Post 37 - Top 10 Defensive Ends of 2015
Hello! And welcome to my corner!
In the coming weeks I'll be revealing my top 10 at each position and eventually my top 100 players in the NFL. Unlike the traditional rankings, though, I'm basing these rankings entirely on the 2015 season and the 2015 season only. Not looking further than that and without influence from their name alone.
Earlier this month I got this series underway when I revealed my Top 10 Kickers and Punters of 2015. I've now unveiled the Safeties, Corner, Inside Linebackers and Outside Linebackers, and I'm now onto the defensive ends.
Without further ado, then, here are my Top 10 Defensive Ends from 2015:
10. Jabaal Sheard, New England Patriots
10. Derek Wolfe, Denver Broncos
7. Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jets are the Rams biggest rival when it comes to the talent on their defensive line. Well, Muhammad Wilkerson stands out. He is one of the better pass rushers in the NFL and he does it very well from any position along the d-line. Furthermore, he is a rock against the run and is a match-up nightmare no matter where you put him.
In the coming weeks I'll be revealing my top 10 at each position and eventually my top 100 players in the NFL. Unlike the traditional rankings, though, I'm basing these rankings entirely on the 2015 season and the 2015 season only. Not looking further than that and without influence from their name alone.
Earlier this month I got this series underway when I revealed my Top 10 Kickers and Punters of 2015. I've now unveiled the Safeties, Corner, Inside Linebackers and Outside Linebackers, and I'm now onto the defensive ends.
Without further ado, then, here are my Top 10 Defensive Ends from 2015:
4-3 DE’s
10. Jabaal Sheard, New England Patriots
37 Combined Tackles (Comb), 8 Sacks (Sck), 4 Forced Fumbles (FF).
Having been unable to make an impact for any team in his short amount of time there, Sheard did exactly that last year as the Patriots secondary pass rusher. Not only are his 8 sacks and 4 forced fumbles respectable, but he was in the top five of 4-3 defensive ends with 45 QB hurries. He was good against the run too and could be in line for a bigger role with Chandler Jones gone.
9. Cliff Avril, Seattle Seahawks
Having been unable to make an impact for any team in his short amount of time there, Sheard did exactly that last year as the Patriots secondary pass rusher. Not only are his 8 sacks and 4 forced fumbles respectable, but he was in the top five of 4-3 defensive ends with 45 QB hurries. He was good against the run too and could be in line for a bigger role with Chandler Jones gone.
9. Cliff Avril, Seattle Seahawks
47 Comb, 9 Sck, 2 FF.
Avril has had a few down years but he came back this year and showed that he is still a player that offensive players need to watch out for. His 9 sacks are a more than respectable total and the two forced fumbles cannot be ignored either. Furthermore, he is solid against the run and set a career high in tackles.
8. William Hayes, Los Angeles Rams
Avril has had a few down years but he came back this year and showed that he is still a player that offensive players need to watch out for. His 9 sacks are a more than respectable total and the two forced fumbles cannot be ignored either. Furthermore, he is solid against the run and set a career high in tackles.
8. William Hayes, Los Angeles Rams
53 Comb, 5.5 Sck, 2 FF.
The Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, if not the best, and Hayes is an oft-forgotten member of it. However, with Robert Quinn missing most of the season, Hayes was more of a focal point. Though his sack total is not as high as you'd hope, that isn't his forte, though he is no slouch. Against the run though, he excels and did that this year too.
7. Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins
The Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, if not the best, and Hayes is an oft-forgotten member of it. However, with Robert Quinn missing most of the season, Hayes was more of a focal point. Though his sack total is not as high as you'd hope, that isn't his forte, though he is no slouch. Against the run though, he excels and did that this year too.
7. Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins
61 Comb, 7.5 Sck.
Vernon received one of the biggest contracts of the offseason and I must admit that I think he was overpaid, but that doesn't mean he wasn't one of the better 4-3 ends in the NFL last year. Though he only had 7.5 sacks, he added another 41 QB hurries and did so with an array of moves, speed or power. Furthermore, he is credited with 50 stops against the run, which is the best number of all 4-3 defensive ends. It is his versatility that makes him so appealing.
6. Robert Ayers, New York Giants
Vernon received one of the biggest contracts of the offseason and I must admit that I think he was overpaid, but that doesn't mean he wasn't one of the better 4-3 ends in the NFL last year. Though he only had 7.5 sacks, he added another 41 QB hurries and did so with an array of moves, speed or power. Furthermore, he is credited with 50 stops against the run, which is the best number of all 4-3 defensive ends. It is his versatility that makes him so appealing.
6. Robert Ayers, New York Giants
41 Comb, 9.5 Sck, 2 FF.
Ayers had a career year last year and was the Giants only real pass rushing threat for the majority of last year, even once JPP returned. He is a versatile pass rusher and a good run defender too, thanks to his recognition and reliable tackling. He should be an upgrade for the Buccaneers next season, especially if Noah Spence plays as well as he is projected to.
5. Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati Bengals
Ayers had a career year last year and was the Giants only real pass rushing threat for the majority of last year, even once JPP returned. He is a versatile pass rusher and a good run defender too, thanks to his recognition and reliable tackling. He should be an upgrade for the Buccaneers next season, especially if Noah Spence plays as well as he is projected to.
5. Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati Bengals
55 Comb, 13.5 Sck, 2 FF, 1 Fumble Recovery (FR).
The Bengals pass rush was fairly underwhelming for a couple of years but this year was a different story. With several defensive players standing out once again, Dunlap was a legitimate concern for offensive coordinators, lineman and opposing QB's. He was 3rd in the AFC in sacks and 4th in the NFL in sacks and he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
4. Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings
The Bengals pass rush was fairly underwhelming for a couple of years but this year was a different story. With several defensive players standing out once again, Dunlap was a legitimate concern for offensive coordinators, lineman and opposing QB's. He was 3rd in the AFC in sacks and 4th in the NFL in sacks and he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
4. Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings
44 Comb, 10.5 Sck, 1 FF.
The Vikings defense played like one of the better defensive units in the NFL for large portions of the season last year, and Griffen was a big reason for that. Whilst enjoying his second consecutive 10+ sack season, Griffen was a handful for every team that he played and was a always in the offensive backfield.
3. Chandler Jones, New England Patriots
The Vikings defense played like one of the better defensive units in the NFL for large portions of the season last year, and Griffen was a big reason for that. Whilst enjoying his second consecutive 10+ sack season, Griffen was a handful for every team that he played and was a always in the offensive backfield.
3. Chandler Jones, New England Patriots
44 Comb, 12.5 Sck, 3 Passes Defensed (PDef), 1 Interceptions (Int), 4 FF.
Jones has steadily improved every year since he was drafted, and last year was his breakout party. He was the teams number 1 pass rusher and was one of the key pieces of the entire unit. However, that performance is likely what led the Patriots to offload him to the Cardinals, as it likely made him too expensive for the Pats to keep with the other defensive stars who are due for a new contract.
2. Ezekial Ansah, Detroit Lions
Jones has steadily improved every year since he was drafted, and last year was his breakout party. He was the teams number 1 pass rusher and was one of the key pieces of the entire unit. However, that performance is likely what led the Patriots to offload him to the Cardinals, as it likely made him too expensive for the Pats to keep with the other defensive stars who are due for a new contract.
2. Ezekial Ansah, Detroit Lions
47 Comb, 14.5 Sck, 4 FF, 2 FR.
Ansah's rise to fame is something to behold. Having only started playing football in 2012 after failing to make the BYU Basketball team, Ansah is now one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and should only get better for at least a few more years. He is still raw in certain aspects of the game, which is scary as hell, considering what he has already done. If he gets all of the nuances down, he could reach incredible heights.
1. Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
Ansah's rise to fame is something to behold. Having only started playing football in 2012 after failing to make the BYU Basketball team, Ansah is now one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and should only get better for at least a few more years. He is still raw in certain aspects of the game, which is scary as hell, considering what he has already done. If he gets all of the nuances down, he could reach incredible heights.
1. Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
52 Comb, 10 Sck, 2 FF.
Bennett is really one of the best all-round defensive lineman in the NFL, yet that is often ignored and he isn't always held in the same light as the JJ Watt's and Aaron Donald's of the world. He is a very effective pass rusher - he led all defensive ends with 57 QB hurries, along with his 10 sacks - yet he is a very good run defender too, showing all of the tools and the tape to be considered an elite player in both areas.
Bennett is really one of the best all-round defensive lineman in the NFL, yet that is often ignored and he isn't always held in the same light as the JJ Watt's and Aaron Donald's of the world. He is a very effective pass rusher - he led all defensive ends with 57 QB hurries, along with his 10 sacks - yet he is a very good run defender too, showing all of the tools and the tape to be considered an elite player in both areas.
3-4 DE’s
10. Derek Wolfe, Denver Broncos
49 Comb, 5.5 Sck.
Wolfe is not a pass rushing force, though he did contribute 40 QB hurries, 10 hits and 5.5 sacks, it's his work in the run game that pushes him up this list. He is immensely powerful and has a great motor. He has the ability to completely alter an offence's run game.
9. Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Titans
Wolfe is not a pass rushing force, though he did contribute 40 QB hurries, 10 hits and 5.5 sacks, it's his work in the run game that pushes him up this list. He is immensely powerful and has a great motor. He has the ability to completely alter an offence's run game.
9. Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Titans
54 Comb, 7 Sck.
Despite the Titans struggles, Casey continues to be one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. What makes him so good is his versatility, he is very effective against both the run and the pass and he can excel in both areas in multiple ways. He can with with power, finesse or speed on the interior.
8. Cam Jordan, New Orleans Saints
Despite the Titans struggles, Casey continues to be one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. What makes him so good is his versatility, he is very effective against both the run and the pass and he can excel in both areas in multiple ways. He can with with power, finesse or speed on the interior.
8. Cam Jordan, New Orleans Saints
45 Comb, 10 Sck, 1 FF, 2 FR.
The Saints had one of the worst defenses in the league last year but Jordan still showed why he was given the contract he was. He was their do-it-all defensive lineman, he lined up in multiple spots and rushed the passer in multiple ways from those spots. He also stood up against the run and was probably the only thing stopping the Saints from having the worst defence in the NFL.
The Saints had one of the worst defenses in the league last year but Jordan still showed why he was given the contract he was. He was their do-it-all defensive lineman, he lined up in multiple spots and rushed the passer in multiple ways from those spots. He also stood up against the run and was probably the only thing stopping the Saints from having the worst defence in the NFL.
7. Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
54 Comb, 7 Sck, 1 FF.
The Steelers defense has been looking to get back to its tough as nails, blue collar identity for several years now, and they have been getting closer to it over the last few years, and Cam Heyward is a big reason why. He is the anchor of the Steelers front seven and one of the better 3-4 ends in the NFL (he could honestly be higher, but that just speaks to the quality of this position group). He is very good against the run and more than effective as a pass rusher too.
6. Malik Jackson, Denver Broncos
The Steelers defense has been looking to get back to its tough as nails, blue collar identity for several years now, and they have been getting closer to it over the last few years, and Cam Heyward is a big reason why. He is the anchor of the Steelers front seven and one of the better 3-4 ends in the NFL (he could honestly be higher, but that just speaks to the quality of this position group). He is very good against the run and more than effective as a pass rusher too.
6. Malik Jackson, Denver Broncos
45 Comb, 5 Sck, 1 Safety (SFTY), 2 FR.
The other part of the Broncos great defensive line last year is now a Jag, and likely a figurehead of their rebuilt defense, and it was his play this year that made his contract a possibility. Whilst Wolfe may have had just more sacks, Jackson is a better pass rusher and so commanded more attention on passing downs. Against run, though, he is not far off Wolfe's level, and is a nightmare for offensive lineman one-on-one and against double teams.
5. Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
The other part of the Broncos great defensive line last year is now a Jag, and likely a figurehead of their rebuilt defense, and it was his play this year that made his contract a possibility. Whilst Wolfe may have had just more sacks, Jackson is a better pass rusher and so commanded more attention on passing downs. Against run, though, he is not far off Wolfe's level, and is a nightmare for offensive lineman one-on-one and against double teams.
5. Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
61 Comb, 5 Sck, 1 FR.
Campbell has what is possible the coolest/best voice in the NFL, and he is a great player too. The Cardinals defense was one of the more effective units last year and Campbell was at the heart of it. He is one of the biggest players in the NFL, and he actually uses that size and the traits he has along with that to his advantage. He is immensely strong yet surprisingly quick and agile. He will beat you with speed, or just leverage you out the way to get to the QB or ball-carrier.
4. Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers
Campbell has what is possible the coolest/best voice in the NFL, and he is a great player too. The Cardinals defense was one of the more effective units last year and Campbell was at the heart of it. He is one of the biggest players in the NFL, and he actually uses that size and the traits he has along with that to his advantage. He is immensely strong yet surprisingly quick and agile. He will beat you with speed, or just leverage you out the way to get to the QB or ball-carrier.
4. Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers
49 Comb, 4 Sck, 3 PDef, 1 Int, 1 FF.
The Packers defense has several very good, or better, players and Mike Daniels is one of the best. He may not have to best stats, but his impact is unquestionable. Even if he isn't the player who makes the play, he was absolutely making the effort to be that guy, and as a result is always freeing up someone else to make the play. he is particularly good against the run, and his emotional leadership for the team is huge for this team.
2. Muhammed Wilkerson, New York Jets
64 Comb, 12 Sck, 2 FF.The Packers defense has several very good, or better, players and Mike Daniels is one of the best. He may not have to best stats, but his impact is unquestionable. Even if he isn't the player who makes the play, he was absolutely making the effort to be that guy, and as a result is always freeing up someone else to make the play. he is particularly good against the run, and his emotional leadership for the team is huge for this team.
3. Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
71 Comb, 9.5 Sck, 3 FF, 2 FR.
Cox had a great season and is easily among the positions elite at this stage of his career. He is possibly the best pass rusher and run stopper on his team, and near the top of the NFL in each of those categories too. He is really great in any situation and can win in many ways.2. Muhammed Wilkerson, New York Jets
The Jets are the Rams biggest rival when it comes to the talent on their defensive line. Well, Muhammad Wilkerson stands out. He is one of the better pass rushers in the NFL and he does it very well from any position along the d-line. Furthermore, he is a rock against the run and is a match-up nightmare no matter where you put him.
1. J.J. Watt,
Houston Texans
76 Comb, 17.5 Sck, 3 FF, 1 FR.
What really needs to be said to justify Watt's placement? He is a generational player. He remained as the most productive pass rusher in the NFL, and is scarily consistent, and he also racks up a lot of tackles in the run game. He is probably the best player in the NFL, let alone his position.
76 Comb, 17.5 Sck, 3 FF, 1 FR.
What really needs to be said to justify Watt's placement? He is a generational player. He remained as the most productive pass rusher in the NFL, and is scarily consistent, and he also racks up a lot of tackles in the run game. He is probably the best player in the NFL, let alone his position.
There we have it, my Top 10 Defensive Ends from the 2015 NFL season. What do you think? Think I've got it right or am I completely wrong? Let me know!
Next up? The Top 10 Defensive Tackles of 2015.
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