NFL 2018: Ranking the 5 best offseason moves at defensive back

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field following the NFL game against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona Cardinals won 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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The NFL season kicked off on Thursday night. So what were the five best moves this offseason at both cornerback and safety?

After a slight delay due to weather, the 2018 NFL regular season kicked off last night. The Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles got off to a late start. But when it was all said and done, the defending Super Bowl champions held on for an 18-12 victory.

Meanwhile, the look at the best offseason additions by positions continues. This series started a few weeks ago with the offensive side of the football: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. It continues with a look at the other side of the football and it began with the key moves at defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker.

Now it’s time to check out the additions by teams made at both inside and outside linebackers. As that adage goes, defense does indeed win championships. That can mean a dynamite performer at inside or middle linebacker or a playmaker outside presence, be it the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

So here’s a glance at the five best offseason moves when it came to all the linebacking spots. It includes a pair of rookies, an underrated pro, a former first-round pick and a one-time NFL Defensive Players of the Year. And regardless of how they were obtained, their new teams are expecting instant results.

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