There is little upside when drafting a defense in the top 120. Last year Houston was the 2nd to 4th defense taken in drafts and they finished 28th in fantasy points. Chicago was the 3rd to 5th defense taken last year and they finished 27th. Denver was taken 5th to 7th last year and finished 13th.
Analysis: The thing these three defenses have in common was that their ADP last year was 120 or less. It just isn’t worth taking a defense that early. One injury or one suspension and the pick can quickly become a pile of hot garbage. Keep in mind that Michael Floyd, Emmanuel Sanders and Alshon Jeffery had an ADP between 112 and 118 last year.
One of the most interesting defenses this year is the Bucs. The Bucs had the 10th best fantasy defense last year with little field position support due to their awful offense and the injury of Doug Martin. Lovie Smith is a good coach and Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David are elite at their positions. They have brought in playmakers Alterraun Verner(Ten) and Michael Johnson(Cin). The Bucs D/ST is the 13th to 17th defense being taken in the 146-164 pick range.