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#34 Overall, Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings, #3 Cornerback
2023 Pre-Season Rank #41, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #55, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #55, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #54. Peak Period 2016-20
It is usually easy to rank former Defensive Players of the Year, but as we are ten years deep into the career of Stephon Gilmore, we now know what we have. After a decent run in Buffalo, Gilmore had an out-of-nowhere DPOY year in 2019 (though it did follow a good 2018), though he has not matched that year since.
Since then, Gilmore has been a hired gun, playing one year each in Carolina, Indianapolis, and Dallas, and is now on a one-year deal with Minnesota. His veteran presence still makes him valuable, but bouncing between teams could impact his perception.
#126 Overall, Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears Linebacker, #9 Defensive Lineman/Linebackers: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #103, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #107, 2021 Pre-Season Rank: 120, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #142. Peak Period: 2018-22.
A Pro Bowl Selection in 2019 and 2020, Tremaine Edmunds's push for greatness has stalled in his last two years with the Bills. Edmunds joined a very interesting Chicago Bears squad in 2023, but he would have to return to a previous level for any serious chance.
#11 Overall, T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers, #2 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker Pass Rusher
2023 Pre-Season Rank #15, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #24, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #68, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #102.
T.J. Watt has rocketed through this rank, winning the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 while placing second in 2020 and 2023. Watt is a three-time Sack-leader, a two-time Tackles for Loss leader and is in the conversation for the best pass-rusher of the last five years.
Turning 30 this year, Watt is already a four-time First Team All-Pro and shows no signs of decline. Now, Watt is on pace to join his brother J.J. in Canton. Sadly, their busts won’t be beside each other in the Hall!
#55 Overall, Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker, #5 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank: #53, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #63, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #83, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #94. Peak Period: 2012-16
We argued that Lavonte David was one of the most underrated players of the 2010s, and that is even more true in overall football history. Let's say that is true, as underrated players (in their time) have made the Hall, but it is challenging for the career Buccaneer to crack the plane that will give him Canton consideration.
Hopefully, the Bucs will honor him in some capacity when his career concludes.