NFL Preview: Best and worst teams at each position group

NFL Preview: Best and worst teams at each position

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) during pre game warmups against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) is tackled by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Best: New York Jets

No team was able to beef up their defense more effectively in the offseason then the New York Jets, as they were able to boost their already ferocious line by drafting USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams with the sixth pick in the draft. With two of the best 3-4 defensive ends in Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, as well as Williams rotating on off the bench, the Jets now have a clogging front line – one that will eliminate the run and still be able to get to the passer and/or springboard the edge rushers to make plays in the pocket.

Having nose tackle Damon Harrison will help to reinforce the run defense as well. Under new coach Todd Bowles, a top-ranked defense could be in store.

The lone drawback is Richardson’s four-game suspension to start the season for substance abuse, yet the Jets have the depth to be secure for that opening stretch.

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) breaks the tackle of Chicago Bears Jeremiah Ratliff (90) on a run in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst: Chicago Bears

By virtue of switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, the Bears defensive line loses two of its best players, Jared Allen and Willie Young, as well as another talented under-performer in Lamarr Houston.

Young and Houston are coming off injuries, and all three will be transitioning to “stand up” edge-rushing linebackers, leaving the Bears with 34-year old Jeremiah Ratliff, Washington castoff Jarvis Jenkins and one of Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton and rookie Eddie Goldman. Goldman might be great, but neither Sutton nor Ferguson have shown a great deal of promise.

The Bears defense may be improved in 2015, but they likely won’t be good, and the defensive line will be a major reason why.

Next: Linebacker

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