Dale Finnie’s defensive players to watch in 2023

Following on from my five offensive players to watch, we now get to the five defensive players who I believe have a big role to play in helping their teams have successful campaigns. 

Let’s get started with someone who I believe is going to cause some serious noise this year…… 

1. Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings

The premier pass rusher for the Vikings, Hunter was creating some off-season trade interest before staying put in Minnesota. If he were to have been traded, I would have had some concern on who was chasing down the QB for the Vikings, but thankfully that won’t be a concern now.

Three of the past four seasons Hunter has racked up ten plus sacks and yet there is a strong argument that he is underrated. The Vikings have challengers on all fronts for the AFC North and if they are to challenge themselves, then Hunter will be leading that charge. Personally, I have a sneaky suspicion that he will have his best season yet and gain some of the recognition that he deserves.

Hunter will cause many offensive coordinators quite the headache this season. 

2. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks

I was gutted when Seattle cut Wagner, which saw him sign for their divisional rivals the LA Rams. His one season in Los Angeles saw him lay down a marker that he isn’t quite finished yet and has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Six sacks last season was a career best for Wagner and I would see it as quite naïve to think he couldn’t go and better that again this season, when he returns to Lumen field for the Seahawks. He is a fan favourite and he will be relishing the chance to get back home. Seattle are the main danger to the 49ers and if they are to give them a run for their money, you feel that Wagner will be playing a large part in that.

I can see him only having another productive and successful year in which he just showcases why he is a hall of fame calibre player. 

3. Isaiah Simmons, LB, New York Giants

Simmons was recently traded to the New York Giants and this might very well end up being the best thing to happen for him in his career. When he was drafted by the Cardinals he had a great deal of buzz and excitement – he was a multi position player who was viewed as a game changer and a game wrecker.

But he never managed to get going in Arizona and certainly from the outside looking in, they never really found the best way to use his skill set. That is where defensive coordinator Wink Martindale comes in, I believe he will simplify the game for Simmons and find a way to really allow this talented player to flourish. I fully expect to see him rushing the passer more often than not and he can make an instant impact in this defence.

The Giants got a steal in this trade and I see Simmons only setting a foundation this season for bigger things to come. 

4. Joe Tyron-Shoyinka, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This former 1st round pick has so much scope and size, but hasn’t quite hit the heights so far. Last season he was used in large parts as a DE or OLB. With all the potential he has, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out and I think that breakout comes in 2023. His speed, his physical attributes and the fact that he is only 24 years old, allow me to believe that he has many levels to go and he could be around at the top of the league for many years to come.

Tyron-Shoyinka’s stats from even last year don’t hit you as anything special or crazy, but if you watched him play last year, you will have seen how impactful he is and it’s just a waiting game until he goes off. I see him continuing to cause havoc and his stats will be hugely improved this year. He could be one of the biggest positives this season for the Buccaneers. 

5. Clelin Ferrell, DE, San Francisco 49ers

Clelin Ferrell finds himself in a new home which is let’s say a stomping ground for defensive talent and this former first round pick for the Las Vegas Raiders will be looking to prove himself. Much like my number three selection, Ferrell has a lot of talent and with such high expectations, it is sometimes just really difficult to reach them.

I just think there might be more left to his story than what has played out so far. He is now going to be surrounded by some of the top defensive players in the league and I can’t help but feel that being in that environment will rub off on him. He has a great chance to resurrect his career so to speak and with so many big names around him, he will find himself getting chances to make an impact.

Momentum works two ways and so far in his career it has been negative momentum, if he gets some good plays in and some good games, then I don’t see why that won’t carry on and allow him to build up some steam. I don’t think many people will be selecting him as one to watch, but I still see potential in him and if anywhere can bring out his talent, it’s going to be in San Francisco. 

These players each have the potential for big seasons. A case can be made for each one, some have proven talent and some are set to showcase what has been expected from them but just hasn’t been seen on the big stage yet. 

Reviewing them after the season will be a lot of fun and seeing how they all perform this year will be extremely enjoyable. Keep a close eye on them as some names aren’t the ones you may expect to see, but don’t be shocked if they come up big in 2023.