Ranking the Top Defensive Ends in AFC North for 2021 Season
The AFC North has long been known for its defensive prowess, particularly when it comes to elite pass rushers. Here's a ranking of the division's top defensive ends heading into the 2021 season:
- Myles Garrett - Cleveland Browns
- Former #1 overall pick showing elite performance
- Recorded double-digit sacks despite missing games
- 12 sacks in 14 games in 2020 while battling COVID-19
- 83 quarterback hits and 42 tackles for loss in four seasons
- Poised for bigger impact with Jadeveon Clowney's arrival reducing double teams
- TJ Watt - Pittsburgh Steelers
- League leader with 15 sacks in 2020
- 13+ sacks in each of last three seasons
- NFL's leader in sacks (29.5) and QB hits (46) over 2019-2020
- Led NFL with 23 tackles for loss in 2020
- Forced eight fumbles in previous season
- Jadeveon Clowney - Cleveland Browns
- Former #1 overall pick on one-year prove-it deal
- Elite run defender (95th percentile at position)
- Yet to reach double-digit sacks in seven seasons
- Limited to eight games with Titans in 2020
- Should benefit from reduced attention due to Garrett
- Trey Hendrickson - Cincinnati Bengals
- Breakout 2020 season with 13.5 sacks
- 25 QB hits and 12 tackles for loss
- 49 quarterback pressures in 2020
- Earned four-year, $60 million deal with Bengals
- Known for high-effort play style
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