Getting pressure on the quarterback is almost undisputedly the most important attribute for a defense in stopping opposing offenses. General managers and coaching staffs spend endless days searching for players who can improve their pass rush. Whether a dominate edge defender, interior lineman, or linebackers and defensive backs who are effective off blitzes, GMs consider improving these all the time. At PFF we don’t just measure pass rush by a team’s sack totals. We consider a much bigger picture and measure sack rate, QB pressures, quick pressures (pressures within 2.5 seconds of snap) and average time to pass.
Here are three 2017 playoff hopeful teams that will need to improve their pass rush next season if they want to make a legitimate run, along with a look at specific players that can help them do it.