NFL Reveals The Biggest Disruptor On Defense In 2021

Defense can win championships in the NFL.

Just ask the 2000 Baltimore Ravens who practically shut down their opponents to win Super Bowl XXXV over the New York Giants.

Before them, the 1985 Bears used the “46” defense to dominate the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams sealed their victory in Super Bowl LVI with a defensive stand led by Aaron Donald.

Without question, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has built a solid case for enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But aside from being a champion and a seven-time All-Pro, he is also a menace to opposing quarterbacks.

These guys will ruin a QBs day 😤 (via @NextGenStats)

— NFL (@NFL) June 21, 2022

Donald is the eighth-best disruptor based on Next Gen Stats.

They factored in quarterback pressures, pressure rate, hurries, sacks, and turnovers caused by QB pressure.

Leading the pack is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Coming in at second is reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.

Maxx Crosby certainly deserved the mega extension from the Las Vegas Raiders after coming in third on this list.

Meanwhile, Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons is at fourth.

Yannick Ngakoue, Myles Garrett, and Nick Bosa are all ranked higher than Donald.

Completing the list are Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd.

Disruptors Get Paid

Every team needs them because they should have someone that throws opposing offenses off their rhythm.

If they don’t pay attention to these beasts, they can instantly end a play by barging through the offensive line.

Their level of play also inspires other players to step up and deliver.

Likewise, it’s no surprise that nine of the ten players on the list made last year’s playoffs.

It pays to have a defensive stalwart who can shut down opponents.

After all, the game is won once they’ve struck fear upon opposing quarterbacks.