Luke Kuechly, Desmond Trufant lead All-NFC South defense

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Defense was a real issue for the NFC South last season, unless you’re the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta owned the league’s worst defense, and New Orleans (31st) and Tampa Bay (25th) weren’t much better. But while the defenses as a whole disappointed, there a number of standout players who could together form a dominant unit.

The Panthers had easily the division’s best defense last term, ranking tenth overall – 11th against the pass an 16th against the run. But the All-NFC South is far from an All-Panthers team. There are plenty of playmakers across the division.

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It’s worth noting that this team doesn’t include rookies, as it’s too early to tell how effective they will be in the NFL. So yes, this means no Vic Beasley, Hau’oli Kikaha or Stephone Anthony. By the end of the season, there is a good chance at least one of those men will make the cut.

So let’s work through the defense. Be sure to let us know what you agree with and what you would change of this team. Let’s start with the defensive line.

Next: Defensive line