2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have the top defense in the entire league, top to bottom. One thing that makes them so challenging is the discipline they display while still being able to punish offenses. That may be more evident in the front seven, yet this secondary can suffocate opponents with tight man coverage. You also have to worry about the length and general size of this San Francisco secondary.
Charvarius Ward has truly developed into a sound outside cornerback. Speed and smooth route running can burn him from time to time, but in the end, Ward has been able to produce fine ball production and is a main source of getting his team off the field.
The pair of Deommodore Lenoir and Ji'Ayir Brown have become versatile cogs within the 49ers' secondary and defensive system and both players display a keen sense of urgency. On tipped balls or hurried throws, each defender seems ready to pounce and change momentum. The size and density of these two defensive backs really stands out in their secondary.
It will be interesting to see how Talanoa Hufanga looks while coming off of a torn ACL. His strength was being able to lay a boom or two, while also providing immense range in the open field. Even if he is not himself right away, the 49ers possess a deep unit to choose from among their rotational players. And in the San Francisco secondary, you should get chances to make plays on the football at any moment, due to the nature of how their defensive front seven plays.