The SEC has developed a reputation for being home to several of the best and toughest defenses in the entire country, and this year figures to be no different. However, there are some that are a cut above the rest. Here are the four best defenses in the SEC heading into this season:
Myles Garrett is good enough to put Texas A&M's defense on his own. He is easily the best pass rusher in the country, and he should be a top five or 10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Aggies return seven starters from last year's unit, and they improved by leaps and bounds under defensive coordinator John Chavis as the season wore on. Expect them to continue to improve in Chavis' second season.
Florida finished last season ranked 11th in the country in defensive efficiency, the fourth-straight year they've landed in the top 12. Losing several NFL talents like Jonathan Bullard and Vernon Hargreaves III will hurt, but the Gators have plenty of young talent to fill those holes. Look for Jalen Tabor to become a superstar in the secondary and CeCe Jefferson to have a breakout year up front.
2) LSU Tigers
LSU was just 21st in the nation on defense last year, but return nine starters. LSU added plenty of talent this offseason and new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda could produce the nation's top defense.
The Tide had the best defense in the country last season, and although they return just five starters, you know Nick Saban knows how to stockpile and coach defensive talent. With so many blue chip recruits, projecting another banner season for the Alabama defense isn't much of a stretch. It will be interesting to see how they do with Jeremy Pruitt taking over for Kirby Smart as Bama's DC, but young cornerbacks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey give them two legitimate lockdown cornerbacks.
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