Creating powerful NFL Olympic teams using four USA regions

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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) rushes the passer against Carolina Panthers tackle Mike Remmers (74) in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

South Defense

DL: Michael Bennett
DL: Geno Atkins
DL: Marcell Dareus
EDGE: Von Miller
EDGE: Khalil Mack
LB: Jamie Collins
LB: Thomas Davis
CB: Patrick Peterson
CB: Josh Norman
FS: Earl Thomas
SS: Eric Berry

As loaded as the South offense is, their defense would give them a legitimate run for their money. There are so many incredible NFL defensive players to choose from who were born in the South and it was incredibly difficult to only cut it down to 11.

Up front, the trio of Michael Bennett, Geno Atkins and Marcell Dareus brings an incredible combination of skills. Power, speed, athleticism, pass rush ability, run defense prowess and experience, those guys have it all.

On top of that, the South has arguably the two best outside pass rushers in the NFL making plays on the outside with Von Miller and Khalil Mack. We saw how great Miller can be down the stretch last season, and there are plenty of smart people out there who think that Mack is even better.

Those five players give the South defense incredible overall versatility, allowing them to switch between three, four and even five man defensive fronts.

Jamie Collins is an incredibly athletic linebacker who is fantastic in pass coverage and strong against the run. This loaded South defense may not need him to rush the passer much, but Collins can do that as well.

Thomas Davis gets the edge over Lavonte David as the group’s last linebacker. Davis may not be as physically gifted as some of the others on the roster, but he is an incredibly smart, tough and solid player at the linebacker position who brings a ton of stability to the table.

There is not really a traditional middle linebacker in the bunch, but the South’s defensive front seven is absolutely loaded. On top of that, the secondary may even be better.

Their cornerback duo of Patrick Peterson and Josh Norman is the best out of any region in this Olympic practice. Both players are elite in man-to-man coverage and can make big plays on the outside.

The safety duo of Earl Thomas and Eric Berry is also as good as it gets. Thomas making plays as the deep safety and Berry roaming around dominating in coverage and against the run is absolutely devastating.

There is no other way to put it, this South defense is absolutely loaded, and any team would struggle to score against them.

Next: East Offense

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