Maceo Beard

The Defensive Player of the Year and top European talent might be looking towards a lot of offers from October1st onwards. Maceo Beard went through his second year in the ELF and made a name out of himself in this past season with the Helvetic Guards. The Frenchman had eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups in twelve games, with two pick sixes.

Dauson Dales

Dauson Dales delivered a prolific performance in his first year in the ELF. The US-American middle linebacker had 93 total tackles in just 11 games, being the center point of the loaded Musketeers defense.

Paul Seifert

A homegrown Swiss Army Knife is hard to get. Seifert, being used as outside linebacker or safety, could help every team in the league. Under defensive coordinator Christopher Kuhfeldt, Seifert already has 234 tackles after three years in the league, getting better each year. At only 26-years-old, Seifert is one of the hometown heroes in Berlin.

Berend Grube

Being in the top five in sacks as a homegrown pass rusher gets you on the map. Similar to Jan-Phillip Bombek, Grube showed astonishing penetration in Kendral Ellison’s defensive scheme. After suffering an injury in the 2022 season, getting him sidelined for some time, the 32-year-old veteran is a homegrown might add another great season to his resume next year.

Hiswill Awuah

There are not many homegrown nose tackles in the league to make such an impact like Awuah. Being just 23-years-old, the Hamburg native had arguably his best year with the Sea Devils in 2023, recording four sacks, 33 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Starting all 12 games of the regular season, the defensive tackle has a similar skill set like Edwin Elio. Why close one gap, if you can close two?

Johannes Zirngibl

In his first year in the ELF, already having 47 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, Johannes Zirngibl caused havoc in opposing backfields. At nearly two meters and 115 kg, the Bavarian could set new standards next year. Update: Zirngibl has now re-signed his contract with the Munich Ravens. More information here.

Evans Yeboah

An eight sack season with 14.5 tackles for loss speaks volumes. Evans Yeboah, having played his third year in the ELF with the Hamburg Sea Devils, is a fan favorite. With his strength and power, the 29-year-old is a strict monster in the run and pass defense.

Niklas Gustav

Originally from Hamburg, Niklas Gustav had his best season with the Raiders in 2023. With 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, the German All-Star is known for his disruptive play style. Does he get another great season under newly signed head coach Jim Herrmann in Tirol?

Alejandro Fernandez

The two-time 1st Team All-Star made his dream reality by winning the Championship with Rhein Fire in 2023. Only being 21-years-old, Fernandez is one of the biggest talents the league has to offer. “Iceman” as he is called, is coming off an eleven sack and 18.5 tackles for loss season with the Fire. The Spaniard will be one of the most courted players in the league.

Luke Glenna

Completely flying under the radar, Glenna got himself the tackle crown with 137 total tackles and four interceptions in 12 games. In a rather disappointing 2-10-season with the Dragons, the US-American has made all the groundwork for another great season in the ELF.