Scouts head into a dangerous area where it’s survival of the fittest – an all-out war where some players are left behind. They provide amazing value to their teams’ successes. This feature in turn puts the spotlight on the players who really stood out, dominating both with impressive performances and eye-popping statistics. Even with that talent, fans and analysts continue to write them off.
One of those players is Lavonte David, an experienced and talented linebacker who has long been one of the anchors of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At 35 years of age, David is once again surprising everyone with his age by routinely running down big plays and making game-changing stops. He has the unique honor of being 1991-present’s all-time leader in losses, a testament to his endurance and toughness. He led the league with 29 defeats last season, tying for fourth-most all-time. This accomplishment solidifies that he is still the major piece of the Buccaneers’ D.
Joining him in honors is Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Allen, a difference-maker in the team’s dominant 3-4 scheme. Allen’s performance in the 2024 season earned him a second-team All-Pro selection, solidifying his status as an essential component of the Broncos’ defensive unit. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis is quickly establishing himself. He’s shown to be a real force in the NFL last season, tying for 14th most pressures last season with an impressive 44.
With the 2025 season soon to get underway, Zach Ertz is officially locked into the starting tight end role with the Washington Commanders. Instead, he re-signed on a one-year, $6.25 million contract. His DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) ranking of 10th among tight ends shows the value he provides to Scheel. The Commanders didn’t bring in any new tight ends in free agency or the draft this spring. This decision further demonstrates their faith in Ertz to return as the starter.
Lavonte David: The Veteran Leader
Lavonte David’s impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise is difficult to fully appreciate. As a result, he has developed a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable linebackers. Though 35 years old now, David still plays a key role in swinging games with the big play. His knack for sniffing out offensive plays before the snap and being able to adjust and read has made him a fresh addition on the defensive line.
Last season was an extraordinary one for David. The offensive juggernaut — led by quarterback Anthony Brown — proved his extraordinary dexterity when he stacked up 29 sacks, which ranked him fourth most in the NFL. This stat speaks to his raw talent alone, but more so to his leadership as the quarterback of a young Buccaneers defense. His poise, experience, understanding of the game and competitive nature create countless mentorship opportunities with younger players. This guidance tends to pull the entire performance of the team up.
David’s yards per run tackle after a gain of only 2.7 yards is the sixth-best mark among starting off-ball linebackers. This stat highlights his impact on stopping the opposition and playing into his team’s overall defensive plan. The Buccaneers rewarded his ever-increasing significance by bringing him back on a one-year tender. This addition locks up one more year of his calming, veteran presence to steer the ship through yet another season of transition.
Allen’s Impact on the Broncos Defense
And down in Denver, defensive end Allen has developed into a dominant foundational piece for the Broncos’ defense. He operates as a 5-tech 3-4 defensive end in their odd front. He’s been a quick learner to the position and has made high level plays on a day-to-day basis. His choice to second-team All-Pro in 2024 speaks to his contributions and play-making ability, which are incredibly important in the 3-4 front seven within the unit.
Allen’s play became even more important for the Broncos in a statement season for 2024. He distinguished himself as an individual contender and a real mover-and-shaker on Denver’s defensive front. His contributions raised the defenders’ collective level. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses contributed significantly to the team’s success and made him a player to watch moving forward.
As the Broncos prepare for another season, they will look to Allen to continue his upward trajectory and further establish himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends. His rare combination of technique, strength and agility makes him an indispensable off the football field asset.
Zach Ertz: A Reliable Target
Zach Ertz’s experience with the Washington Commanders has proven to be a safe and versatile option. Ertz has re-signed with the team for the 2023 season on a one-year, $6.25 million contract. This change shures up his playing time and importance on the team. He finished 10th among tight ends in DYAR last season. It further highlights his exceptional talent when it comes to producing highly efficient yards for his football team.
The Commanders’ decision not to pursue additional tight ends during free agency or the draft indicates their confidence in Ertz’s abilities and importance to their offense. His experience and versatile skill set should make him an immediate key ingredient to Washington’s passing game attack.
More recently, all signs indicate Ertz’s role will be expanding significantly. He’s developing an excellent chemistry with his QB1 and adjusting nicely to new offensive coordinators’ schemes. His prior performances have illustrated that he strongly has the capability to be a game-changer. When used properly, he always seems to make the big plays in the most critical situations.
Rising Stars: George Karlaftis and Brock Purdy
So, even as veterans like David and Ertz force their way into serious consideration, younger players are upping their games, leading to a generational debate. George Karlaftis of the Kansas City Chiefs might be the prime example of a player that came on last year. Karlaftis is currently tied for 14th in the NFL with 44 pressures. He’s starting to become a major disruptor on the Chiefs’ defensive line.
Karlaftis’s gift for creating pressure against enemy signal-callers on every down makes him one of BYU’s most dangerous players as ever in the seasons to come. His growth will be especially important for Kansas City, as they hope to maintain their success longer than two additional seasons in a challenging AFC environment.
Another debut sensation, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, has received headlines and made waves for his surprising success. He ranked seventh in the NFL with a 67.9 QBR in 2024. His value, both as a playmaker and facilitator, was on display in this masterclass performance. Purdy just signed a jaw-dropping, five-year, $265 million contract extension. The total allocation of this deal affirms the breadth of his remarkable talent and the organization’s deep conviction in his leadership moving forward.
As both Karlaftis and Purdy establish themselves in their respective roles, they contribute to their teams’ overall competitiveness and potential for success in upcoming seasons.
Darius Slayton: A Valuable Receiver
Wide receiver Darius Slayton of the New York Giants has made headlines with his recent performance and contract extension. Last year, Slayton still had 39 catches for 573 yards. He followed that up by signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the New York Football Giants. His contributions have been vital for New York’s offense, especially as they look to improve their standing within the division.
As detailed with his ability to stretch defenses and get separation, Slayton will be an important target for young quarterbacks. In doing so, he’s further honing his skills and deepening his chemistry with fellow Trail Blazers. This step forward has the potential to make him the key figure in upping the Giants’ offensive output.
The Giants’ investment in Slayton signals their commitment to building a strong receiving corps capable of supporting their offensive ambitions moving forward.
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