Predicting All-Star Teams in Each NFL Division Ahead of 2025 Training Camp

It makes zero sense that the NFL doesn't have All-Division teams every year. 

College Football does All-Conference teams in addition to naming an All-American squad. Meanwhile, the NFL has several All-Pro teams between the Associated Press, Pro Football Writers, Pro Football Focus and other outlets, and a Pro Bowl roster for each conference. 

Nothing is broken down by division, though, and too many quality players go unrecognized when it comes to postseason accomplishments.

Here, we’re looking to solve that problem, kind of.

Obviously, it's the preseason, so this will serve as a preview ahead of training camp rather than an awards show, predicting who the best players at every position in every division will be.

Offensively, 11 personnel will be used, meaning one choice for quarterback, running back, tight end and each offensive-line position, but three wide receivers per division. 

Defensively, nickel personnel and a four-man front will be used, so two edge defenders, defensive tackles, linebackers, safeties and outside cornerbacks, and one nickelback per division.

AFC East Offense

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Josh Allen

QB: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Drake Maye was considered here, but Allen is a top-three quarterback in the league heading into this season. Especially since the Bills are expected to be contenders again this year, the reigning MVP gets the nod.

RB: De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

James Cook is currently in a contract dispute with the Bills, and it's unclear if or how much he will participate in training camp, which could cause him to get off to a slow start. 

Meanwhile, Achane won't have to split touches with Raheem Mostert anymore, meaning the third-year pro's production should increase in Mike McDaniel's run-heavy offense.

WRs: Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots), Khalil Shakir (Buffalo Bills)

The big omission here is Garrett Wilson.

While the 24-year-old is a great receiver, he’ll be playing with a running quarterback in Justin Fields and a defensive-minded head coach in Aaron Glenn. That points to a dip in production for the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, while the three wideouts chosen here project as the top options in high-flying offenses.

TE: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Kincaid take over as Buffalo’s top tight end this year, outpacing Dalton Knox. If the 25-year-old can stay healthy, he should put up some impressive numbers with Allen throwing him the ball.

LT: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills

Olu Fashanu was considered here, but Fields has been known to hold on to the ball for too long, making the offensive line's job a lot more difficult. Plus, it's hard to go against a guy who has made four consecutive Pro Bowls.

LG: John Simpson, New York Jets

While the pass protection issue mentioned above can also apply to Simpson, he’s made a career out of being an effective run-blocker. So, the six-year pro should benefit from playing with a mobile quarterback and a new offensive philosophy in New York.

C: Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins

Brewer is coming off a career year in which he earned a 74.8 grade from Pro Football Focus, eighth-best among centers. Look for him to continue to ascend in year two playing for McDaniel.

RG: Mike Onwenu, New England Patriots

Onwenu is coming off a down year, but that was partially because he was bouncing back and forth between right guard and tackle. With Morgan Moses in New England, the six-year pro can stick at guard and return to being consistent in both phases of the game.

RT: Spencer Brown, New York Jets  

Right tackle is a sneaky good position in the AFC East, as Moses, Austin Jackson and even rookie Armand Membou all have strong cases to be named here. But Brown has been the best of the bunch over the last two years, hence the reason why the Bills gave him a four-year, $72 million contract extension last September. 

AFC East Defense

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Sauce Gardner

Edges: Greg Rousseau (Buffalo Bills), Jermaine Johnson (New York Jets)

Rousseau is an easy choice since he's collected 25 sacks in four seasons and is coming off a campaign where he had the 10th-most pressures (63) among edge-rushers during the regular season, per Pro Football Focus.

The second spot was trickier, as Harold Landry III, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Will McDonald IV were also considered. Johnson is coming off a torn Achilles suffered in Week 2 of last season, but the 2023 Pro Bowler should have plenty of time to recover and return to form this fall.

DTs: Quinnen Williams (New York Jets), Zach Sieler (Miami Dolphins)

There are plenty of good defensive tackles to choose from in the AFC East, so this wasn't an easy call to make. However, Williams is a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the best players at the position, while Sieler is coming off a 10-sack campaign that ranked tied for 16th in the NFL. 

LBs: Quincy Williams (New York Jets), Robert Spillane (New England Patriots)

Matt Milano may seem like an obvious choice here, but he has struggled to stay healthy over the last two years, missing 25 games. 

Meanwhile, Williams is two years removed from a first-team All-Pro bid and has a streak of four seasons with at least 100 tackles. The logic is similar with Spillane, who had 148 and 158 tackles during his two seasons in Las Vegas. 

Outside CBs: Sauce Gardner (New York Jets), Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots)

There isn't a debate here. Gardner has quickly become one of the best corners in the league, while Gonzalez was a second-team All-Pro last year. Maybe Christian Benford sneaks in at the end of the year, but these are the top two heading into the fall.

Nickel: Taron Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Picking between Johnson and Kader Kohou is a tough call. The latter played better last season, but the former has the larger body of work to get the nod.

Safeties: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Miami Dolphins), Jabril Peppers (New England Patriots)

Fitzpatrick is a new and surprising addition to the division, returning to Miami after five-and-a-half years in Pittsburgh, and the three-time first-team All-Pro is arguably the best safety in the division. 

Meanwhile, Peppers has blossomed as a do-it-all type of defender over the last three years in New England, bringing versatility to the All-AFC East defense.

NFC East Offense

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Saquon Barkley

QB: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

The NFC East has plenty of good quarterbacks, as Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts are also in the mix here. But Washington did a better job of building around Daniels this offseason than Dallas and Philadelphia did with Prescott and Hurts, respectively, meaning the Offensive Rookie of the Year should put up numbers again this fall.

RB: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year and just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. Is more explanation needed than that?

WRs: CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys), Malik Nabers (New York Giants), A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles)

Similar to quarterback, there are a lot of quality receivers in the division, so a few good players were bound to get excluded here.

Terry McLaurin is the first that comes to mind, but he might see a dip in production now he’ll be competing for targets with Deebo Samuel.

DeVonta Smith is another. He had a tough time staying healthy last year, and the Eagles have a lot of mouths to feed offensively.

Meanwhile, the three wideouts listed above are the top options on their teams and elite talents. 

TE: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys

Talent-wise, Dallas Goedert is the best tight end in the NFC East, but he has had several injury concerns recently, missing 15 games over the last three years. So, Ferguson gets the nod, as he should return to his 2023 Pro Bowl form with a healthy Prescott this season.

LT: Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles

Andrew Thomas and newcomer Laremy Tunsil could make pushes here, but Mailata reigns supreme as arguably the best left tackle in the entire league. That's why Philadelphia gave the 2024 second-team All-Pro a three-year, $66 million contract extension last offseason.  

LG: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys

Left guard is a tough call between Landon Dickerson and Smith. Both have been selected for multiple Pro Bowls, but the latter has a second-team All-Pro bid to boost his resume. Either player is a quality option at this spot.

C: Tyler Biadasz, Washington Commanders

Cam Jurgens is coming off an impressive campaign, earning a Pro Bowl nomination in his first season as the Eagles' starting center. Biadasz has just been doing it longer and for two NFC East teams over the last five years.

Plus, the latter was better in pass protection last year, allowing 14 pressures to Jurgens' 25, per Pro Football Focus.

RG: Sam Cosmi, Washington Commanders

Unlike the three previous offensive-line spots, right guard is a weakness across the board in the division. Cosmi might begin the campaign on the PUP list, as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs. But the 2021 second-round pick is the best player at his position in the NFC East when on the field.

RT: Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Even into his mid-30s, Johnson is still playing at a very high level. He earned his fifth career All-Pro bid last season with a second-team selection and is up to six Pro Bowl nominations. There’s no debate here.

NFC East Defense

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Bobby Wagner

Edges: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys), Brian Burns (New York Giants)

This was a pretty easy decision, especially with the Eagles losing Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason. Parsons has recorded double-digit sacks and at least a Pro Bowl bid in each of his first four seasons, while Burns is up to 54.5 career sacks in six years, including 8.5 during his first campaign in New York.

DTs: Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants), Jalen Carter (Philadelphia Eagles)

Lawrence is a unique talent as a nose tackle who contributes to both phases of the game, racking up 30 career sacks and 38 TFLs while making the Pro Bowl in each of the last three years. 

And Carter is an up-and-comer, earning a second-team All-Pro bid in just his second season while ranking ninth among interior defenders with 53 pressures during the regular season per Pro Football Focus. 

LBs: Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders), Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles)

There are a few quality linebackers in the NFC East, as Frankie Luvu, Bobby Okereke and Nakobe Dean all deserve some recognition.

But future Hall of Famer Wagner ranked second among backers (minimum 234 snaps) with an 89.9 PFF grade in 2024, while Baun was a breakout star, topping the charts with a mark of 90.1.

Outside CBs: Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia Eagles), DaRon Bland (Dallas Cowboys)

Trevon Diggs was also considered here, but having surgery on the same knee in back-to-back offseasons points to some regression this fall. However, that makes way for Diggs' running mate, Bland, to earn a spot, as the pick-six specialist is more than capable of producing highlight-worthy plays when healthy.

Meanwhile, Mitchell is coming off an impressive initial campaign in the NFL, racking up 12 passes defended and finishing in second place for the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. 

Nickel: Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles

DeJean made sure everyone remembers his name by coming up with a pick-six in the Super Bowl to help the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy. He also proved to be a well-rounded nickelback during the regular season, earning an elite 90.8 run defense grade and 79.3 mark in coverage from PFF. 

Safeties: Jevon Holland (New York Giants), Reed Blankenship (Philadelphia Eagles)

While Holland wasn't as sharp last season, he was impressive during his first three years in Miami and should bounce back during his inaugural campaign in New York. Meanwhile, Blankenship has been a steady presence in Philadelphia's secondary over the last two years.

AFC North Offense

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase

QB: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Picking between Jackson and Joe Burrow essentially comes down to what's more significant: Individual stats or team success?

The Ravens are set up better to make a Super Bowl run than the Bengals, but Burrow can easily put up better numbers than Jackson if Cincinnati is constantly playing from behind, like last year.

Ultimately, the two-time MVP is going to be plenty productive and should have his team in contention again this season.

RB: Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Henry had over 2,100 yards from scrimmage during his first season in Baltimore, and there aren't many other options at running back in the division. There's no debate here; this was an easy call.

WRs: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals), Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens)

DK Metcalf was considered, but playing in a new offense with an aging quarterback who didn't look good last year points to a dip in production for the Pittsburgh Steelers newcomer. Meanwhile, the Bengals' duo is a couple of No. 1-caliber wideouts, and Flowers is coming off a 1,000-yard campaign.

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

The AFC North has some really good tight ends, making this a difficult decision. 

Mark Andrews might feel like the obvious pick, but Isaiah Likely has been on the rise recently, so those two will take targets away from each other.

Cleveland's quarterback situation makes it difficult to see an impressive campaign from David Njoku, and Freiermuth is higher on the pecking order in Pittsburgh than Mike Gesicki is in Cincy.

LT: Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

Orlando Brown is coming off a year when he missed six games due to injury, while Stanley made the Pro Bowl in 2024. That's what this decision came down to, as those two were the only legitimate options.

LG: Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

There wasn't much to think about here. Bitonio has been to seven straight Pro Bowls and made five All-Pro teams (two first-team, three second-team), and the rest of the left guards in the division leave something to be desired.

C: Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

Zach Frazier had an excellent rookie season to make a push for this spot. Linderbaum has just been doing it longer and has made back-to-back Pro Bowls to get the nod, but don't be surprised if Frazier ends up surpassing Linderbaum in the near future.

RG: Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns

This is more of a legacy pick since Teller battled injuries and wasn't as effective in 2024. But there aren't a ton of quality options at right guard, and he's at least made a Pro Bowl as recently as 2023.

RT: Roger Rosengarten, Baltimore Ravens

Going with Rosengarten is a projection since he had a solid rookie campaign. Meanwhile, Jack Conklin was the other right tackle under consideration, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old has been banged up over the last two seasons, pointing to some regression this fall.

AFC North Defense

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Cameron Heyward

Edge: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Contract situations make picking a second edge-rusher a lot more difficult than it should be. Ultimately, the decision to go with Watt over Trey Hendrickson boiled down to the Steelers having a better track record of taking care of their players than the Bengals do.

DTs: Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers), Nnamdi Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens)

Madubuike has emerged as one of the best interior pass-rushers in the league, racking up 19.5 sacks and two Pro Bowl bids over the last couple of seasons.

Meanwhile, Heyward is still dominant in both phases of the game, even into his mid-30s, ranking first among interior defenders with a 90.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024. 

LBs: Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens), Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Teammates a couple of years ago, these two linebackers have also made back-to-back Pro Bowls together. Smith is arguably the best backer in the entire league, as he's made an All-Pro team in each of the last five seasons with second-team bids in 2020 and 2021, and first-team selections over the last three campaigns.

Logan Wilson is another player to keep tabs on this fall, as he could make a push for Queen's spot.

Outside CBs: Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns), Jalen Ramsey (Pittsburgh Steelers)

To be fair, we're still not entirely sure what Pittsburgh's plan for Ramsey is. But he's primarily been an outside corner during his career, and an elite one at that, with seven Pro Bowl bids and three first-team All-Pro selections. Ward ain't too shabby, either, making four Pro Bowl rosters.

Nickel: Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens

Humphrey does play on the outside, too, but he's best when covering the slot and slides inside when the Ravens get into nickel personnel. In addition to being a four-time Pro Bowler, he's also coming off a career-high six-interception season and his second first-team All-Pro selection.

Safeties: Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens), Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns)

Hamilton is an easy choice as he's become one of the best safeties in the league, finishing last year with a 90.1 PFF grade that ranked second at the position (minimum 251 snaps). Delpit isn't as big of a name, but he has two 100-tackle campaigns in four years to deserve more recognition

NFC North Offense

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Jordan Love

QB: Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

This decision came down to Love and Jared Goff, where continuity was the deciding factor. Goff enters his first season in Detroit without Ben Johnson on the coaching staff, and the Lions lost a couple of offensive linemen in Kevin Zeitler and Frank Ragnow. That points to a better season for the Packers QB.

RB: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Picking between Jacobs and Jahmyr Gibbs was a difficult decision. But, as above, Detroit has some changes in the trenches and with its offensive play-caller, in addition to Gibbs having to share touches with David Montgomery. Meanwhile, Jacobs is in the same system and is the primary back in Green Bay.

WRs: Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions), DJ Moore (Chicago Bears)

Jefferson and St. Brown are obvious picks that need no explanation. Moore is a complicated projection, though, as he had a significant dip in production last year, and his body language has been an issue in Chicago. 

However, the Bears wideout should have more chemistry in year two with quarterback Caleb Williams, and Johnson's arrival points to a bounce-back performance this fall.

TE: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

There's no shortage of quality tight ends in the NFC North, as T.J. Hockenson, Cole Kmet and Tucker Kraft all have decent cases here. But LaPorta's production during his first two NFL seasons is hard to match, totaling 146 catches, 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. 

LT: Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions

Christian Darrisaw was also under consideration, but Darrisaw will be coming back from a torn ACL and MCL, which could lead to some regression this fall. Meanwhile, Decker was a Pro Bowler a year ago.

LG: Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears

Thuney is new to the division and should have no problem establishing himself as the best left guard in it. The veteran lineman is a back-to-back first-team All-Pro and brings stability to the Bears' interior offensive line, which was very shaky a year ago.

C: Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears

Dalman is coming off a year when he battled injuries but was good when on the field, and he's two years removed from recording a 90.0 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Ryan Kelly was also considered here, but he's been banged up over the last two years and is 32 years old, pointing to some regression in the fall. 

RG: Jonah Jackson, Chicago Bears

If all goes to plan, Chicago's offseason investment in the trenches should pay off big time this season. 

Jackson's short tenure with the Rams was disappointing, as he battled injuries, was used at three different positions and got squeezed out of the starting lineup. But the former Lion reunites with Johnson in Chicago this season, meaning he will play in the system that helped him earn a three-year, $51 million contract as a free agent.

RT: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

There's no argument here. Sewell has been in the league for four years and has made three Pro Bowls and is coming off back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections. He's arguably the best right tackle in the NFL.

NFC North Defense

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Aidan Hutchinson

Edge: Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions), Jonathan Greenard (Minnesota Vikings)

Hutchinson is an up-and-coming pass-rusher in the NFL who was on pace for an enormous season with 7.5 sacks in five games before breaking his leg. The Michigan product is set to make a full recovery and should have plenty of motivation for another big year this fall, though.

Meanwhile, Greenard is one of the more underrated defenders in the league. He finished tied for fifth with 12 sacks and was third in pressures with 80, per Pro Football Focus, last season. 

DTs: Alim McNeill (Detroit Lions), Harrison Phillips (Minnesota Vikings)

This is a combination of a young, rising player and an older veteran who has been a quality player for a while. McNeill has racked up 11.5 sacks and 22 TFLs in four seasons, while Phillips is a stout run defender who anchors Minnesota's defensive line.

LBs: Edgerrin Cooper (Green Bay Packers), Jack Campbell (Detroit Lions)

Cooper didn't get much playing time as a rookie, but he finished with the highest PFF grade (84.0) among NFC North linebackers in 2024 and has the physical tools to burst onto the scene this fall.

Another young backer, Campbell did a great job picking up the slack when Alex Anzalone went down last year, recording 131 total tackles.

Outside CBs: Jaylon Johnson (Chicago Bears), Byron Murphy Jr. (Minnesota Vikings)

With back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances, Johnson is quickly climbing up the league's cornerback ranks and is the best in the division. Meanwhile, Murphy is coming off a career year where he set a personal best with six interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl bid.

Nickel: Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Whether you consider Branch a safety or a nickelback, there's no denying he deserves some recognition. He impacts both phases of the game with seven interceptions, 29 passes defended and 15 TFLs in two seasons.

Safeties: Kerby Joseph (Detroit Lions), Xavier McKinney (Green Bay Packers)

These two ranked first and second in interceptions last season, as Joseph logged nine and McKinney had eight. They are two of the best safeties in the league, let alone the division.

AFC South Offense

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Quenton Nelson

QB: CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

This is a pretty easy one, seeing as Stroud was the Offensive Rookie of the Year just two years ago and the rest of the AFC South has question marks at quarterback. 

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Another position that doesn't need much explanation. Taylor has rushed for over 1,000 in the three seasons he's played in at least 14 games and is the NFL's active leader with 89.7 rushing yards per game, per Pro Football Reference. 

WRs: Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Calvin Ridley (Tennessee Titans), Nico Collins (Houston Texans)

Thomas managed to lead the division in receptions, yards and touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, while Ridley recorded 1,000 yards with an unstable quarterback situation. And Collins has been a 1,000-yard receiver in back-to-back campaigns despite missing seven games during that timeframe.

TE: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

There haven't been many rookies who have received recognition here, but Dalton Schultz is coming off a down year, and the rest of the AFC South tight ends leave something to be desired. Meanwhile, Warren figures to be a prominent part of the Indianapolis offense in year one.

LT: Bernhard Raimann, Indianapolis Colts

Raimann has quietly become a very good NFL left tackle. While he hasn't been named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team yet, he's earned grades from Pro Football Focus in the 80s over the last two years. 

LG: Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Seven Pro Bowls in seven years, to go along with three first-team and two second-team All-Pro selections, make Nelson an easy choice here.

C: Lloyd Cushenberry III, Tennessee Titans

To be honest, there aren't many good centers in the AFC South. Cushenberry gets the nod by default despite having a disappointing first season in Tennessee.

RG: Kevin Zeitler, Tennessee Titans

Zeitler is going into his 14th NFL season and is still playing at a high level, posting an 86.5 PFF grade in Detroit last year. That's a strong veteran presence in front of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

RT: JC Latham, Tennessee Titans

While Latham didn't have a good rookie campaign, he returns to his more natural position at right tackle this fall. Also, year two working with offensive-line guru Bill Callahan points to a big rise for the 2024 No. 7 overall pick.

AFC South Defense

AP Photo/John Raoux

Trevor Lawrence

Edge: Danielle Hunter (Houston Texans), Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans)

It was hard to leave Josh Hines-Allen off here, but Hunter (12) and Anderson (11) both finished in the top 10 for sacks last season. Plus, the latter two are better against the run, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them establish themselves as top-five edge defenders this season. 

DTs: DeForest Buckner (Indianapolis Colts), Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans)

There were a few defensive tackles to pick from as Grover Stewart and T'Vondre Sweat were also considered. But Bucker and Simmons have combined for six Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections to get the nods over their respective running mates.

LBs: Zaire Franklin (Indianapolis Colts), Devin Lloyd (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Franklin has been a tackle machine over the last three years, racking up 519 during that timeframe, including 173 in 2024 to earn his first Pro Bowl bid. 

The second spot came down to a pair of Jaguars, where the only reason Lloyd was selected over Foyesade Oluokun is that the latter is about to turn 30 and battled injuries last fall. Plus, the 2022 first-round pick has been very productive since entering the league, posting triple-digit tackles every year. 

Outside CB: Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans), Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis Colts)

Stingley is an easy pick as he's coming off a breakout campaign, earning a first-team All-Pro bid. Meanwhile, Ward had a down year while battling significant personal issues in San Francisco, but he's just a year removed from leading the league with 23 passes defended.

Nickel: Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts

Moore has been manning the slot for eight seasons in Indianapolis and is widely considered one of the better nickelbacks in the league. Jalen Pitre has a strong case to earn some recognition here, but the 2021 Pro Bowler still deserves the top spot heading into the campaign.

Safeties: Nick Cross (Indianapolis Colts), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Houston Texans)

After struggling to get playing time in years one and two, Cross proved to be a versatile safety who can play in the box or the deep areas of the field by collecting three interceptions, five passes defended and 146 total tackles last season. 

Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson joins the Texans after recording six picks while helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl.

NFC South Offense

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Bijan Robinson

QB: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Bryce Young made tremendous strides and Michael Penix Jr. showed promise down the stretch of last season, Mayfield has been a Pro Bowler in each of his two years in Tampa Bay to be the division's top quarterback.

RB: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Bucky Irving and Chuba Hubbard made strong pushes to earn this spot, but Robinson was the NFL's third-leading rusher a year ago. Plus, the Falcon has over 3,300 yards from scrimmage and 23 total touchdowns in just two seasons.

WRs: Drake London (Atlanta Falcons), Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers)

There's uncertainty surrounding when Chris Godwin will return to the field and how effective he will be after the ankle injury. Plus, Tampa added another wide receiver to eat up targets by drafting Emeka Egbuka.

McMillan is the only surprise above. Expect Young to heavily lean on the rookie as he should become the No. 1 receiver in Carolina this year.

TE: Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Is this the year Kyle Pitts finally puts it all together? Probably not. Meanwhile, Otton has been trending in the opposite direction with increased production in each of the last three years. Plus, the latter is the better blocker of the two. 

LT: Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last year, Wirfs became the first player in NFL history to earn first-team All-Pro bids at left and right tackle during his career. The Iowa product is arguably the best offensive tackle in the game, so there's no debate here.

LG: Matthew Bergeron, Atlanta Falcons

After a tough rookie campaign, Bergeron bounced back in a major way last fall. He earned a 70.9 grade from Pro Football Focus to become a young and promising offensive lineman.

C: Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints

The Saints don't have much going for them heading into the season, but McCoy is a back-to-back Pro Bowler. He has a chance to be one of the best centers in the league if he can stay healthy this year. 

RG: Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons

There are a lot of really good right guards in the NFC South, as each team has a case to see their guy get mentioned here. However, Lindstrom has three consecutive Pro Bowls and second-team All-Pro selections and ended last season as PFF's highest-graded guard (93.5). 

RT: Luke Goedeke, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kaleb McGary was also considered here, but Goedeke was slightly better in pass protection a year ago to earn the nod. PFF had them with nearly identical run-blocking grades last year, 77.6 for McGary and 76.4 for Goedeke, while the latter gave up just 17 pressures to the former's 32.

NFC South Defense

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Edge: Carl Granderson (New Orleans Saints), Yaya Diaby (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Granderson has quietly become a well-rounded defender, racking up 28.5 sacks and 42 TFLs during his six seasons in New Orleans. While Diaby had a drop-off in sacks last year, going from 7.5 as a rookie to 4.5, he still ranked ninth in pressures (65), according to Pro Football Focus. 

DTs: Vita Vea (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Derrick Brown (Carolina Panthers)

Vea has been a force on Tampa Bay's defensive line for several years and is coming off career highs in sacks (seven) and TFLs (10) to earn his second Pro Bowl bid. Brown's 2024 campaign was limited to just one game due to an injury, but he had 103 tackles the year before. That's ridiculous production for an interior defender.

LBs: Kaden Elliss (Atlanta Falcons), Pete Werner (New Orleans Saints)

Lavonte David and Demario Davis might seem like the obvious choices, but they are both in their mid-30s, and it's time to make way for the young guys. 

Elliss has become a great hybrid defender who is all over the field, racking up 273 tackles and nine sacks since signing with Atlanta in 2023. Then there's Werner, who has become a complete backer over the last few years and is expected to take over as the Saints' defensive leader once Davis hangs 'em up.

Outside CBs: Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers), A.J. Terrell Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) 

If Horn can stay healthy, he would probably be considered one of the best young cornerbacks in the league. For example, the 2021 first-round pick played in a career-high 15 games last season and earned his first Pro Bowl bid. Meanwhile, Terrell is in that category, collecting 49 passes defended in five years. 

Nickel: Tykee Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a whole, the division leaves something to be desired when it comes to nickelbacks. But Smith managed to force three fumbles and stood out as a run defender during his rookie campaign, earning an 88.1 PFF grade in that department. 

Safeties: Antoine Winfield Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Jessie Bates (Atlanta Falcons)

Newcomers Tre'von Moehrig and Justin Reid will push Winfield and Bates as the top safeties in the NFC South this season, but the latter two earned All-Pro bids in 2023 to hold serve heading into the fall.

AFC West Offense

AP Photo/John Locher

Brock Bowers

QB: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

The AFC West might be the best quarterback division in the league, with Justin Herbert, Geno Smith and Bo Nix also included. But the two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champ still reigns supreme as a top signal-caller in the entire NFL.

RB: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

Fresh off a historic campaign in college football, Jeanty will be the lead back in Las Vegas this fall. Considering 33-year-old Raheem Mostert is the rookie's biggest competition for carries, expect the Silver and Black to feed the No. 6 pick of the draft early and often this fall.

WRs: Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos), Ladd McConkey (LA Chargers), Jakobi Meyers (Las Vegas Raiders)

These three wideouts were the only ones in the division to eclipse 1,000 yards last season. Meyers' inclusion might surprise some people, but considering he's coming off a career year while catching passes from Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O'Connell and Desmond Ridder, it feels like the seven-year pro is trending up.

TE: Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Travis Kelce will put on a gold jacket someday, but the 35-year-old has seen his production dip over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Bowers is coming off the best rookie season from a tight end in league history, and the quarterback situation has dramatically improved in Las Vegas.

LT: Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers

Slater has made two Pro Bowls in four seasons, and his 2022 campaign was limited to just three games after suffering a ruptured bicep. The 2021 second-team All-Pro also finished last year as Pro Football Focus’ second-highest-graded offensive tackle with a mark of 91.1.

LG: Ben Powers, Denver Broncos

The Raiders and Chargers are expected to have position battles at left guard during training camp, and the Chiefs are moving second-year pro Kingsley Suamataia into that spot to replace Joe Thuney. So, Powers kind of wins by default, and he has been solid during his two years in Denver.

C: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

There isn't an argument here. Humphrey has earned a Pro Bowl bid in each of the last three seasons, was a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and a first-team All-Pro last year. He has established himself as arguably the best center in the NFL.

RG: Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos

Picking between Trey Smith and Meinerz was a difficult decision, as both have been exceptional. However, the latter is coming off a first-team All-Pro selection and was PFF's second-highest graded guard (88.2).

RT: Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers
The No. 5 overall pick in last year's draft lived up to the billing as a rookie. He earned a 77.6 PFF grade while finishing in the 70s for both run and pass-blocking to receive votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year, which is rare for an offensive lineman. The arrow is pointing up on the Notre Dame product's future.

AFC West Defense

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Zach Allen

Edges: Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders), Jonathan Cooper (Denver Broncos)

The AFC West has a handful of good edge-rushers, as Khalil Mack and Nik Bonitto also have cases to be listed above. However, Crosby is one of the best players at the position when healthy, and Cooper has posted 19 sacks over the last two years. Also, the latter is the more complete player to earn the nod over his teammate.

DTs: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Zach Allen (Denver Broncos)

With Christian Wilkins' health and availability for the upcoming season being a concern, this was an easy decision. 

Jones is a future Hall of Famer and has earned a Pro Bowl and/or All-Pro bid six years in a row. Meanwhile, Allen is coming off a career year with a personal best 8.5 sacks and the most pressures among defensive tackles (75), according to Pro Football Focus, to become a second-team All-Pro.

LBs: Nick Bolton (Kansas City Chiefs), Dre Greenlaw (Denver Broncos)

Bolton has established himself as a quality run defender, racking up 458 tackles and 32 TFLs in four seasons. He's also coming off a campaign where he had a career-high six passes defended in coverage. 

It's fair to wonder how Greenlaw will look after post-Achilles tear, but he's had more than a full year to recover and was considered one of the NFL's top linebackers before the injury. 

Outside CBs: Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos), Trent McDuffie (Kansas City Chiefs)

Surtain needs no explanation as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. To be fair, McDuffie could be a better fit in the nickel spot, as he's played on the outside and inside in Kansas City. But the two-time All-Pro was primarily on the boundary last season and deserves recognition regardless of what position it's at.

Nickel: Tarheeb Still, Los Angeles Chargers

As a 2024 fifth-round pick, Still was one of the most surprising players from last year's draft class. He didn't get playing time on defense until Week 4, but he managed to earn a starting spot and posted a 73.3 PFF coverage grade. Expect him to continue to ascend as a full-time starter moving forward. 

Safeties: Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers), Brandon Jones (Denver Broncos)

James has been to four Pro Bowls and named to three All-Pro teams in six years to be a clear pick at safety. Meanwhile, Jones doesn't have much name recognition, but he finished 2024 as PFF's third-highest graded safety (minimum 251 snaps) with a mark of 86.1.

NFC West Offense

AP Photo/Alex Gallardo

Puka Nacua

QB: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

It will be interesting to see how Stafford meshes with new wide receiver Davante Adams, especially considering Stafford and Cooper Kupp had such a strong connection. Regardless, Puka Nacua is still around, and the L.A. offense has plenty of weapons for the quarterback to put up numbers this fall.

RB: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Christian McCaffrey might be the first name that comes to mind with NFC West running backs, but he battled injuries last year and is approaching 30 years old, a bad combination for the position. Meanwhile, Williams has racked up 2,831 yards from scrimmage and 31 total touchdowns over the last two seasons.

WRs: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), Jaxson Smith-Njiba (Seattle Seahawks)

Not including former All-Pros Adams and Kupp above was a difficult decision, but it's time for the young bucks to rise up the ranks in the division. It wouldn't be surprising to see the three wideouts listed above lead their teams in receiving yards this fall.

TE: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

Kittle managed to record 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns at 31 years old last season, on top of finishing as Pro Football Focus' second-best blocking tight end. He's shown no signs of slowing down, so there's no reason to believe he's not the best tight end in the NFC West still.

LT: Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Since 2012, the only times Williams hasn't been a Pro Bowler were 2019, when he had a cancerous growth removed from his scalp, and last year, when he missed seven games due to injury. In other words, there's no denying he's elite when on the field, and his 85.6 PFF grade in 2024 proves that. 

LG: Steve Avila, Los Angeles Rams

A knee injury in the season opener limited Avila to 10 games last fall, but he earned a solid 71.9 run-blocking grade to build some momentum heading into year three. Look for the TCU product to have a breakout performance in the fall.

C: Hjalte Froholdt, Arizona Cardinals

After battling injuries, playing multiple positions and bouncing around with a few teams to begin his career, Froholdt has found a home at center in Arizona over the last two years. The Dane finished 2024 PFF's seventh-highest-graded center with a mark of 76.1. 

RG: Kevin Dotson, Los Angeles Rams

Getting traded from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles has done wonders for Dotson's career. He's gone from an average offensive lineman to one of the best interior run-blockers in the league while playing in Sean McVay's offense.

RT: Rob Havenstein, Los Angeles Rams

Colton McKivitz had a strong performance in 2024 to make a push for this spot, but Havenstein still reigns supreme until McKivitz can officially knock the well-tenured veteran off. That being said, another good year could shift the tides in the 49er's favor.

NFC West Defense

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Riq Woolen, Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon

Edges: Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers), Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)

There shouldn't be much debate here. Bosa is a perennial Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year, while Verse also was selected to the NFL's All-Star Game and won Defensive Rookie of the Year last fall.

DTs: Leonard Williams (Seattle Seahawks), Kobie Turner (Los Angeles Rams)

Williams has been playing at a high level for the last decade, including earning a Pro Bowl bid while racking up 11 sacks and 16 TFLs a year ago. Meanwhile, Turner has 17 sacks and 18 TFLs in two career seasons. It's hard to argue that these aren't the two best interior defenders in the division.

LBs: Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers), Ernest Jones (Seattle Seahawks)

Warner is an obvious choice since he's in the conversation for the best linebacker in the entire league, but the second spot is tricky. There aren't many other quality backers in the NFC West, so Jones gets the nod as he's at least been a good run defender for two teams in the division over the last few years.

Outside CBs: Riq Woolen (Seattle Seahawks), Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks)

Woolen has been an absolute ballhawk in Seattle, collecting 11 interceptions and 41 passes defended in three years. 

While Witherspoon is technically more of a nickelback, he lines up on the outside enough to earn this spot, especially since there aren't many quality boundary corners in the NFC West. Also, it doesn't hurt that the 2023 first-round pick has been named to two Pro Bowls in two years.

Nickel: Deommodore Lenoir, San Francisco 49ers

Don't sleep on Garrett Williams in Arizona, as he is coming off an impressive campaign. However, Lenoir has been fantastic in back-to-back seasons to earn the nod heading into the fall. Granted, he might have to play outside more now that Charvarius Ward is in Indianapolis.

Safeties: Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals), Julian Love (Seattle Seahawks)

There are a handful of good safeties to pick from in the division, as Coby Bryant, Jalen Thompson, Kamren Kinchens, Kamren Curl and Ji'Ayir Brown all received some consideration. However, it’s hard to top these two.

Baker has made the Pro Bowl in seven out of eight years and was named to his fourth All-Pro team (two first-team and two second-team) in 2024. Meanwhile, Love has registered seven interceptions, 22 passes defended, 232 tackles and one Pro Bowl since signing with the Seahawks two years ago.