The ranking from my 2019 NFL Draft Big Board is listed in parenthesis.

 

Josh Allen, Jaguars DE (1)

Last week (@ OAK)

3 tackles, 1.0 sack

Season stats

39 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles

With a takedown of Derek Carr last week, Allen became just the sixth rookie this decade to record 10+ sacks, and the only thing that might keep him from winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is a lack of team success for Jacksonville. The No. 7 overall pick will have a good chance to bolster his case this week against Atlanta, and the Jags getting to 7-9 could help him in the eyes of the voters.

 

Christian Wilkins, Dolphins DL (3)

Last week (@ NYG)

1 tackle

Season stats

50 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended

He didn’t make a huge impact in the box score last week, but Wilkins was able to get pressure on Eli Manning to force an interception, and he wasn’t in the game for Saquon Barkley’s cutback, ten-yard touchdown run. Miami will face another talented runner in Week 16 when they take on Joe Mixon and the Bengals, so we’ll see if the run defense improves.

 

Deandre Baker, Giants CB (6)

Last week (v MIA)

6 tackles, 2 passes defended

Season stats

50 tackles, 8 passes defended, 1 tackle for loss

I think losing some confidence was a reason for Baker’s early-season struggles, but he’s really emerged this month with five passes defended over the past two weeks. In the first game without Janoris Jenkins, Baker was back to being a full-time player (97% snaps played), and he held his own against DeVante Parker all afternoon—including good coverage on a 29-yard touchdown in the final minutes.

 

Dexter Lawrence, Giants DL (7)

Last week (v MIA)

1 tackle

Season stats

35 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, 1 blocked kick

Like college teammate Christian Wilkins across the field, Lawrence didn’t pile up the numbers this week, but he again showed his well-rounded skillset. Against the run, Lawrence—at 342 pounds—ranged towards the sideline for his lone tackle, and he pushed the pocket as a pass rusher using pure strength. New York should try to win, but loss this week could create a scary pairing between Lawrence and Ohio State’s Chase Young up front.

 

A.J. Brown, Titans WR (9)

Last week (v HOU)

8 receptions, 114 yards, 1 touchdown

Season stats

47 receptions, 893 yards, 7 touchdowns // 2 rushes, 11 yards

Houston ended up winning anyway, but not shading coverage in Brown’s direction hurt them, as the rookie wideout was basically unstoppable on a season-high 13 targets. Teams have to already feel like allowing Brown slip to the middle of the second round was a huge miss, as he’s nearing a 1,000-yard season and has four scores over the past three weeks.

 

Brian Burns, Panthers OLB (10)

Last week (v SEA)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

21 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown

Burns played just seven snaps on defense last week, and he saw double that action on special teams (15 snaps), so there might be some behind-the-scenes drama we don’t know about considering how he started the season with 4.5 sacks in six games. It will be very interesting to see what kind of role Burns has in 2020 under a new coaching staff.

 

Daniel Jones, Giants QB (18)

Last week (v MIA)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

61.6%, 2,374 yards, 18 TD, 11 INT // 39 attempts, 241 yards, 2 TD

We unfortunately won’t get a chance to see New York’s entire offense on the field and healthy this season, but Jones (ankle) is set to return on Sunday, and his play might be significant when it comes to the job security of general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur. Personally, I think both should get another year, but ownership might want to see a strong finish out of Jones.

 

Justin Layne, Steelers CB (19)

Last week (v BUF)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

2 tackles

Layne will continue seeing snaps on special teams as Pittsburgh tries to win the final two games to get into the postseason.

 

Jaquan Johnson, Bills S (23)

Last week (@ PIT)

1 tackle

Season stats

5 tackles

Johnson teamed up with starting safety Jordan Poyer for a special teams tackle on Sunday night to save a big return on a short kickoff, but he’s yet to play on defense this year. Next up is a huge game in New England.

 

Chase Winovich, Patriots DE (32)

Last week (@ CIN)

2 tackles

Season stats

22 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 touchdown

Both of Winovich’s tackles in Week 15 came on short gains by Joe Mixon, and the rookie’s willingness to stop the run surely played a role in the Patriots targeting him back in April. We’ll see if he can get to Josh Allen again after recording a sack on just seven defensive snaps for New England’s previous win over Buffalo.