Is it possible that EJ Speed has been our best defensive player this season? I know that Franklin is really good and one of our leaders, but Speed is constantly getting TFL’s, and making a lot of big plays in both pass and against the run. I know Franklin gets a lot of credit, especially because he was one of our best defensive players last year, but does anyone else think it’s possible that Speed has been maybe our best defensive player this year?
Also honorable mention to Julian Blackmon, who is probably having his best season so far while also being asked to change positions coming into this season. He has been very good this year
He’s always had the physicality, it was just learning how to play LB better and read plays before/as they’re happening. Same with Franklin. Speed is ridiculously explosive which helps him slip past blockers a lot, and he can diagnose run plays really well it seems like. I think Franklin has a more rounded out toolbox, but Speed has the better explosiveness and, well, speed.