Today we move over to the defensive side of the ball and will be starting with the last line of defense: safety.
4. New York Jets - Vonn Bell and Marcus Maye. Unfortunately, the Jets have a long way to go to match the safety groups the other 3GML teams possess. Vonn Bell was a smart trade for this team to make as he was an upgrade in the position. We expect to see him in the box a lot with the new defensive scheme in New York. Maye is an exciting young safety with a high IQ but does need to clean up TDs allowed to really take the next step. Don't get us wrong, this isn't a terrible group by any means, but the other teams in our rankings are just that much better.
3. Miami Dolphins - Jamal Adams and Nasir Adderley. The lack of experience of Nasir Adderley is the only reason the 'fins are number three on our list. We like this young safety and think his future is bright. Many analysts had him as the number one safety on the board. Miami will be asking a lot of the Delaware product early as they hope to move Minkah Fitzpatrick to the slot. On the other side, the Dolphins boast the best safety in the 3GML in Adams. They gave up a lot of draft stock to bring him home, but everyone in the front office will tell you it was worth it. He will be the captain of this defense and his ability to get downhill and make plays makes him the type safety the Dolphins covet.
2. New England Patriots - Derwin James and Marcus Williams. New England was almost number one on our list. Every team in the NFL would love this duo on their team. The x-factor keeping them from the top: the regression of Marcus Williams in his sophomore season. He had a hard time staying on the field and when he was out there, he wasn't quite the same sensation he was his rookie year. We think he bounces back this year but in the loaded AFC East, small setbacks can be what keeps you from the top. Derwin James, on the other hand, is a top safety in the league after just one season. He fits perfectly with what New England wants to do on defense and will only get better in year two. He absolutely could be all-league at the end of this season.
1. Buffalo Bills - Adrian Amos and John Johnson III. The Bills traded away arguably their best defensive player in Jamal Adams this off season, but it's not like they got that much weaker at the position. Adrian Amos is one of the most underrated safeties in the league. His name isn't mentioned with the best but when you look at the stat sheet, his name is constantly near the top. Buffalo was happy to get him back after a year absence and with Miami taking on a lot of his contract due to the trade, the Bills may have the best value at this position in the league. John Johnson III has gotten better each year and when you put him next to Amos, you have a duo that isn't likely to let many offensive players get behind them. What makes them even more dangerous though, is both can come up and make plays upfield as well.
We will be assigning cumulative points to these rankings to determine the best overall team in the 3GML.
Buffalo - 21
New England - 17
Miami - 14
New York - 8
