Power ranking every NFL defense in 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after making a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

18. Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ defense was pushed too often in 2019, most notably into losses in two losses to the 49ers. The club allowed Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell to leave via free agency but signed former Browns’ linebacker Christian Kirksey. The pass-rushing duo of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith combined for 25.5 sacks this past season.

17. Indianapolis Colts

Linebacker Darius Leonard has been around just two seasons but is already one of the best players at his position. And Kenny Moore II may be the most underrated cornerback in the league. General manager Chris Ballard struck gold this off season by giving up a first-round pick for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who can push the pocket.

16. Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer’s defense slipped this past year and this offseason there was an overhaul of sorts as veterans such as Linval Joseph and Xavier Rhodes were released. Rick Spielman used nine of his 15 picks in April on this side of ball. The club still has outstanding linebackers in Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr and pass-rushing terror Danielle Hunter.

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