52. Khalil Mack, EDGE, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears had a good defense but once they brought in pass rusher Khalil Mack, they had a great defense. He made the Oakland Raiders look bad for moving on from him and also helped Chicago make the playoffs — which limits the return on investment the Raiders received.
Mack has done nothing but impress since joining the NFL and enters his sixth season on the heels of four consecutive campaigns with at least 10.5 sacks. In addition to his play against the pass, Mack is also a monster in run defense, even if it doesn’t show as much since moving to an outside linebacker position in the Bears defense.
53. Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Darius Leonard fell some in the draft because teams were scared of his small-school roots. The Colts ended up taking him in the second round despite the competition he faced and they were thrilled with the results. Leonard finished his rookie campaign with 163 tackles and seven sacks, while also picking off two passes and forcing four fumbles. The scary part is, he’s still getting better.
54. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks
This one was tough as Jaylon Smith had a breakout season with 121 tackles and four sacks for the Dallas Cowboys. He proved them right to invest a 2016 second-round pick on him despite a serious knee injury but he comes up just short to Bobby Wagner.
The Seattle Seahawks linebacker had 138 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and a pick-six in 2018. He’s a model of consistency for the ‘Hawks and has kept their defense strong for years.