2010 NFL Horns All-Star Lineup: Defense

Explanation:

Earlier we put together a 2010 offense squad comprised of the best current NFL players. This time, we’re looking at the defense.

Our defensive formation is a lot trickier than offense based on personnel. We’re going to do something crazy here and come out of the gates with a 5-2-4 defense, which gets the best players on the field, even though a 4-3 or 3-4 is more typical in the NFL.

Lineup/Formation:

Aaron Ross — — — Michael Griffin — — — Earl Thomas — — — Cedric Griffin

Derrick Johnson — Sergio Kindle

Brian Orakpo — Casey Hampton — Shaun Rogers — Lamarr Houston — Cory Redding

Alternatives worth considering:

• There are a lot of other options here, especially with formations. We’re a little thin at lineback, but Kindle and Orakpo’s versatile ability gives us options. Orakpo could shuffle back to a LB position and Brian Robison could fill in at DE over DT Houston for more of a 4-3 lineup
• With depth at defense back, a 4-2-5 (nickel) formation could be used with Michael Huff or Quentin Jammer seeing the field over Houston.
• There’s also good depth on the defensive line, so Robison, Henry Melton and Roy Miller could rotate in and give the starters a breather.