NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1

5. St. Louis Rams

Every year, the Rams are one of the teams that everyone talks about as a darkhorse pick. St. Louis has that tag again after acquiring Nick Foles and subsequently signing him to a two-year extension worth $24 million. However, if the Rams are finally going to get back to the playoffs for the first time in a decade, it must be on the back of their stellar defense.

Everything centers around the front four. While Alec Ogletree, James Laurinaitis and Jo-Lunn Dunbar are a fine trio of linebackers, they are allowed to roam because of the line. Robert Quinn and Chris Long are two of the finest defensive ends in the business. Long only played in one game last year before landing on injured reserve, so getting him back is a huge plus. On the interior, general manager Les Snead signed Nick Fairley to a one-year deal, only getting stronger with second-year star Aaron Donald next to him.

This group will need to dominate and get to quarterbacks in short order, because the secondary is young and still very inconsistent. T.J. McDonald shows flashes with good athleticism but needs work, while Janoris Jenkins is very much a feast or famine player. Still, the Rams are in great shape with a dominant front.

Next: 4. New York Jets