Sep 17, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Having taken a look at the secret superstars on offense in the NFL earlier this week, today we shift focus towards the other side of the ball, and dive deep into the league’s secret superstars on defense.
After flashing for Denver in the 2014 preseason, Barrett was stashed on their practice squad before forcing his way onto the team proper in 2015 with a 17-pressure preseason. Since then, he’s been superb with the only surprise being his excellent play doesn’t get more notice. Obviously, part of that is being on the same team and playing the same position as a certain Von Miller but when you couple last season’s 43 pressures with his always solid run defense (overall 82.7 grade) you get a guy who is more likely than not to become a household name going forward.
Amos is arguably one of those guys coaches think they can move on from but, when he’s put on the field, he’s one of those guys who constantly reminds them that’s where he belongs. Long story short, Amos simply produces. He’s never likely to be the most fluid guy in coverage but he still makes plays – an interception, three other pass breakups, two forced fumbles – and is a secure tackler (ninth among safeties in tackle efficiency) despite a penchant for putting all of his 214 pounds into his hits.
Jones may well be the best player in the NFL that no one talks about. Not sure how much longer that can carry on given the level of play he’s demonstrated during his first two years in the league. Playing predominantly inside the tackles, he’s been very solid in run defense (his 80.0 grade ranks 20th among interior defensive linemen) and a force when rushing the passer (83.6 – sixth overall). It’s a difficult combination to combat and leaves him as a top 10 defensive interior player overall.
If…
