Help Choose the AFC North All Defense Team
Nov 3, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell (17) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers
Outside Linebacker
Terrell Suggs – Suggs has been a monster since coming into the league. He is aging but is still able to dominate from the linebacker position. He has taken over the leadership role on the Ravens but is still as aggressive and passionate as ever.
Paul Kruger – Kruger is not the high sack guy that Suggs is but has had a positive influence on the Browns defense and helps shut down the outside run. Kruger was paid big money to come to Cleveland, and while he may not last his entire huge contract his influence is noticeable.
Inside Linebacker
Vontaze Burfict – Burfict went from being undrafted to being unblockable. He still has a ton of maturing to do but his skill level and football IQ is obvious when making plays. At ILB in a 3-4 he will have multiple responsibilities and will allow him to free flow sometimes.
Karlos Dansby – Dansby comes over from the Cardinals off a year where at one point he was in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Dansby struggled the last time he was given a big contract but is an important cog in Pettine’s defense and is much wiser now.
Inside Linebacker
Lawrence Timmons – Timmons is the lone holdover from the dominate Steelers linebacking core of a few years ago. Timmons still makes plays all over the field, captains the defense and is impactful. The Steelers have added a bunch of young linebackers but Timmons still makes that unit go.
Daryl Smith – Smith is not a big name but is a solid veteran that kept the middle of the Ravens defense together last year following the loss of Ray Lewis. Again not going to put up huge numbers but when healthy provides a steady hand in the middle of a defense.
Outside Linebacker
Jabaal Sheard – Sheard had a break through season last year cut down by injuries, primarily an ankle. Unleashed from the outside Sheard attacked both the run and the pass ferociously and made a huge impact for the Browns. Sheard held off rookie first rounder Barkevious Mingo last year and looks to capitalize on his contract year this year.
Elvis Dumervil – The Ravens “lucked” into Elvis when the fax machine incident happened. Instead of returning to Denver he was on the open market and the team brought him in to take the place of Kruger. The Ravens deployed him more situationally but he was still able to rack up 9.5 sacks.