Whether your team prioritizes pass rush or run defense, it all starts with the defensive line.
A good defensive line can make everyone on defense look good. A stellar pass rush will help secondaries by limiting a quarterback’s time to throw. A capable run defense can prevent your opponent from, quite literally, running away with the game. If your defensive line can force quick punts and turnovers, the offense will undoubtedly appreciate that.
Of course, comparing defensive lines can be difficult solely due to the variation we see in today’s NFL. With the line between defensive tackle and defensive end or defensive end and outside linebacker becoming more blurred, it is better to assess the group as whole rather than individual positions.