Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Now its time to focus on the defensive side of the All-time PFF team in its 20 year history. Like the offense, there will be more surprising choices that will fuel debate to whether a highly graded player in their analytical system will be elected for the HOF in the future. Though their choices for their team doesnt necessarily mean the website endorses these players for the HOF, it can at least possibly influence young voters in that direction, along with postseason success, accolades, longevity and passing the eye test for most fans and observers on the field or from television.

All-time PFF Team 2006 - 2026

Part Two: Defense

DI/DT

1st team -- Aaron Donald
1st team -- JJ Watt
2nd team -- Cameron Heyward
2nd team -- Chris Jones

Others in order -- Geno Atkins

Others mentioned that graded highly in yearly choices of the highest graded interior linemen with PFF included Calais Campbell, Ndamukong Suh and Fletcher Cox but they were excluded from mention for this team. Possibly because they played all over the line including shade/nose tackle?

Shade/NT

1st team -- Dexter Lawrence
2nd team -- Damon Harrison

Despite high grading, both dont shout out HOF to me but as we all know, a subjective process

Edge

1st team -- Myles Garrett
1st team -- Khalil Mack
2nd team -- Von Miller
2nd team -- TJ Watt

Others in order -- Brandon Graham? Cameron Wake, Demarcus Lawrence? DeMarcus Ware.

Others that were graded highly but omitted -- Cameron Jordan, Justin Houston, Chandler Jones, Shaquil Barrett and Jadeveon Clowney, who rates well with them but has been considered disappointing as well with fans and others. I may be subjective, but dont see alot of these guys better than Chandler Jones, who retired too soon due to off-field issues.

Interesting that Mack beats out Miller, while Demarcus Lawrence graded better than HOF elect, DeMarcus Ware? A great career for Graham but could this team help his case for the HOF?

LB

1st team -- Bobby Wagner
1st team -- Luke Kuechly
2nd team -- Lavonte David
2nd team -- Patrick Willis

Others in order -- Fred Warner, Demario Davis, Ray Lewis

We will see if this team along with support from other analytical sources, help David's case for the HOF despite light accolades?

S

1st team -- Eric Weddle
1st team -- Harrison Smith?
2nd team -- Devin McCourty?
2nd team -- Kerry Rhodes?

Omissions -- Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu ?

Very surprising choices based upon grading but are these guys really better than Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu or even Earl Thomas?
Weddle and McCourty were considered underrated during their careers. Tyran Mathieu was omitted despite high grading as well.

CB

1st team -- Richard Sherman
1st team -- Darrelle Revis
1st team/slot -- Chris Harris Jr?
2nd team -- Casey Hayward Jr?
2nd team -- Champ Bailey
2nd team -- Charles Woodson

Others in order -- Charles Tillman, Antione Winfield, Jalen Ramsey

More surprising choices with Hayward over Woodson, though Woodson had prime seasons before 2006. I knew Harris was good but that much? Aqib Talib was highly graded but omitted.

In some respects, its cool all the players mentioned in these threads that might not be remembered or appreciated, but many wont make the HOF. Accolades to me along with postseason success have the greatest weight but these choices at least can be re-evaluated along-side obvious greats who have, or will make the HOF. Hopefully voters can use these player evaluations for their own, subjective decisions.

I mentioned Nnamdi Asomugha in another thread as a free agent bust with the Eagles in 2011-12. Surprised that Pro Football Focus didnt give him more consideration as a corner for their All-time team on defense? With the Raiders, he was a four-time All-Pro but maybe he wasnt graded as well, or considered overrated by the site? Would many fans feel he has a case for the HOF? Did his years in Philly hurt his chances?

Based on this PFF team and their grading of players, does Devin McCourty for NE have a strong enough case for the HOF?

He never had a 1st team All-Pro designation but three 2nd team designations. Counting postseason he has 37 interceptions and over 1000 career tackles while playing in five SB games, winning three. His teams also went to three consecutive SB games. Had to have played alot of different coverage roles in those defenses which made him underrated. Despite this second dynasty for the Brady-led Patriots, will anyone from this team from 2011-2019 make the HOF besides Brady, Gronk and Belichick?