The Big Ten has some really exciting defensive NFL Draft talent. Led by Chase Young and AJ Epenesa, the conference has the two best edge rushers in college football. That’s not all; the conference also contains a top flight cornerback, two other edge rushers who are strong prospects in their own right, and some very talented linebackers. It’s going to be fun evaluating the Big Ten this season, and the ceiling some of these players have is very exciting.
This list was created using the same format as the official all-conference teams, meaning four defensive lineman, three linebackers, and three defensive backs were selected. That’s why there are four edge rushers making up the entire defensive line. Each one is supremely talented, and very productive. Here are our preseason selections for the Big Ten All-Conference defense, led by some top NFL Draft prospects.
If you missed my prediction for the All-Conference Offensive Team, check it out here!
Defense
- DL – AJ Epenesa, Iowa
- DL – Chase Young, Ohio State
- DL – Kenny Willekes, Michigan State
- DL – Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
- LB – Joe Bachie, Michigan State
- LB – Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
- LB – Mohamed Barry, Nebraska
- DB – Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
- DB – Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland
- DB – Jordan Fuller, Ohio State
- DB – Lavert Hill, Michigan
DL – AJ Epenesa, Iowa
Epenesa spent a majority of last season as a pass rush specialist. Iowa had two seniors that they chose to start, yet Epenesa still forced himself onto the field. It was fairly obvious that he was the most talented defender on the Hawkeye’s defense. Epenesa currently resides in my top 5 prospects for the coming NFL Draft.
Despite only seeing the field for about 50% of defensive snaps, Epenesa led the conference in sacks. He finished ninth in the country with 10.5 total sacks, and all eight players ahead of him are currently on an NFL roster. Epenesa is my favorite to lead the country in sacks and he’s also my highest-rated edge defender.
DL – Chase Young, Ohio State
Chase Young is a supreme talent and is probably the safest bet to go first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, excluding quarterbacks. He’s got the size and speed to be a force at the next level and shows a great mind for the game. He dissects play early and I believe he’s a perfect fit as a hybrid outside linebacker at the next level.
Young was second in the Big Ten in sacks last season and looks to be one of the nation’s leaders this year. If Young can clean up some of his bad tendencies like overrunning plays and guessing the snap count, there’s no reason he can’t be the best player in the country.
DL – Kenny Willekes, Michigan State
Both Chase Young and AJ Epenesa are in the Big Ten, yet neither won Conference Defensive Lineman of the year. That award went to Kenny Willekes, and rightfully so. Willekes was a tier below Young and Epenesa as a pass rusher, but head and shoulders above them as a run defender.
Willekes led the conference in tackles for loss while also producing quality sack numbers. He dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing opponents to change run patterns, and also affected the pass game with four pass deflections and an interception. Willekes is someone I’m a big fan of, and I believe he’s flying under the radar as a strong NFL Draft prospect.
DL – Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
The last of the edge rushers. Yetur Gross-Matos (YGM) put together a very productive season last year. He finished just behind Willekes in tackles for loss, and matched his sack total. YGM is currently more project than prospect when speaking to his relevance in the NFL Draft, but that just means he could manage an even more impressive stat line this coming season.
LB – Joe Bachie, Michigan State
Joe Bachie has been one of the Spartans most productive players for the past two seasons. Over the last two years, Bachie has totaled over 200 tackles and nearly 20 tackles for loss. He’s also totaled four interceptions and four forced fumbles in that time. Bachie is a playmaker for Michigan State and is currently the best linebacker in the conference.
As an NFL Draft prospect, Bachie isn’t the best in the conference. He lacks elite athletic ability and can get lost in coverage. He’s strong in the run game and has adequate size and strength for the position, so he should hear his name called in Las Vegas. The question is, how early?
LB – Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
When the football gods made the linebacker position, they did it with the intent to create Paddy Fisher. Standing at 6’4 and weighing in at about 250, Fisher combines truly elite size with excellent athletic ability and a cerebral play style.
Through two seasons of play, Fisher has accumulated nearly 230 tackles, two interceptions, five pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles. Fisher is an opportunist and has already shown the ability to consistently force turnovers. He must learn how to navigate traffic more consistently, but expect Fisher to be a top linebacker prospect in the next NFL Draft.
LB – Mohamed Barry, Nebraska
Last season, Mohamed Barry was Nebraska’s most productive player, and one of the most productive in the Big Ten. He’s a thumper, with solid athleticism, and is excellent at navigating through blockers to get to the ball carrier. He doesn’t provide much in passing situations, but I’m expecting another productive season from Barry.
DB – Lavert Hill, Michigan
Lavert Hill was once a highly thought of draft prospect. He struggled last season and some of his weaknesses showed. However, he still managed to be voted onto the All-Conference team last year. This selection is more trying to read the mind of the coaches than it is selecting the best possible player.
Hill is an interesting prospect. I believe he’s destined to be a career slot corner. He struggles with long speed, can get bullied by stronger receivers, and lacks ball skills. He has positives, however. He’s a willing tackler and he plays with good technique. Hill will be a solid NFL player, but I’m not sold he puts together a statistically strong season this year.
DB – Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
Jeffrey Okudah has a legit chance to become this class’ CB1. He’s an excellent athlete, with elite closing speed. He lacks ball production with zero career interceptions, but he does have nine pass deflections. I’m expecting a huge season from Okudah; if he can get his hands on a few interceptions, he’ll have a legit chance to go early in the 2020 NFL Draft.
DB – Jordan Fuller, Ohio State
Jordan Fuller is a very productive defensive back with over 80 total tackles last season. Fuller has the size to be a very fun safety prospect, as he had five turnovers in two seasons. Ohio State has a very talented secondary and the Okudah-Fuller duo could shut down an entire side of the field.
If Fuller puts together another strong statistical season, he could climb draft boards. He has the size to be a versatile piece in any secondary. His athletic ability might be in question, but if he can quiet those critics, he could be a very strong prospect.
DB –Â Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland
One of my dark horses for defensive player of the year. A tackling machine, who doubles as a strong pass rusher, Antoine Brooks even provides help in the coverage. He has good size and excellent athletic ability.
Brooks is a very interesting NFL Draft prospect. He plays like a linebacker with the athletic ability of a safety. He’s not overly strong in coverage, but provides a lot in run defense and even shows promise as a pass rusher. I’m looking for a huge season from Brooks as he’s now the guy on the Maryland defense.
