Skip to content

Watt, Donald headline theScore's 1st-quarter All-Pro defense

Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty

With four weeks of the season in the books, theScore takes a look at the players worthy of All-Pro status a quarter of the way through the year.

Offense | Defense

Defensive End

J.J. Watt, Texans

The Texans' defense has been highly disappointing thus far, but Watt remains one of the game's most dominant players. He sits just 0.5 sacks off the NFL lead with 4, and is once again a nightmare for teams to block in the running game. Watt will be a regular All-Pro for the majority, if not all, of his playing career.

Calais Campbell, Cardinals

Don't let the sack numbers fool you. Campbell is just about as disruptive as a defensive lineman can be in every area of the game. He's the key player on a Cardinals defense tied for sixth in scoring, and his 25 tackles through four weeks has him on pace for a linebacker-esque 100 for the season.

Honorable Mentions: Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets), Ziggy Ansah (Lions)

Defensive Tackle

Aaron Donald, Rams

Aaron Donald had an outstanding rookie season in 2014, but has managed to exceed expectations in his second year. With an outstanding burst off the line and surprisingly dominant strength for his size (6-1, 285 is small, apparently), Donald has been the best player on an outstanding Rams defensive line, racking up 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Geno Atkins, Bengals

The real Geno Atkins has returned. After looking worryingly ordinary in 2014 after a torn ACL, Atkins is once again a disruptive monster in the middle of the Bengals' defense. His presence has been vital in allowing his teammates to make plays, but Atkins has been a playmaker himself, contributing three sacks already this season.

Honorable Mentions: Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers), Brandon Williams (Ravens)

Linebacker

Sean Lee, Cowboys

When he's on the field, Sean Lee is one of the most complete linebackers in the game. Lee has struggled with injuries in the past (and is currently out with a concussion), but has has returned to form this season. The linebacker's hard-hitting play sets the tone for the whole Cowboys' defense.

Von Miller, Broncos

Von Miller doesn't have huge sack numbers, but he is playing the most disruptive football of his career. Partnered with DeMarcus Ware in the Broncos' new 3-4 defense, Miller and his breathtaking speed have at times looked unstoppable.

Clay Matthews, Packers

Clay Matthews was moved to inside linebacker to cover the Packers' deficiencies against the run, and he is just as good there as he was on the outside. Not many players could make the change so seamlessly, but Matthews has been great in run defense, and still has managed three sacks with fewer pass-rushing opportunities.

Honorable Mentions: DeMarcus Ware (Broncos), Thomas Davis (Panthers), Justin Houston (Chiefs), Jamie Collins (Patriots)

Cornerback

Aqib Talib, Broncos

Aqib Talib's been the best cornerback of the Broncos' outstanding trio, edging out Chris Harris. Talib's two interceptions and five pass deflections undersell how brilliant he's been through the first two years, with a penchant for timely plays. One of the league's most physical cornerbacks, Talib's contained every No. 1 receiver matched up against him.

Josh Norman, Panthers

Josh Norman was one of the NFL's best cornerbacks in the second half of 2014, and picked up where he left off this season. Norman’s four interceptions lead the NFL, and he's stepped up as the best player on the Panthers' defense with Luke Kuechly sidelined with a concussion. Norman's spectacular interception against the Saints is an early candidate for play of the year.

Honorable Mentions: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), Desmond Trufant (Falcons), Adam Jones (Bengals), Darrelle Revis (Jets)

Safety

Harrison Smith, Vikings

A Pro Bowl snub last season, Harrison Smith has been the best player at his position through the first quarter of 2015. He's racked up 26 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble through four games and helped seal the Vikings' Week 2 win by shutting down a two-point conversion.

Walter Thurmond, Eagles

Walter Thurmond spent the majority of his first six seasons in the NFL as a slot cornerback before the Eagles moved him to safety this offseason - a decision that's proved wise. He's been excellent in coverage and against the run, and is a big reason behind the secondary's improved play.

Honorable Mentions: T.J. Ward (Broncos), Reshad Jones (Dolphins)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox