Nightcrawler is a defensive Juggernaut

Basically you want to start with Innate Reflexes to get you that early 4 DEF. Then as you build, utilize The Best Offense paired up with In Harm's Way to swing and thwart big. When you get completely built out, your DEF will be 8 and you will be deleting mostly anything that get in front of you. Counter Punch pairs up perfectly with The Best Offense. Having I Can Do This All Day and Desperate Defense added as well is basically 6 more Bamf! cards. Taunt being paired up with Stand Alone is also a fantastic combo. You also don't really need to worry about playing Daytripper unless you need to.