What if Every 2019 NFL All-Pro was Back in High School? (Defense)
I recently put together an offensive version of this list, which you can find here. To reiterate, I decided to use only players that will be playing next season (excluding 2020 graduates). This list is obviously in good fun, and…
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Continue ReadingI recently put together an offensive version of this list, which you can find here. To reiterate, I decided to use only players that will be playing next season (excluding 2020 graduates). This list is obviously in good fun, and I don’t think all of the MN players will become NFL All-Pros, I just tried to find similar playing styles between the players.
Edge Rushers:
Deven Eastern, Shakopee, DL, senior
- Comparison — Chandler Jones, Arizona
Deven Eastern has quietly become one of the most coveted prospects in all of Minnesota. The 6’5″ defensive end dominated his junior season at Shakopee, which turned into two scholarship offers from Nebraska and Minnesota (which he is committed to). He has some of the most dominant film from any player in Minnesota. It looks flat out unfair at times, as he just bullies his way through opposing offensive lineman. Much similar to one of the NFL’s best sack artists, Chandler Jones.
Gaven Ziebarth, OLB, Cambridge-Isanti, senior
- Comparison – T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
You might remember Gaven Ziebarth from the offensive side of this list as he appeared at the flex position. He is easily one of the most electrifying offensive weapons in Minnesota. His defensive skill set is not far behind. His first step off of the line combined with his All-State track speed makes him one of the most unblockable edge rushers in the state. His elite speed also allows him to drop in coverage and stick with almost any receiver in Minnesota. Gaven has quickly become one of the most versatile players in Minnesota, on both sides of the ball.
Interior Linemen:
Kevvan Anderson, SMB, DT, senior
- Comparison— Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams
SMB’s newly announced 2020 captain, Kevvan Anderson has blossomed into quite the three-technique for one of the state’s best programs. The 6’0″ 300-pound big man put together a great the junior campaign posting 52 tackles, 15 TFL’s, 6 sacks, a FF, and an interception. His combination of size and downhill power has made him arguably the best interior defensive linemen in the state.
Darnell McCrea, Benilde St-Margaret’s, DL, senior
- Comparison – Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh
Darnell McCrea was dominant for Benilde St-Margaret’s in 2019. He finished with 58 tackles 10 TFL’s 6.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. His dominant season ended with him being awarded Defensive line All-District MVP. He is a bit undersized at 250 pounds, but he makes up for it by having elite quickness with his feet and hands. He is one of the more slippery defensive linemen in the state as he seems to always find a way to get through the line. McCrea should be in line for a monster senior season.
Linebackers:
Justice Sullivan, ILB, Eden Prairie, senior
- Comparison— Bobby Wagner, Seattle
Iowa Hawkeye commit, Justice Sullivan was Eden Prairie’s unquestioned defensive leader in 2019. The 6’2″ linebacker has all of the traits you want from an elite inside linebacker. He has great speed and strength which led to insane production for EP last season. His trait that stands out most to me on film, is his instincts. To put it simply he is a football player, he has great closing speed on opposing ball carriers, and he just has great feel all over the field. This is what made me compare him to one of the most consistent players in the NFL, Bobby Wagner.
RJ Chakolis, MLB, Hopkins, senior
- Comparison – Demario Davis, New Orleans
RJ Chakolis is who I believe to be the “toughest” player in Minnesota. “What does the mean?”, you may ask. Chakolis is incredibly instinctive while he’s on the football field, he knows exactly where to be and how to get there. When he gets there he makes sure the other team knows he is there. RJ is a sure-fire heavy hitter. He consistently lays the boom on opposing teams ball carriers. His great tackling paired with consistent athleticism makes him one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the state.
Defensive Backs:
Dorian Singer, DB, Tartan, senior
- Comparison— Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City
Dorian Singer has been one of the most improved players in Minnesota over the past few seasons. The soon to be senior cornerback has become an elite level ball-hawking safety on for Tartan. His junior season film is full of highlight level plays on the defensive and offensive end, much similar to that of a prime LSU Tyrann Mathieu. The 6’0″ mega-athlete currently holds an offer from Iowa State and I expect much more to be rolling in.
Michael Olowo, DB, Rogers, senior
- Comparison – Marcus Peters, Baltimore
Michael Olowo is one of the fastest players in the entire state of Minnesota, as he has been an all-state sprinter since his freshman season of high school. The Rogers corner back possesses a great ability to stick with any receiver that he is going up against. His elite speed paired with ideal size makes him seem like he was born to play cornerback at a high level. Olowo has shown ball tracking skills of someone well beyond his years, which reminds me much of Marcus Peters who has made big plays his entire NFL career.
Micah Niewald, FS, Fridley, Senior
- Comparison – Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh
Fridley’s leader of their defensive backfield, Micah Niewald has shown great versatility during his career for the 4A powerhouse. He is able to cover any opposing receiver man to man, or he can patrol the defense from the back end as a safety. In 2019 he finished with 53 Tackles 4 Interceptions 3 PD’s proving that he can contribute all over the field.