What Are the Strongest Ground Pokemon in Pokemon Go?

Ground-Type Pokemon are a pretty varied and versatile bunch in Pokemon Go. Some are strong attackers, while others are viable defenders in even hotly contested gyms. Although they're weak to Water-Type Pokemon, Ground-Type Pokemon can still negate several other key gym attackers. However, because many Ground-Type Pokemon have a secondary type, it's a bit hard to classify the entire type into one category. 
If you're curious as to which Normal-type Pokemon are the strongest in Pokemon Go, we've listed the five strongest Normal-Types in the game based on CP. Each slide will also list that Pokemon's best moveset, based on "damage per second." 

Nidoking

Max CP: 2386
Best Moveset: Poison Jab/Sludge Wave
With decent Attack and Stamina stats, Nidoking is best used as a gym attacker. Although Nidoking's moveset contains moves from four different types, it's a surprisingly balanced moveset, with all three charge attacks doing about the same amount of damage per second. Nidoking's best moveset uses all Poison-Type attacks, but Poison-Type moves are only effective against Grass-Type and Fairy-Type Pokemon, which is a bit ineffective. It can also learn Earthquake, a solid Ground-Type charge move.

Steelix

Max CP: 2439

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Best Moveset: Iron Tail/Earthquake
With the highest Defense stat in the game, Steelix is probably best used as a secondary defender. Although its Defense is great, Steelix has a lousy Stamina stat and an anemic Attack stat, so don't expect Steelix to do too much besides withstand a bit of damage from opponents. Steelix can learn Iron Tail, which is one of the best fast attacks in the game, but it won't be that useful because of its weak, weak Attack stat.

Golem

Max CP: 2916
Best Moveset: Rock Throw/Stone Edge
As a Rock/Ground dual-type Pokemon, Golem has a lot of weaknesses. However, it's one of the most well-rounded Pokemon in the game, with great Attack and Defense stats and an above average Stamina stat. Golem even has a great moveset, with only really dud charge move (Rock Blast, which has a measly DPS of 30.) Plus, the Rock Throw/Stone Edge combo is one of the most devastating movesets in the game, especially against Flying-Type Pokemon.

Donphan

Max CP: 3022

 

 Best Moveset: Counter/Earthquake

Donphan is one of those Pokemon that could be great if it had a better moveset. Donphan has top tier Attack, Defense, and Stamina stats, but a lousy, lousy moveset that really hampers its effectiveness. Donphan can only learn one Ground-Type move (Earthquake) and its fast moves are both laughably weak. Maybe Donphan will get a patch one day to make it viable in the metagame.

Rhydon

Max CP: 3300
Best Moveset: Mud Slap/Stone Edge
Rhydon has the third highest CP of any Pokemon in the game, with only Dragonite and Tyranitar having higher stats. Rhydon doesn't have any real shortcomings, as it has top tier Stamina and great Attack and Defense stats. Rhydon is best suited as a gym defender, although it can pack quite a punch as an attacker too. Stone Edge is one of the most damaging moves in the game and Earthquake isn't too shabby either.