Packers: All NFC-North defense entering 2022 season
It’s time for the 2022 All-NFC North defense. Quite unbelievably, this team is dominated by the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers could have the NFC North’s top defense and one of the best in the league this season, which has been unheard of over the past decade.
Still, there were some tough choices across the board here with so many talented defensive players in the division.
DT: Kenny Clark (Packers)
Clark is coming off arguably his best season yet, in which he made his second Pro Bowl. He enters year seven but is somehow still only 26 years old.
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson (Vikings)
A dominant run defender, Tomlinson makes any defensive line better. He will be an important player up front for the Vikings in 2022.
EDGE: Robert Quinn (Bears)
There were so many choices at edge rusher, but it’s hard to argue with 18.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 2021. Quinn is coming off an All-Pro and Pro Bowl season.
EDGE: Rashan Gary (Packers)
Per Pro Football Reference, Gary ranked in the top five in various pass-rushing categories last year, such as pressures and hurries. He had 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits to go with it. Gary is one of the best young pass rushers in football.
ILB: Roquan Smith (Bears)
Packers fans may be surprised to see no De’Vondre Campbell in this team, but Smith deserves to make it. He has been an All-Pro in each of the past two seasons.
ILB: Eric Kendricks (Vikings)
Kendricks has been one of the top linebackers in the league for many years. According to Pro Football Focus, his coverage grade is the second best at the position over the past three seasons.
CB: Jaire Alexander (Packers)
A top-three cornerback in the NFL, the All-Pro would be CB1 on almost any team in the league. His return is huge for the Packers’ defense.
CB: Eric Stokes (Packers)
With Alexander missing the majority of last season, Stokes stepped in with 14 pass defenses in 14 starts. A bright future is ahead for the former first-round pick.
CB: Jaylon Johnson (Bears)
Johnson just edges out Rasul Douglas. Johnson has 24 pass defenses in his first two seasons and has shown the potential to be an excellent CB1.
S: Harrison Smith (Vikings)
Smith is still one of the very best at the position and has made the Pro Bowl six times in the past seven seasons.
S: Adrian Amos (Packers)
Amos is incredibly underrated but continues to play at a high level each season. He has also never missed a game in Green Bay.