The NFC South is an ultra-competitive division. Perhaps nothing exemplifies that more than the surplus of talent at the defensive tackle position. A loaded group that already included stars like Grady Jarrett, Gerald McCoy and Kawann Short has now added another dominant defender in Ndamukong Suh.
As we’ve gone through these 2019 division position rankings — quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and offensive line — there have been some unquestionably tough decisions. However, none or our previous rankings have been as difficult as this. There are five legitimate contenders who deserve at least some consideration for the top spot on this list. There can only be one champion though, and he happens to be a Falcon.
1. Grady Jarrett – Falcons
2018 Stats: 52 tackles, 8 TFL, 6 sacks, 16 QB hits, PFF grade: 91.0
Jarrett was oftentimes the only bright spot on a Falcons defense that seemed a step slow in 2018. The steady presence of Jarrett in the middle was one thing they could always count on though, which helped keep them competitive despite a plethora of serious defensive injuries. Jarrett was given a Pro Football Focus grade of 91 for the year, good for No. 5 among interior defensive linemen. He’s just 26 years old and deserves every dollar coming when he signs his long-term extension with Atlanta.
2. Kawann Short – Panthers
2018 Stats: 42 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 sacks, 7 QB hits, PFF grade: 83.7
Short has quietly been one of the best 4-3 DTs for a few years and his 2018 season was no exception. He earned his second career Pro Bowl selection, which is probably too few. Short will finally have some help this year though in the form of former Bucs DT Gerald McCoy, who will line up next to him. Short has 27.5 sacks over the past four seasons. It looks like he will move to a 3-4 DE role in 2019, which could be problematic. Even if it’s a rough transition, it’s hard to bet against Short after he’s proven to be so consistent these last few years.
3. Gerald McCoy – Panthers
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 6 TFL, 6 sacks, 21 QB hits, PFF grade: 78.6
All good things must come to an end, and sometimes a bitter one, as was the case for McCoy and the Buccaneers. Even though he’s not the world-beating force he once was, McCoy can be a difference-maker for any pro defense and he landed in an excellent situation in Carolina. He’s started at least 13 games in seven straight seasons and is still playing at a high level. McCoy sounds like he will be motivated this season, particularly when he gets a chance to show Bruce Arians and the Bucs they made a big mistake.
4. Ndamukong Suh – Buccaneers
2018 Stats: 59 tackles, 4 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, PFF grade: 82.6
Suh was picked one spot before McCoy in the 2010 NFL draft and they have been linked ever since. Now he’ll be taking McCoy’s old spot as well as his jersey number. On the field, they’re playing at about the same level but Suh will cost Tampa a few million less than McCoy would have this year. Even at 31 years old, Suh was extremely productive playing next to Aaron Donald for the Rams last season. He won’t have that kind of help in Tampa this year, though.
5. Sheldon Rankins – Saints
2018 Stats: 40 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 sacks, 15 QB hits, PFF grade: 81.6
Rankins was a promising first-round pick for the Saints back in 2016. He didn’t really have his breakout campaign until last year, though. Before the Achilles injury that kept him out of the playoffs, Rankins was playing at a Pro Bowl level. Obviously, Rankins needs to prove he can do it consistently, but his trajectory in just three NFL seasons has been impressive. He’s only 25 years old and could one day become the best interior defensive lineman in the NFC South.
