Rating defenders

overall:

1. Suggs, DE - Not huge, but workable at DE undoubtedly, especially if Andre Carter was. He was 260 when he started his Creatine IV too. Naturally very skilled football player, cat quick, but by no means as athletic as Peppers in pursuit or change of direction (basically the same 40 time, however), and because of that, he'll be a project and situational player if at LB unless in the 3-4. But someone'll find a way to put him on the field, and his leverage and first step suggests it'll still be at DE.

2. Kennedy, DT - slimmed down and quicker, Kennedy could play two gap but will probably be better off in a single gap system. Size to get huge, strength to be good regardless of how big or small he becomes. Not always easy to find a quick one gap that can so easily handle a double team, he should become a better pass rusher as time goes along.

3. Vince Wilfork, DT - listed despite his wishy/washy feelings about staying in, and listed primarily because of his talent and athleticism. Not big on experience, but built squatty, and seems like it's hard for one player to get leverage on him. Fairly quick for his frame.

4. William Joseph, DE/DT - I like him at left end or left DT, he could be impactive at either. Built like Reggie White, with decent outside quickness (estimated 4.8), body lean in both forward and (to a point, but not drastic like Boulware or Derrick Thomas) to the side, which is why I like him at end, and has been productive out there early on, but also very naturally talented at DT. Right now not a playmaker, but certainly a player who gets push, is solid and very consistent. Not unlike Henderson of last year, but without health concerns.


5. Boss Bailey, LB - Undersized, but teams have long since solved how to remedy that, and he should be a playmaker. Of all the undersized guys out there the last couple of years, this one IMO is the most like Derrick Brooks. Strong hits, plays like a FS at LB. Fills his gap and top notch against the pass, and in pursuit. Not a crunching tackler, though.

6. Terrence Newman, CB - man-type corner with size, speed, instincts. Not a great fit for what we do, but if you're looking for a guy to shadow anyone anywhere, this is your best bet. Impactive return man as well.

7. EJ Henderson, LB - Strong MLB who'd be an elite MLB prospect if he had more range. Fills the hole, won't need to be shielded, but might not be sideline to sideline. Curiously, even though he might not have the perfect speed of Morgan or Brooking or Urlacher, he's still a top notch cover man as well.

I got tired of listing, so I'll finish later.

 

1. Jimmy Kennedy(DT) - Bet your surprised? The most dominant D player at his position. He'll make average DE's look like Pro Bowlers.

2. William Joseph(DT) - Well rounded D-lineman and versatility is a plus

3. Terrance Newman(CB) - Phyical corner, will be similar to the Jammer we saw late in the season.

4. Terrell Suggs(DE) - Freeney like, but bigger. Has potential to develop some areas of his game, but athleticism alone will get him by til then.

5. Jerome McDougal (DE) - Pass rush specialist, would be my #1 if he were a more complete player.

6. EJ Henderson(LB) - Plays sideline-to-sideline like no other. Always finds the ball.

7. Marcus Trufant/Andre Wolfolk (CB) - Both very solid CB's and very much alike IMO.

8. Gerald Hayes(MLB) - One tough SOB! Not overly fast, but plays intelligent enough to make up for it.

9. Michael Doss(S) - Plays the run very well, feirce hitter. Solid in the passing game as well.

10. Dewayne Robertson(DT) - Clogs up the middle like nobody's business. Needs to develop a better pass rush.

Boss Bailey (OLB) would be #10, but his injury concerns (knee) will turn some away.

 

Mine...
1) Kennedy
2) Suggs
3) Newman
4) Henderson
5) Robertson
6) Woolfolk
7) Wilfolk
8) Joesph
9) Redding
10) Doss