Francisco is led by star middle linebacker Patrick Willis, and its coach Mike Singletary injects a super aggressive approach that produces high sacks and turnovers.

Miami improved its run defense and added a pass rusher with its first two selections of tackle Jared Odrick and end Koa Misi. Losing pass rushers Taylor and Joey Porter hurts, but Miami’s young, improving secondary will boost the interceptions.

The return of star safety Bob Sanders and the full health of pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will help Indianapolis be among the leaders for turnovers again. Having one of the top offenses allows the Colts to be aggressive and take more chances, especially when the team has a big lead.

Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher may receive much flak, but the signing of Peppers and the return of Urlacher gives Chicago two of the NFL’s best and most athletic playmakers. Add highly regarded linebacker Lance Briggs and talented tackle Tommie Harris, and the Bears have one of the league’s most talented front seven. Chicago also drafted hard-hitting free safety Major Wright with its first pick and traded for physical strong safety Chris Harris, finally providing the team with a fearsome last line of defense. Devin Hester also leads a strong special teams group with his proven ability to return kickoffs and punts for touchdowns.

Cincinnati’s top pair of cornerbacks Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph ensures a high number of interceptions. The Bengals drafted pass rusher Carlos Dunlap in the second round to boost their sacks. Additionally, they hope a full season from end Antwan Odom will result into him producing double-digit sacks. Boding well for this season, the Bengals’ run defense improved dramatically from 2008 to last year with better middle play from the linemen, linebackers and safeties.

Value Buys

Green Bay made a successful transition to the 3-4 with its strong play of linebackers Nick Barnett (105 tackles), A.J. Hawk (89 tackles) and Clay Matthews (10 sacks). The brilliant play of cornerback Charles Woodson makes the Packers a threat to lead the NFL in interceptions for the second straight season.

Still in their prime, pass-rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware, talented tackle Jay Ratliff and solid cornerback Terence Newman make Dallas a dominating defense that is still improving. Established veterans, like linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking and cornerback Terence Newman, lend leadership and stability. Rising talents, such as linebackers Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Spencer and cornerback Mike Jenkins, will help the Cowboys keep improving.

New Orleans added first-round cornerback Patrick Robinson to help pair with last year’s first rounder Malcolm Jenkins. Add free-agent signing Alex Brown (six sacks) to complement Will Smith (13 sacks), and the Saints’ frequent blitzes will help boost the pass rush.

After struggling defending the pass, New England added first-round cornerback Devin McCourty to its largely young group of defensive backs. Drafting inside linebacker Brandon Spikes to complement young athletic Jerod Mayo, and signing big veteran defensive linemen like Damione Lewis and Gerard Warren will improve a regressing run defense. All will help the Patriots create more turnovers and sacks.

New York Giants struggled last season largely because of injuries to the linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. They bolstered their depth by drafting defense with their first four draft picks. A return to full strength from pass-rushers Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, tackle Chris Canty and cornerback Aaron Ross will help greatly. Staying free of injuries, and adding Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant at safety will also help boost the sacks and turnovers.

Buyer Beware

Denver did little in the draft to strengthen its defense, using only three of its final four picks (Rounds 5 and 7) on defensive players. With aging stars Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins past their prime, pass-rushing fiend Elvis Dumervil (17 sacks) and tackling stud D.J. Williams need more playmakers to emerge and help create sacks and turnovers.

Many of Carolina’s star defensive players have defected or retired, including Peppers, Kris Jenkins and Dan Morgan, without being adequately replaced. As a result, its defense is no longer a dominating one.

Jacksonville’s defensive line has significantly declined, after being unable to adequately replace run-stuffers Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, and helpful pass rushers like Bobby McCray or Paul Spicer. It ranked woefully last with only 14 sacks last year, which is nearly 60 percent fewer than the second-worst sack number. Signing Aaron Kampman (who is recovering from ACL knee surgery) and drafting linemen with the first four draft picks attempt to rectify that.

Washington is switching to a 3-4 defense, but may not have the personnel to adjust effectively. Additionally, it did little to improve the turnover potential of a secondary that produced the fourth-fewest interceptions.

Final Thoughts

Wait until the second-to-final round to pick a fantasy D/ST for a typical 16-round draft. The best ones can change yearly (as the Giants and Saints reversed fantasy fortunes on defense last year). If the top D/STs like the Jets, Vikings, Eagles, Steelers and Ravens are gone by the Round 15 pick, then aim for value buys with the Packers, Cowboys, Saints, Patriots and Giants. Picking a sleeper like the Colts, Bears or Bengals may yield one of the top fantasy defenses, or at least provide a solid second D/ST as well.