In our latest series, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be selecting starting lineups consisting of the best players from each division. In this article, the AFC South defense and special teams is the focus. Since three of the four teams in the division run a 3-4 defensive scheme, that is the scheme that will be used in this article.
2016 AFC South All-Division Team: Defense & Special Teams
Left Defensive End: J.J. Watt (Houston)
There is little debate about who the best left defensive end is in the NFL. That same person is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. That person is J.J. Watt. Watt has been an absolute monster since coming into the league in 2011. He’s lined up on both sides of the ball, scoring both offensive and defensive touchdowns. The explosive end has been named to four Pro Bowls, and has four First-Team All-Pro selections. He’s led the league in sacks before, eclipsing 20 sacks in two different seasons. Look for him to be just as much of a nuisance to opposing offenses in 2016 as he has been in the past.
Nose Tackle: Vince Wilfork (Houston)
Vince Wilfork is exactly the veteran presence the Texans needed heading into 2015. Coming over from the New England Patriots, Wilfork quickly got to work meeting his defensive teammates, hosting barbecues as team building exercises, and settling in to the Texans defense. Wilfork is a mentor to the young defense, imparting knowledge and wisdom coming from his multiple Super Bowl winning seasons in New England. He is the most talented nose tackle in the division and he does his job of stuffing the run well.
Right Defensive End: Jurrell Casey (Tennessee)
Jurrell Casey is your typical big, sturdy defensive lineman. He’s been a cornerstone of the Titans defense since being drafted in 2011, earning a Pro Bowl honor for the first time in his career in 2015. Don’t let his big frame fool you, as the former USC defensive end is quick to make the pocket collapse and has great vision for where the ball will end up. Malik Jackson deserves an honorable mention, as a defending Super Bowl champion and talented defensive lineman. Jackson’s biggest play came during the Super Bowl, where he recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, which was the first of his career.
Left Outside Linebacker: Whitney Mercilus (Houston)
Mercilus may be one of the best outside linebackers in the AFC, if not the entire league. Each season, Mercilus has continued to develop and hone his skill, becoming a problem for opposing offenses. He recorded 52 tackles in 2015 along with his 12 sacks. His ability to flex easily between a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme makes him an invaluable weapon for the Texans.
Left Inside Linebacker: Paul Posluszny (Jacksonville)
The former Nittany Lion is an absolute animal. Posluszny had a stellar year in 2015 for the Jaguars, recording three interceptions for 25 return yards. What is outstanding, however, is his tackle total. He recorded 103 tackles in 2015, with one sack, and 73 of those tackles were solo.
Right Inside Linebacker: Wesley Woodyard (Tennessee)
Wesley Woodyard is another hard-hitting linebacker that the Titans have added to their improving defense. He had 51 tackles in 2015 to go along with five sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered another, and had a defensive touchdown to his credit. He’s a compact explosion waiting in the middle of the field for an unsuspecting target, similar to a cheetah stalking its prey.
Right Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo (Tennessee)
2015 was Orakpo’s first season in Tennessee. He started all 16 games, recording seven sacks and 38 tackles. Orakpo displays good initial quickness and excellent agility as he adjusted well in space and in the pass rush. The former Longhorn flattens out well against the outside run.
Cornerback: Johnathan Joseph (Houston)
Johnathan Joseph has been the closest thing to a shutdown corner that the Texans have seen in some time. Kareem Jackson shows flashes from time to time, but his inexperience also peeks out as well. Joseph had 48 tackles in 2015 and an interception to boot. His awareness of where the play is and where the ball will be is unequaled.
Cornerback: Vontae Davis (Indianapolis)
The former Fighting Illini cornerback appears to be a force to be reckoned with. Davis has developed into a high quality starter, being named to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015. Davis recorded 38 tackles and four interceptions while starting all 16 games for the Colts last season. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if he made the Pro Bowl again in 2016, especially if he puts up the same numbers.
Free Safety: Andre Hal (Houston)
Andre Hal prides himself on one-on-one matchups. The Vanderbilt alum likes to show that he can run with speedy receivers and play tight man-to-man coverage and does a good job of turning his head around early to find the ball. He’s able to close quickly on the ball in the air. He finished 2015 with 36 tackles and four interceptions, one of which led to a 31-yard touchdown return.
Strong Safety: Da’Norris Searcy (Tennessee)
Da’Norris Searcy appears to be finding his groove. Each year since coming into the league, his tackle totals have gone up. Don’t let last year’s 3-13 team record be any indication of the defense Searcy can provide. He has a quick first step, giving him good field vision. He posted 55 tackles and one interception last season.
Special Teams
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis)
There shouldn’t be much debate as to who the best kicker is. Adam Vinatieri may be one of the greatest kickers in the NFL of all-time. Just in 2015, Vinatieri converted 25 of 27 kicks, making four out of five from 50+ yards, proving he’s still got it at his age. He will be a no-brainer Hall of Famer.
Punter: Pat McAfee (Indianapolis)
The Colts’ offensive struggles in 2015 forced McAfee to punt the ball 37 times, but he responded by leading the league with a 46.2 net punting average, forcing 11 fair catches and downing 13 punts inside the 20.
Kick/Punt Returner: Keith Mumphery (Houston)
Keith Mumphery did a solid job of stepping in to the returner position in his rookie year, returning the ball 36 times for a total of 280 yards. He also returns both kicks and punts, which helps his case as a versatile return man. A good number of the AFC South return specialists were rookies or have left the division. Look for Mumphery to continue his role as a stand out on special teams.
If you missed the AFC South All-Division offense, check it out.
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