All-Social Media Team: Defensive players with the best online presence

Social media provides fans with unprecedented access to players, a luxury and curse that wasn't available in previous decades.

Many of the NFL's best players are happy to engage with their fans and show a different side of their personality that otherwise wouldn't be captured on the field.

Below, we rank the best social media star at each position:

OFFENSE | DEFENSE

Defensive end

J.J. Watt, Texans

Twitter followers: 3.5 million
Instagram followers: 2.6 million

Whether you hate or love Watt's social media usage, his presence is undeniable, with over 2.5 million followers on both Twitter and Instagram. Watt does a great job of engaging with his fans, and often gives his unheralded teammates shoutouts they wouldn't ordinarily receive. Watt's Captain America-esque persona is grating to some, but he provides fans with candid access into his life, and that's all one can really hope for.

Michael Bennett, Seahawks

Twitter followers: 139,000
Instagram followers: 332,000

There isn't a more candid interviewee in the NFL than Bennett - save for perhaps, his younger brother, Martellus. Bennett is an advocate for improving children's education and racial relations, with no fear of reprisal. The standout defender also fires back at the media when he feels slighted, promotes his own teammates, and will give a quote on just about anything. Simply put, Bennett is a must follow.

Defensive tackle

Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers

Twitter followers: 74,800
Instagram followers: 51,600

McCoy has been the leader of the Buccaneers' defense since being drafted in 2010 and remains a gregarious figure online. The five-time Pro Bowler is a science fiction movie fan and routinely posts his hilarious reviews online. McCoy is built like a real-life superhero himself, and his ability to relate to his fans in a relentlessly positive manner earns him a spot on this list.

Ndamukong Suh, Dolphins

Twitter followers: 620,000
Instagram followers: 205,000

Suh is among the vicious players in the NFL on the field, but off the field, he's far more charming and relaxed. The Dolphins star is thrilled to show off his scintillating car collection, and his caption game is nearly unmatched. Suh may be an intimidating player who can be prone to dirty play, but he seems to be living his best life, one that's enthralling to fans and critics alike.

Linebacker

Von Miller, Broncos

Twitter followers: 343,000
Instagram followers: 1.1 million

Miller is arguably the most recognizable defensive player in the NFL, and no player mingles with celebrities more often than the five-time Pro Bowler. After capturing Super Bowl 50 MVP honors, Miller was invited to a Kanye West release party, did the entire talk show circuit, appeared at the NBA All-Star Game, and boosted his national presence significantly. Miller isn't afraid to show off his friendships with numerous athletes and rappers, including Nicki Minaj, Drake, Big Sean, Lil Yachty David Alaba, and Neymar, among others.

In some respects, Miller's social media presence is a portrait of modern American celebrity, and for that, he's an easy selection to this team.

Khalil Mack, Raiders

Twitter followers: 133,000
Instagram followers: 237,000

Mack appears to be soft-spoken at first, but his Snapchat stories are among the best in the league. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year engages in witty battles with quarterback Derek Carr, and curates a diverse, captivating Twitter and Instagram feed. It's on Snapchat where Mack really shines, dropping pearls of wisdom to his fans.

Cornerback

Richard Sherman, Seahawks

Twitter followers: 1.9 million
Instagram followers: 2 million

One of the NFL's most loquacious speakers, Sherman's Twitter and Instagram accounts really are extensions of himself. Sherman's candor knows no bounds and he addressed rampant trade speculation directly on his Twitter feed, a rare phenomenon. Whether he's making a case for himself atop the NFL's best cornerbacks or promoting his charitable ventures, Sherman will provide an uncensored and unfiltered look into the life of a modern star.

Patrick Peterson, Cardinals

Twitter followers: 325,000
Instagram followers: 661,000

Peterson is an avid tweeter and doesn't hold his emotions back on the medium. The six-time Pro Bowler engaged in feuds with Josh Norman and Richard Sherman in the past, stating he's a better cornerback than his two counterparts. Peterson's found a happy medium between promoting his ventures, running live commentary on football and basketball, and engaged in heated verbal battles with the best of the NFL. Welcome aboard, Patrick.

Josh Norman, Redskins

Twitter followers: 186,000
Instagram followers: 294,000

Norman is the NFL's resident antagonist, so it's no surprise that he makes this team. For the most part, Norman's feed is relatively normal, but he's prone to picking fights with fellow players online. Norman will also respond brutally to criticism of his game, and if red-hot drama is your thing, the Redskins cornerback should be a must-follow.

Safety

T.J. Ward, Broncos

Twitter followers: 101,000
Instagram followers: 252,000

Ward uses social media better than almost any player in the league. The Broncos safety tried to recruit Gary Barnidge on Twitter, in an attempt to make general manager John Elway's life easier. Ward also ran out of patience with Skip Bayless of FS1 and The Ringer's Bill Simmons, blasting both media personalities for their unfounded criticism of him. The three-time Pro Bowler will vehemently defend himself and his teammates, and isn't afraid to voice his opinion at any time.

Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles

Twitter followers: 159,000
Instagram followers: 162,000

Jenkins became one of the most vocal supporters of Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial inequality and police brutality, and is one of the most politically active players on social media. The Eagles' safety is one of the most outspoken players against social injustice and has used his platform to amplify discussions about education within inner cities. Jenkins is an adamant critic of Donald Trump's presidential regime, and for those who prefer their athletes to be socially aware, the 29-year-old is the man to follow.