- Messages
- 79,281
- Reaction score
- 45,652
With training camps approaching, Scouts Inc. ranks the NFL teams 1-32 at nine positions. Today's position: Defensive line
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' front four is impressive with Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs anchoring the end position and consistently pressuring the quarterback. Pryce is on the downside of his career, but he had one of his best seasons in 2006 with 13 sacks. Declining skills and backs problems are a concern for Pryce in the future. Suggs has averaged 10 sacks per season over his career and has 16 pass deflections in four seasons. The defensive tackle position is anchored by seven-year veteran Kelly Gregg and second-year player Haloti Ngata. Gregg is a short, powerful player with an impressive motor and Ngata is a huge body that anchors the middle with strength and short-area effectiveness. Backup Kenny King adds solid depth to the defensive line. The Ravens' defensive linemen have had the benefit of outstanding personnel around them, but their talent and effectiveness should not be underestimated.
2. Chicago Bears
Defensive tackles Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson were tough for opponents' offensive lines to contend with last season. The loss of Johnson (released due to off-the-field problems) and Harris coming off surgery knocks the Bears out of the top spot, but they still will be very impressive. Chicago will be a force along the defensive front with ends Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye consistently putting pressure on the quarterback. Head coach Lovie Smith and the Bears' front office have added excellent depth with 2006 draft choice Mark Anderson and 2007 second-rounder Dan Bazuin. Both are somewhat undersized, but Anderson had 12 sacks as a rookie. Bazuin is untested but has great talent to pressure the quarterback off the edge.
3. New England Patriots
Defensive ends Ty Warren and Richard Seymour are excellent run-stoppers and can collapse the pocket when rushing the quarterback. Warren had his best season as a pro, registering 7½ sacks and four pass deflections. Seymour didn't have impressive numbers, but he draws many double teams and continues to be a major force on the defensive line. Backup Jarvis Green, who could start for many NFL teams, gave the Patriots valuable production with 7½ sacks and solid play versus the run. The 3-4 defense is predicated on the nose tackle being a consistent run-stopper and drawing doubles often. Vince Wilfork is a huge, powerful player in the middle who fits well in Bill Belichick's defensive philosophy. His short-area quickness and strength in the middle enables Wilfork to push the pocket as pass-rusher and hold the point versus the run. The Patriots' defense generated 44 sacks and 34 turnovers with a banged-up secondary and linebacking corps, which can directly be traced back to an excellent defensive front.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars field two of the most imposing defensive tackles in the league with Marcus Stroud (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and John Henderson (6-7, 330) anchoring the middle. Both former first-round draft choices have been stout versus the run and pressure the quarterback well. Stroud and Henderson draw many double teams, which free up linebackers to make plays. The Jaguars have three effective players at defensive end. Veterans Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward have great size and strength to hold the point versus the run. Spicer is an average pass-rusher, but Hayward averaged nine-plus sacks from 2003-05 (he was injured in 2006). Third-year player Bobby McCray has great length, but he lacks the bulk to be a solid run-stopper. He's averaged 6½ sacks in his career.
5. San Diego Chargers
San Diego employs a 3-4 scheme that stymies offenses with a variety pressure packages. Nine-year veteran Jamal Williams (6-2, 350) anchors the middle and is effective stuffing the run. Williams has never been an active pass-rusher, but he can disrupt the pocket with an effective push up the middle. Third-year player Luis Castillo had seven sacks in 10 games last year. Look for him to have a huge year in 2007 if he can stay healthy. Igor Olshansky has great size (6-6, 310) and strength to hold the point versus the run, but is an average pass-rusher. However, he does play with a high motor and is a consistent player.
6. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins' defense is anchored in the middle by two veteran players in Vonnie Holliday and Keith Traylor. Holliday had one of his best seasons in 2006 with seven sacks. Traylor, a 17-year veteran, is obviously on the last legs, but he also had a productive season in 2006. Both of these players have huge question marks about their declining skills, but if they can continue to play at a high level, the Dolphins' defense will be tough again in 2007. Defensive ends Jason Taylor and Matt Roth are somewhat different athletes and players. Taylor still possesses outstanding quickness, speed, agility and instincts in his 11th year. His playmaking ability forces offensive coordinators to produce different game plans versus the Dolphins. Roth is a tough, hard-nosed veteran and tends to make plays with effort, technique and intensity rather than outstanding athleticism. This defensive front has age concerns, but appears to have at least one more season of effectiveness in it.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers, led by Julius Peppers, have one of the most impressive defensive fronts in the league. Peppers is the most imposing defensive end in the league. He has outstanding size and athleticism as an edge rusher, and most offensive coordinators have to produce a game plan for him. His length, strength, speed, quickness and balance make him an almost impossible matchup for one blocker. Peppers is explosive off the line of scrimmage and has power pass-rush moves as well as effective counters, keeping blockers off balance and guessing. Mike Rucker has good size and athletic ability as a defensive end, but has lost a step and some quickness as a pass-rusher. He can anchor versus the run, but has been less of a playmaker the past three seasons. The Panthers have two huge players anchoring the middle in six-year veteran Kris Jenkins (6-4, 335) and fifth-year player Maake Kemoeatu (6-5 350). Jenkins has explosive strength and power to draw many double teams, but he's lost some quickness and playmaking ability as a pass-rusher as a result of injuries. Kemoeatu is strictly a limited area player and clogs up the middle versus the run.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers field a very solid front line with former first-round draft choice Casey Hampton anchoring the middle. His low center of gravity (6-1, 330) combined with his power and quickness makes it tough on opposing offensive lines. Hampton is a disruptive player who draws a bunch of double teams and is very stout versus the run. Hampton is effective pushing the pocket, but he doesn't get many sacks. Veterans Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have excellent size and are more accomplished run-stoppers than pass-rushers. New head coach Mike Tomlin will tinker with the 3-4 defense that the Steelers have employed for years, but he will utilize his personnel accordingly. Pittsburgh drafted Ryan McBean in 2006 to add depth to its defensive line.
9. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were the most effective defense versus the run (yielding only 61 yards per game) in 2006. This defensive front has three former first-round draft choices and a 10-year veteran anchoring the line. Both Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James are solid technicians who are stout versus the run. James is the more athletic pass-rusher and should have a productive year if he can stay healthy in 2007. Kevin Williams has been the most productive defensive tackle in the league over the past four seasons (31 sacks). He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He is an explosive player who draws many double teams to free up other defenders. Veteran Pat Williams is strictly a run-stopper and is not very active rushing the quarterback.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles play a bend-but-don't-break philosophy under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. This defense took a big hit early in the 2006 season when impact pass-rusher Jevon Kearse went down with an injury. Kearse posted 15 sacks in the previous two seasons and the Eagles missed his quickness and disruption that drew many double teams from opposing offenses. Defensive end Darren Howard was a solid acquisition for Philly in 2006 as he had five sacks. Backup defensive end Trent Cole has been a pleasant surprise for the Eagles as he led the team in sacks in 2006 with eight. Cole plays with great intensity and has developed a variety of moves off the edge. The interior of the defensive line is held down by two first-round choices in Brodrick Bunkley (2006) and Mike Patterson (2005). These two defensive tackles are mainly run-stoppers and have little impact pressuring the quarterback, but they play well within the Eagles' defensive scheme.
11. Denver Broncos
The Broncos addressed their defensive line by drafting ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, as well as tackle Marcus Thomas. Veterans Kenard Lang and Ebenezer Ekuban combined for 13 sacks in 2006 and pass-rush specialist Elvis Dumervil had an outstanding rookie year (8½ sacks). Defensive tackles Alvin McKinley and Gerard Warren are solid run-stoppers with Warren drawing many doubles teams as he possesses great power to push the pocket. Denver's defense had a tough time holding down the Chiefs' Larry Johnson and the Rams' Steven Jackson, but for the most part it was solid stopping the run and pressured the quarterback with a mixture of stunts and twists.
12. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were not a flashy team on defense, but they stopped the run extremely well. The nature of a Bill Parcells run defense is to stuff the run (out of a base front) and force opponents to pass. The Cowboys have a talented defensive line that might have more of an impact under new head coach Wade Phillips. Defensive ends Marcus Spears and Chris Canty have great size and athletic ability and should fit into the more versatile defensive scheme that Brian Stewart (coordinator) will install. The 6-7 Canty has the potential to develop into an outstanding defender going into his third season, and former first-rounder Spears will be able to use his quickness and speed more often as Stewart might employ more stunts and blitzes in 2007. DeMarcus Ware is listed as an outside linebacker, but he is used often with his hand on the ground in passing situations. He is extremely disruptive and is a versatile athlete who can play up or down in this new defensive scheme.
13. Oakland Raiders
Defensive end Derrick Burgess is considered one of the top pass-rushers in the league, averaging 13½ sacks over the past two years. Third-year player Tommy Kelly has outstanding size (6-6, 300) and good athleticism, which makes him a versatile inside-outside player. He is an inconsistent technician and considered a better run-stopper than pass-rusher. The Raiders' interior defensive front is anchored by veteran Warren Sapp. He snapped back in 2006, posting 10 sacks and playing at a Pro Bowl level for the first time in several years. Sapp still possesses great quickness and can be an explosive player off the line of scrimmage. The imposing Terdell Sands (6-7, 335) is strictly a run-stopper at defensive tackle. He is still raw after four years in the league. He can push the pocket as a pass-rusher but needs to expand his pass-rush package.
14. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have a very solid front four. They have a great combination of power and size at defensive tackle along with speed and athleticism at end. Seven-year veteran Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is tall and lean with an excellent first step off the edge. He can bend and chase well in pursuit but lacks bulk to hold the point versus the run. Fifth-year player Aaron Kampman had an excellent year in 2006 (15½ sacks). He has good power and explosion along with a variety of moves. He also has good size to hold the point versus the run. Backup Cullen Jenkins provides valuable depth and had 6½ sacks last season. The Packers have good size in the interior to anchor versus the run. Third-year player Corey Williams (6-4, 315) has excellent quickness. He needs to be more consistent with his pad level and hand use versus the run, but has natural power to stuff the run. Six-year veteran Ryan Pickett is a short, stocky player with limited athletic ability. He has few career sacks, but has been durable and can push the pocket and get his hands up in the throwing lanes (17 career pass deflections).
15. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks lost a solid defender in Grant Wistrom, but the acquisition of Patrick Kerney should more than fill that void. Bryce Fisher lines up at the opposite end position and plays with a great motor. He was solid in 2006 but has the ability to put up big numbers pressuring the quarterback. Rocky Bernard and Chuck Darby anchor the interior of the defense, but they have just above-average size. They use quickness and leverage to pressure the quarterback. Eight-year veteran Russell Davis was acquired in 2006 and provided effective depth at defensive tackle. Julian Peterson is listed as a linebacker, but he is used to pressure the quarterback (as a defensive lineman) in nickel packages and passing situations.
16. New Orleans Saints
The Saints' defense improved a lot last season thanks to the new scheme used by defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. Veteran defensive end Charles Grant has been very durable and consistent over his five-year career. Will Smith is a short, well-built player with good strength and athleticism at the opposite end position. He had a big year rushing the passer last season, registering 10½ sacks with three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. Eleven-year veteran Hollis Thomas was a solid acquisition for the Saints in 2006 and Brian Young has his best year as a pro.
17. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' defense improved last season under defensive-mined head coach Dick Jauron and coordinator Perry Fewell. Defensive ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay are an excellent duo when pressuring the quarterback. Backup Ryan Denney (6 sacks) provides valuable depth. Schobel has become one of the most consistent defensive ends in the league as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher. He had 14 sacks in 2006 and has averaged more than 10 sacks during his six-year career. The interior is anchored by a three-man rotation of Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams and John McCargo. McCargo was untested as a rookie in 2006 as he missed most of the year with an injury. The Bills' defense is predicated on quickness and penetration, and rarely blitzes to pressure opponents.
18. N.Y. Jets
The new 3-4 defensive scheme installed by Eric Mangini and is staff was a work in progress last season. Bryan Thomas, converted from outside linebacker to defensiv end, had has his most productive season with 8½ sacks. Ends Shaun Ellis and Kimo von Oelhoffen are solid players who fit well within the scheme. von Oelhoffen has never been a great pass-rusher, but he is effective holding the point versus the run. Ellis is a versatile player who can move inside in nickel situations and use his quickness to penetrate gaps. Dewayne Robertson is not your typical 3-4 nose tackle (lack of bulk), but he was effective using his quickness and strong hands on the inside. Robertson is best when penetrating out of a stunt or blitz. The backups along the defensive line are less than impressive, but nose tackle C.J. Mosley has the tools to give valuable depth on the interior.
19. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals' defense generated 38 sacks and 33 turnovers in 2006. Defensive ends Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor have put up some big numbers in recent years. They both have a great combination of size, strength and athleticism that can hold the point versus the run and generate pressure on the quarterback from off the edge. Antonio Smith showed flashes of effectiveness in his second season in the league and provides valuable depth on the outside. The interior is anchored by defensive tackle Gabe Watson and the athletic Darnell Dockett. Watson is a limited-area player only and Dockett is best on the move penetrating gaps with stunts and twists. The Cardinals' front office added great size and potential in the second round of this year's draft, drafting Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch. Most believe that Branch has the tools to develop into a dominate interior defensive lineman.
20. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' defense was without the services of DE John Abraham for half of the 2006 season. Abraham has had some durability concerns throughout his career, but he's one of the most productive pass-rushers in the league when healthy. The front office drafted the talented Jamaal Anderson in the first round of the 2007 draft to offset the loss of Patrick Kerney. Anderson has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He should be a force in his rookie season. Defensive tackles Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson are effective anchoring the middle. Jackson, a newly acquired 10-year veteran, is a run-stopper only. He rarely makes plays out of the box, but does draw double teams while pushing the pocket. Coleman has been very active in his three seasons with the Falcons (28 sacks). Coleman has excellent initial quickness and power to penetrate gaps while on the move.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' front four was solid in 2006 with third-year DE Robert Geathers having a big season as a pass-rusher. The athletic Geathers developed a variety of moves and counters to mark up a team-high 10½ sacks. Former first-rounder Justin Smith has been very solid over his six seasons and averages almost seven sacks per year. Both play with excellent motors and have great range to pursue ball carriers in the open field. Ten-year veteran Bryan Robinson is in the rotation and gives valuable depth at end. The interior line is held down by rookie defensive tackle Domata Peko and eight-year veteran John Thornton. Peko will fill the void of the departed Sam Adams as he has great size and power in the middle. He can push the pocket as a pass-rusher and draws many double teams as a run defender. Thornton is a more accomplished run-stopper than pass-rusher. Nine-year veteran Michael Myers provides valuable depth.
22. N.Y. Giants
The Giants didn't generate an impressive number of sacks in 2006, but they were playing two rookies and missing All-Pro defensive end Michael Strahan much of the season. There was a noticeable difference with the absence of Strahan not applying pressure off the edge and forcing doubles as he has done in the past. DE Osi Umenyiora had a huge year in 2005, but he drew more attention in 2006 with Strahan out of the lineup. Versatile rookie Mathias Kiwanuka can play with his hand on the ground or drop into coverage as a linebacker. Seven-year veteran DT Fred Robbins has his best year as a pro in 2006 with 5½ sacks. Rookie DT Barry Cofield plays with a great motor but is still very raw. The defensive tackle depth is somewhat in question; the Giants need former first-round pick William Joseph to live up to expectations.
23. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have the ageless 13-year veteran Bryant Young leading their defense. Young still possesses great strength and quickness to draw double teams and free up other defenders. He is very crafty with a variety of pass-rush moves and counters. The opposite end in San Francisco's 3-4 scheme is Marques Douglas. Douglas is an established run-stopper who has never developed his pass-rush package coming out of Howard. The 49ers did draft talented Ray McDonald to give depth to the end position but he is very raw and may need time to develop. There are some questions marks at defensive tackle with starter Ronald Fields and backup Aubrayo Franklin anchoring the middle. Both players have natural power as run-stoppers but add little pressuring the quarterback. Look for defensive coordinator Greg Manusky to mix in more stunts and twists to generate some penetration up the middle in 2007.
24. Kansas City Chiefs
Under Herman Edwards, the Chiefs' defense improved from 25th to 16th last year. Defensive ends Tamba Hali and Jared Allen had solid seasons both as run stoppers and pressuring the quarterback. Hali led the team in sacks with eight in his rookie season and Allen continues to improve his game. Defensive tackles Alfonso Boone and Ron Edwards are adequate run-stoppers in the middle, but show little production as pass-rushers. The Chiefs addressed a need in the interior defensive line by drafting two excellent young prospects in Turk McBride in the second round and Tank Tyler in the third round. If these two talented youngsters can learn the scheme early, they might make a huge difference in the overall production of the Chiefs defense in 2007.
25. Detroit Lions
Shaun Rogers was injured most of last season and there was a noticeable difference with the Lions' run-stopping ability when he was absent. Rogers has outstanding size and strength (6-4, 345) to stymie the run and push the pocket as a pass-rusher. Defensive tackle Cory Redding had his most productive year as a pro last season (eight sacks, two forced fumbles). Redding is best when on the move, using his quickness to penetrate gaps. Newly acquired Dewayne White should give the defense two solid passer-rushers coming off the edge. Kalimba Edwards has great length and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks or chase down ball carriers in pursuit. Detroit added excellent depth at end by drafting Ikaika Alama-Francis in the second round. Francis has all the tools to develop into an outstanding force on the edge, but he will need added strength, bulk and an expanded pass-rush package before he becomes an impact player.
26. Indianapolis Colts
The much-maligned Colts defense actually has some fine players along the front. Most of the Colts sacks were generated from the front four without the use of blitzes. Defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney (15 combined sacks) have excellent quickness and close to the quarterback. Freeney had his worst season of his five-year career, but was playing injured most of the year and should bounce back in 2007. The addition of defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, along with veterans Raheem Brock, Anthony McFarland and Corey Simon can make it tough on opposing offensive lines when the Colts are stunting or twisting.
27. Cleveland Browns
The Browns racked up 28 sacks and generated 27 turnovers last season, but most of that production came from the linebacking corps. Cleveland anchors the middle with 16-year veteran Ted Washington, who is a two-down player only. There are big concerns about his weight and conditioning, and the Browns might have to rely more on third-year player Shaun Smith to carry the load. Neither player gets much pressure on the quarterback. Newly acquired defensive end Robaire Smith has great size and is a solid run-stopper, but he adds little to the pass rush. Veteran Orpheus Roye has been a stabilizing force on the defensive line, but he doesn't shine in the 3-4 scheme. Backup Simon Fraser has given valuable depth at end. It should be noted that talented LBs Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinest will put their hand on the ground and apply pressure (combined 15 sacks) on opposing quarterbacks.
28. Houston Texans
The Texans' defensive line has been a concern and the front office addressed it in the 2007 draft with first-round defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. Okoye has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. The concern with Okoye is his age (20) and only one year of outstanding production in college. Defensive tackle Anthony Maddox has been adequate as a run-stopper, but he's shown little as a pass-rusher. Backups Travis Johnson and Jeff Zgonina are solid but have not been playmakers over their careers. The Texans have two first-rounders and a second-round pick rotating at defensive end. Mario Williams has the size and tools to become an outstanding defender, but he needs to expand his pass-rush package and learn to generate more power on contact. Anthony Weaver is more of a run-stopper and has versatility to move inside at times. Undersized Jason Babin has great quickness off the edge, but he has been somewhat of a disappointment as a first-round pick.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay's defense features three aging veterans at end (nine-year veteran Greg Spires, 11-year veteran Simeon Rice and 12-year vet Kevin Carter). All have had some outstanding seasons but might not have much left in the tank in 2007. The most accomplished pass-rusher (Rice) is coming off an injury and it remains to be seen how well he can perform. The Buccs did address this glaring concern by drafting the talented Gaines Adams in the first round. Adams has all the tools to be an excellent defender in the league, but most believe it will take at least a year for him to become an impact player. The interior defensive line is anchored by solid players in Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims. Hovan plays with a great motor but has little playmaking ability; Sims is a run-stopper only. Six-year veteran defensive tackle Ellis Wyms has provided valuable depth as an interior pass-rusher.
30. Tennessee Titans
The lack of production from the defensive line was one of the main reasons the Titans' defense ranked last in 2006. Defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy have been solid but inconsistent performers. Vanden Bosch had a huge year in 2005 (12½ sacks and four forced fumbles) but came back down to earth in 2006. Backups Antwan Odom and Sean Conover appear to be average contributors at best. The defensive interior line is anchored by Randy Starks and Albert Haynesworth. Both Starks and Haynesworth have excellent size and power to stuff the run, but they show little ability to pressure the quarterback. It should be interesting to see how Haynesworth comes back from his 2006 suspension and how the fans react to his return. The Titans did invest two draft choices in defensive linemen, but a sixth-round pick (DE Jacob Ford) and fifth-rounder (DT Antonio Johnson) might not make much of a difference.
31. St. Louis Rams
Three of the Rams' front four defenders are seasoned veterans and will be joined by first-round draft choice Adam Carriker. Carriker has outstanding size, strength and athleticism, allowing him to line up inside or outside along the defensive line. Defensive tackle La'Roi Glover continues to be a stabilizing force inside. Veteran Leonard Little and newly acquired James Hall anchor the outside. Hall has averaged more than seven sacks per year and Little is coming off his best season as a pro. The Rams added valuable depth (DTs Keith Jackson and Ryan Clifton) in this year's draft.
32. Washington Commanders
Six-year veteran Andre Carter is the most solid player on the defensive line. He has been surrounded by underachievers and aging athletes. Carter has excellent quickness off the edge but has never been a physical player versus the run. Phillip Daniels is on the backside of his career and does not have much playmaking ability. Backup ends Demetric Evans and Renaldo Wynn have shown little playmaking ability throughout their careers. Defensive tackles Cornelius Griffin underachieved in 2006 and has been an inconsistent performer much of his career. Rookie sixth-round pick Kedric Golston and backup Joe Salave'a play hard but don't have the tools to be impact players. The Commanders didn't address the defensive line deficiencies in the 2007 draft. Instead they tried to plug holes with veteran retreads.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
LINK
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' front four is impressive with Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs anchoring the end position and consistently pressuring the quarterback. Pryce is on the downside of his career, but he had one of his best seasons in 2006 with 13 sacks. Declining skills and backs problems are a concern for Pryce in the future. Suggs has averaged 10 sacks per season over his career and has 16 pass deflections in four seasons. The defensive tackle position is anchored by seven-year veteran Kelly Gregg and second-year player Haloti Ngata. Gregg is a short, powerful player with an impressive motor and Ngata is a huge body that anchors the middle with strength and short-area effectiveness. Backup Kenny King adds solid depth to the defensive line. The Ravens' defensive linemen have had the benefit of outstanding personnel around them, but their talent and effectiveness should not be underestimated.
2. Chicago Bears
Defensive tackles Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson were tough for opponents' offensive lines to contend with last season. The loss of Johnson (released due to off-the-field problems) and Harris coming off surgery knocks the Bears out of the top spot, but they still will be very impressive. Chicago will be a force along the defensive front with ends Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye consistently putting pressure on the quarterback. Head coach Lovie Smith and the Bears' front office have added excellent depth with 2006 draft choice Mark Anderson and 2007 second-rounder Dan Bazuin. Both are somewhat undersized, but Anderson had 12 sacks as a rookie. Bazuin is untested but has great talent to pressure the quarterback off the edge.
3. New England Patriots
Defensive ends Ty Warren and Richard Seymour are excellent run-stoppers and can collapse the pocket when rushing the quarterback. Warren had his best season as a pro, registering 7½ sacks and four pass deflections. Seymour didn't have impressive numbers, but he draws many double teams and continues to be a major force on the defensive line. Backup Jarvis Green, who could start for many NFL teams, gave the Patriots valuable production with 7½ sacks and solid play versus the run. The 3-4 defense is predicated on the nose tackle being a consistent run-stopper and drawing doubles often. Vince Wilfork is a huge, powerful player in the middle who fits well in Bill Belichick's defensive philosophy. His short-area quickness and strength in the middle enables Wilfork to push the pocket as pass-rusher and hold the point versus the run. The Patriots' defense generated 44 sacks and 34 turnovers with a banged-up secondary and linebacking corps, which can directly be traced back to an excellent defensive front.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars field two of the most imposing defensive tackles in the league with Marcus Stroud (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and John Henderson (6-7, 330) anchoring the middle. Both former first-round draft choices have been stout versus the run and pressure the quarterback well. Stroud and Henderson draw many double teams, which free up linebackers to make plays. The Jaguars have three effective players at defensive end. Veterans Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward have great size and strength to hold the point versus the run. Spicer is an average pass-rusher, but Hayward averaged nine-plus sacks from 2003-05 (he was injured in 2006). Third-year player Bobby McCray has great length, but he lacks the bulk to be a solid run-stopper. He's averaged 6½ sacks in his career.
5. San Diego Chargers
San Diego employs a 3-4 scheme that stymies offenses with a variety pressure packages. Nine-year veteran Jamal Williams (6-2, 350) anchors the middle and is effective stuffing the run. Williams has never been an active pass-rusher, but he can disrupt the pocket with an effective push up the middle. Third-year player Luis Castillo had seven sacks in 10 games last year. Look for him to have a huge year in 2007 if he can stay healthy. Igor Olshansky has great size (6-6, 310) and strength to hold the point versus the run, but is an average pass-rusher. However, he does play with a high motor and is a consistent player.
6. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins' defense is anchored in the middle by two veteran players in Vonnie Holliday and Keith Traylor. Holliday had one of his best seasons in 2006 with seven sacks. Traylor, a 17-year veteran, is obviously on the last legs, but he also had a productive season in 2006. Both of these players have huge question marks about their declining skills, but if they can continue to play at a high level, the Dolphins' defense will be tough again in 2007. Defensive ends Jason Taylor and Matt Roth are somewhat different athletes and players. Taylor still possesses outstanding quickness, speed, agility and instincts in his 11th year. His playmaking ability forces offensive coordinators to produce different game plans versus the Dolphins. Roth is a tough, hard-nosed veteran and tends to make plays with effort, technique and intensity rather than outstanding athleticism. This defensive front has age concerns, but appears to have at least one more season of effectiveness in it.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers, led by Julius Peppers, have one of the most impressive defensive fronts in the league. Peppers is the most imposing defensive end in the league. He has outstanding size and athleticism as an edge rusher, and most offensive coordinators have to produce a game plan for him. His length, strength, speed, quickness and balance make him an almost impossible matchup for one blocker. Peppers is explosive off the line of scrimmage and has power pass-rush moves as well as effective counters, keeping blockers off balance and guessing. Mike Rucker has good size and athletic ability as a defensive end, but has lost a step and some quickness as a pass-rusher. He can anchor versus the run, but has been less of a playmaker the past three seasons. The Panthers have two huge players anchoring the middle in six-year veteran Kris Jenkins (6-4, 335) and fifth-year player Maake Kemoeatu (6-5 350). Jenkins has explosive strength and power to draw many double teams, but he's lost some quickness and playmaking ability as a pass-rusher as a result of injuries. Kemoeatu is strictly a limited area player and clogs up the middle versus the run.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers field a very solid front line with former first-round draft choice Casey Hampton anchoring the middle. His low center of gravity (6-1, 330) combined with his power and quickness makes it tough on opposing offensive lines. Hampton is a disruptive player who draws a bunch of double teams and is very stout versus the run. Hampton is effective pushing the pocket, but he doesn't get many sacks. Veterans Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have excellent size and are more accomplished run-stoppers than pass-rushers. New head coach Mike Tomlin will tinker with the 3-4 defense that the Steelers have employed for years, but he will utilize his personnel accordingly. Pittsburgh drafted Ryan McBean in 2006 to add depth to its defensive line.
9. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were the most effective defense versus the run (yielding only 61 yards per game) in 2006. This defensive front has three former first-round draft choices and a 10-year veteran anchoring the line. Both Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James are solid technicians who are stout versus the run. James is the more athletic pass-rusher and should have a productive year if he can stay healthy in 2007. Kevin Williams has been the most productive defensive tackle in the league over the past four seasons (31 sacks). He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He is an explosive player who draws many double teams to free up other defenders. Veteran Pat Williams is strictly a run-stopper and is not very active rushing the quarterback.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles play a bend-but-don't-break philosophy under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. This defense took a big hit early in the 2006 season when impact pass-rusher Jevon Kearse went down with an injury. Kearse posted 15 sacks in the previous two seasons and the Eagles missed his quickness and disruption that drew many double teams from opposing offenses. Defensive end Darren Howard was a solid acquisition for Philly in 2006 as he had five sacks. Backup defensive end Trent Cole has been a pleasant surprise for the Eagles as he led the team in sacks in 2006 with eight. Cole plays with great intensity and has developed a variety of moves off the edge. The interior of the defensive line is held down by two first-round choices in Brodrick Bunkley (2006) and Mike Patterson (2005). These two defensive tackles are mainly run-stoppers and have little impact pressuring the quarterback, but they play well within the Eagles' defensive scheme.
11. Denver Broncos
The Broncos addressed their defensive line by drafting ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, as well as tackle Marcus Thomas. Veterans Kenard Lang and Ebenezer Ekuban combined for 13 sacks in 2006 and pass-rush specialist Elvis Dumervil had an outstanding rookie year (8½ sacks). Defensive tackles Alvin McKinley and Gerard Warren are solid run-stoppers with Warren drawing many doubles teams as he possesses great power to push the pocket. Denver's defense had a tough time holding down the Chiefs' Larry Johnson and the Rams' Steven Jackson, but for the most part it was solid stopping the run and pressured the quarterback with a mixture of stunts and twists.
12. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were not a flashy team on defense, but they stopped the run extremely well. The nature of a Bill Parcells run defense is to stuff the run (out of a base front) and force opponents to pass. The Cowboys have a talented defensive line that might have more of an impact under new head coach Wade Phillips. Defensive ends Marcus Spears and Chris Canty have great size and athletic ability and should fit into the more versatile defensive scheme that Brian Stewart (coordinator) will install. The 6-7 Canty has the potential to develop into an outstanding defender going into his third season, and former first-rounder Spears will be able to use his quickness and speed more often as Stewart might employ more stunts and blitzes in 2007. DeMarcus Ware is listed as an outside linebacker, but he is used often with his hand on the ground in passing situations. He is extremely disruptive and is a versatile athlete who can play up or down in this new defensive scheme.
13. Oakland Raiders
Defensive end Derrick Burgess is considered one of the top pass-rushers in the league, averaging 13½ sacks over the past two years. Third-year player Tommy Kelly has outstanding size (6-6, 300) and good athleticism, which makes him a versatile inside-outside player. He is an inconsistent technician and considered a better run-stopper than pass-rusher. The Raiders' interior defensive front is anchored by veteran Warren Sapp. He snapped back in 2006, posting 10 sacks and playing at a Pro Bowl level for the first time in several years. Sapp still possesses great quickness and can be an explosive player off the line of scrimmage. The imposing Terdell Sands (6-7, 335) is strictly a run-stopper at defensive tackle. He is still raw after four years in the league. He can push the pocket as a pass-rusher but needs to expand his pass-rush package.
14. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have a very solid front four. They have a great combination of power and size at defensive tackle along with speed and athleticism at end. Seven-year veteran Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is tall and lean with an excellent first step off the edge. He can bend and chase well in pursuit but lacks bulk to hold the point versus the run. Fifth-year player Aaron Kampman had an excellent year in 2006 (15½ sacks). He has good power and explosion along with a variety of moves. He also has good size to hold the point versus the run. Backup Cullen Jenkins provides valuable depth and had 6½ sacks last season. The Packers have good size in the interior to anchor versus the run. Third-year player Corey Williams (6-4, 315) has excellent quickness. He needs to be more consistent with his pad level and hand use versus the run, but has natural power to stuff the run. Six-year veteran Ryan Pickett is a short, stocky player with limited athletic ability. He has few career sacks, but has been durable and can push the pocket and get his hands up in the throwing lanes (17 career pass deflections).
15. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks lost a solid defender in Grant Wistrom, but the acquisition of Patrick Kerney should more than fill that void. Bryce Fisher lines up at the opposite end position and plays with a great motor. He was solid in 2006 but has the ability to put up big numbers pressuring the quarterback. Rocky Bernard and Chuck Darby anchor the interior of the defense, but they have just above-average size. They use quickness and leverage to pressure the quarterback. Eight-year veteran Russell Davis was acquired in 2006 and provided effective depth at defensive tackle. Julian Peterson is listed as a linebacker, but he is used to pressure the quarterback (as a defensive lineman) in nickel packages and passing situations.
16. New Orleans Saints
The Saints' defense improved a lot last season thanks to the new scheme used by defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. Veteran defensive end Charles Grant has been very durable and consistent over his five-year career. Will Smith is a short, well-built player with good strength and athleticism at the opposite end position. He had a big year rushing the passer last season, registering 10½ sacks with three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. Eleven-year veteran Hollis Thomas was a solid acquisition for the Saints in 2006 and Brian Young has his best year as a pro.
17. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' defense improved last season under defensive-mined head coach Dick Jauron and coordinator Perry Fewell. Defensive ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay are an excellent duo when pressuring the quarterback. Backup Ryan Denney (6 sacks) provides valuable depth. Schobel has become one of the most consistent defensive ends in the league as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher. He had 14 sacks in 2006 and has averaged more than 10 sacks during his six-year career. The interior is anchored by a three-man rotation of Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams and John McCargo. McCargo was untested as a rookie in 2006 as he missed most of the year with an injury. The Bills' defense is predicated on quickness and penetration, and rarely blitzes to pressure opponents.
18. N.Y. Jets
The new 3-4 defensive scheme installed by Eric Mangini and is staff was a work in progress last season. Bryan Thomas, converted from outside linebacker to defensiv end, had has his most productive season with 8½ sacks. Ends Shaun Ellis and Kimo von Oelhoffen are solid players who fit well within the scheme. von Oelhoffen has never been a great pass-rusher, but he is effective holding the point versus the run. Ellis is a versatile player who can move inside in nickel situations and use his quickness to penetrate gaps. Dewayne Robertson is not your typical 3-4 nose tackle (lack of bulk), but he was effective using his quickness and strong hands on the inside. Robertson is best when penetrating out of a stunt or blitz. The backups along the defensive line are less than impressive, but nose tackle C.J. Mosley has the tools to give valuable depth on the interior.
19. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals' defense generated 38 sacks and 33 turnovers in 2006. Defensive ends Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor have put up some big numbers in recent years. They both have a great combination of size, strength and athleticism that can hold the point versus the run and generate pressure on the quarterback from off the edge. Antonio Smith showed flashes of effectiveness in his second season in the league and provides valuable depth on the outside. The interior is anchored by defensive tackle Gabe Watson and the athletic Darnell Dockett. Watson is a limited-area player only and Dockett is best on the move penetrating gaps with stunts and twists. The Cardinals' front office added great size and potential in the second round of this year's draft, drafting Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch. Most believe that Branch has the tools to develop into a dominate interior defensive lineman.
20. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' defense was without the services of DE John Abraham for half of the 2006 season. Abraham has had some durability concerns throughout his career, but he's one of the most productive pass-rushers in the league when healthy. The front office drafted the talented Jamaal Anderson in the first round of the 2007 draft to offset the loss of Patrick Kerney. Anderson has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He should be a force in his rookie season. Defensive tackles Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson are effective anchoring the middle. Jackson, a newly acquired 10-year veteran, is a run-stopper only. He rarely makes plays out of the box, but does draw double teams while pushing the pocket. Coleman has been very active in his three seasons with the Falcons (28 sacks). Coleman has excellent initial quickness and power to penetrate gaps while on the move.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' front four was solid in 2006 with third-year DE Robert Geathers having a big season as a pass-rusher. The athletic Geathers developed a variety of moves and counters to mark up a team-high 10½ sacks. Former first-rounder Justin Smith has been very solid over his six seasons and averages almost seven sacks per year. Both play with excellent motors and have great range to pursue ball carriers in the open field. Ten-year veteran Bryan Robinson is in the rotation and gives valuable depth at end. The interior line is held down by rookie defensive tackle Domata Peko and eight-year veteran John Thornton. Peko will fill the void of the departed Sam Adams as he has great size and power in the middle. He can push the pocket as a pass-rusher and draws many double teams as a run defender. Thornton is a more accomplished run-stopper than pass-rusher. Nine-year veteran Michael Myers provides valuable depth.
22. N.Y. Giants
The Giants didn't generate an impressive number of sacks in 2006, but they were playing two rookies and missing All-Pro defensive end Michael Strahan much of the season. There was a noticeable difference with the absence of Strahan not applying pressure off the edge and forcing doubles as he has done in the past. DE Osi Umenyiora had a huge year in 2005, but he drew more attention in 2006 with Strahan out of the lineup. Versatile rookie Mathias Kiwanuka can play with his hand on the ground or drop into coverage as a linebacker. Seven-year veteran DT Fred Robbins has his best year as a pro in 2006 with 5½ sacks. Rookie DT Barry Cofield plays with a great motor but is still very raw. The defensive tackle depth is somewhat in question; the Giants need former first-round pick William Joseph to live up to expectations.
23. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have the ageless 13-year veteran Bryant Young leading their defense. Young still possesses great strength and quickness to draw double teams and free up other defenders. He is very crafty with a variety of pass-rush moves and counters. The opposite end in San Francisco's 3-4 scheme is Marques Douglas. Douglas is an established run-stopper who has never developed his pass-rush package coming out of Howard. The 49ers did draft talented Ray McDonald to give depth to the end position but he is very raw and may need time to develop. There are some questions marks at defensive tackle with starter Ronald Fields and backup Aubrayo Franklin anchoring the middle. Both players have natural power as run-stoppers but add little pressuring the quarterback. Look for defensive coordinator Greg Manusky to mix in more stunts and twists to generate some penetration up the middle in 2007.
24. Kansas City Chiefs
Under Herman Edwards, the Chiefs' defense improved from 25th to 16th last year. Defensive ends Tamba Hali and Jared Allen had solid seasons both as run stoppers and pressuring the quarterback. Hali led the team in sacks with eight in his rookie season and Allen continues to improve his game. Defensive tackles Alfonso Boone and Ron Edwards are adequate run-stoppers in the middle, but show little production as pass-rushers. The Chiefs addressed a need in the interior defensive line by drafting two excellent young prospects in Turk McBride in the second round and Tank Tyler in the third round. If these two talented youngsters can learn the scheme early, they might make a huge difference in the overall production of the Chiefs defense in 2007.
25. Detroit Lions
Shaun Rogers was injured most of last season and there was a noticeable difference with the Lions' run-stopping ability when he was absent. Rogers has outstanding size and strength (6-4, 345) to stymie the run and push the pocket as a pass-rusher. Defensive tackle Cory Redding had his most productive year as a pro last season (eight sacks, two forced fumbles). Redding is best when on the move, using his quickness to penetrate gaps. Newly acquired Dewayne White should give the defense two solid passer-rushers coming off the edge. Kalimba Edwards has great length and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks or chase down ball carriers in pursuit. Detroit added excellent depth at end by drafting Ikaika Alama-Francis in the second round. Francis has all the tools to develop into an outstanding force on the edge, but he will need added strength, bulk and an expanded pass-rush package before he becomes an impact player.
26. Indianapolis Colts
The much-maligned Colts defense actually has some fine players along the front. Most of the Colts sacks were generated from the front four without the use of blitzes. Defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney (15 combined sacks) have excellent quickness and close to the quarterback. Freeney had his worst season of his five-year career, but was playing injured most of the year and should bounce back in 2007. The addition of defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, along with veterans Raheem Brock, Anthony McFarland and Corey Simon can make it tough on opposing offensive lines when the Colts are stunting or twisting.
27. Cleveland Browns
The Browns racked up 28 sacks and generated 27 turnovers last season, but most of that production came from the linebacking corps. Cleveland anchors the middle with 16-year veteran Ted Washington, who is a two-down player only. There are big concerns about his weight and conditioning, and the Browns might have to rely more on third-year player Shaun Smith to carry the load. Neither player gets much pressure on the quarterback. Newly acquired defensive end Robaire Smith has great size and is a solid run-stopper, but he adds little to the pass rush. Veteran Orpheus Roye has been a stabilizing force on the defensive line, but he doesn't shine in the 3-4 scheme. Backup Simon Fraser has given valuable depth at end. It should be noted that talented LBs Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinest will put their hand on the ground and apply pressure (combined 15 sacks) on opposing quarterbacks.
28. Houston Texans
The Texans' defensive line has been a concern and the front office addressed it in the 2007 draft with first-round defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. Okoye has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. The concern with Okoye is his age (20) and only one year of outstanding production in college. Defensive tackle Anthony Maddox has been adequate as a run-stopper, but he's shown little as a pass-rusher. Backups Travis Johnson and Jeff Zgonina are solid but have not been playmakers over their careers. The Texans have two first-rounders and a second-round pick rotating at defensive end. Mario Williams has the size and tools to become an outstanding defender, but he needs to expand his pass-rush package and learn to generate more power on contact. Anthony Weaver is more of a run-stopper and has versatility to move inside at times. Undersized Jason Babin has great quickness off the edge, but he has been somewhat of a disappointment as a first-round pick.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay's defense features three aging veterans at end (nine-year veteran Greg Spires, 11-year veteran Simeon Rice and 12-year vet Kevin Carter). All have had some outstanding seasons but might not have much left in the tank in 2007. The most accomplished pass-rusher (Rice) is coming off an injury and it remains to be seen how well he can perform. The Buccs did address this glaring concern by drafting the talented Gaines Adams in the first round. Adams has all the tools to be an excellent defender in the league, but most believe it will take at least a year for him to become an impact player. The interior defensive line is anchored by solid players in Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims. Hovan plays with a great motor but has little playmaking ability; Sims is a run-stopper only. Six-year veteran defensive tackle Ellis Wyms has provided valuable depth as an interior pass-rusher.
30. Tennessee Titans
The lack of production from the defensive line was one of the main reasons the Titans' defense ranked last in 2006. Defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy have been solid but inconsistent performers. Vanden Bosch had a huge year in 2005 (12½ sacks and four forced fumbles) but came back down to earth in 2006. Backups Antwan Odom and Sean Conover appear to be average contributors at best. The defensive interior line is anchored by Randy Starks and Albert Haynesworth. Both Starks and Haynesworth have excellent size and power to stuff the run, but they show little ability to pressure the quarterback. It should be interesting to see how Haynesworth comes back from his 2006 suspension and how the fans react to his return. The Titans did invest two draft choices in defensive linemen, but a sixth-round pick (DE Jacob Ford) and fifth-rounder (DT Antonio Johnson) might not make much of a difference.
31. St. Louis Rams
Three of the Rams' front four defenders are seasoned veterans and will be joined by first-round draft choice Adam Carriker. Carriker has outstanding size, strength and athleticism, allowing him to line up inside or outside along the defensive line. Defensive tackle La'Roi Glover continues to be a stabilizing force inside. Veteran Leonard Little and newly acquired James Hall anchor the outside. Hall has averaged more than seven sacks per year and Little is coming off his best season as a pro. The Rams added valuable depth (DTs Keith Jackson and Ryan Clifton) in this year's draft.
32. Washington Commanders
Six-year veteran Andre Carter is the most solid player on the defensive line. He has been surrounded by underachievers and aging athletes. Carter has excellent quickness off the edge but has never been a physical player versus the run. Phillip Daniels is on the backside of his career and does not have much playmaking ability. Backup ends Demetric Evans and Renaldo Wynn have shown little playmaking ability throughout their careers. Defensive tackles Cornelius Griffin underachieved in 2006 and has been an inconsistent performer much of his career. Rookie sixth-round pick Kedric Golston and backup Joe Salave'a play hard but don't have the tools to be impact players. The Commanders didn't address the defensive line deficiencies in the 2007 draft. Instead they tried to plug holes with veteran retreads.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
LINK
