It isn't a secret that the San Francisco 49ers' defense is going to be the first off the board when fantasy drafts roll around, if they haven't for you already. With that in mind, it is important to take a look at defenses that might not be as heralded, but could surprise a great deal of people.
The No. 1 unit on that list has to be the Seattle Seahawks, who have a tremendous amount of talent and one hell of a defensive coordinator.
Outside of the linebacker position, their defense is absolutely stacked from top down. Red Bryant, Brandon Mebane, Chris Clemons and Alan Branch formed one of the best 4-3 defensive lines in the National Football League last season. They're joined by newcomers Jason Jones and Bruce Irvin to create what promises to be a dominant unit in 2012.
Jones has been one of the most under-the-radar and versatile defensive lineman in the league with the Tennessee Titans over the course of the last couple seasons. Irvin brings a speed-rush capability that Seattle was missing to an extent last season. Let's not even get into detail about Red Bryant, who is one of the best pure defensive ends in the entire league. Statistics just don't show how dominant Bryant has been for Seattle recently, especially against the run.
While Seattle might not have a ton of talent at linebacker, 2012 second-round pick Bobby Wagner promises to be one of the real gems of the draft. He has the ability to go sideline to sideline and reads offensive formations like a veteran. The Utah State product is going to be an instant impact rookie and make that linebacker group excel just by his mere presence on the football field.
K.J Wright had a stellar rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft out of Mississippi State. With another year and an entire offseason under his belt, you can expect Wright to be a much better all-around player.
This takes me to Seattle's secondary, probably the best unit in the entire league. Brandon Browner, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas all made the Pro Bowl last season. Richard Sherman promises to be a truly solid starting cornerback opposite Browner, while it appears that Marcus Trufant has returned to form after being injury-riddled for the last few seasons.
What makes their secondary so intriguing is the amount of young talent on it. Browner, Thomas and Sherman have tallied a total of just 58 games and are all under the age of 30, Browner being the oldest at 28. Give them more experience and seasoning and they only promise to get stronger.
While Seattle does have a fierce schedule outside of the division, they are in position to be among the best fantasy units in the league. In fact, it is hard to imagine them finishing outside of the top three this year.