EatDrinkandSleepFootball.com's 11-on-11 Lists
EATDRINKandSLEEPFOOTBALL.com
Where Football's a Way of Life!
4. Patrick Willis, 49ers, LB (1/25/85)
Willis is the best young MLB in the NFL. Willis will be a 10 time + Pro Bowler and will turn around the 49ers defense.  It won’t be long before
people say he is the best in the NFL.
5. Bob Sanders, Colts, S (2/24/81)
There was no doubt last year that the key to the Colts defensive turnaround was Bob Sanders. The Colts had one of the league's worst rush
defenses, and when Sanders returned they shut down everybody. There is not one safety in the league (when healthy) I’d take over Sanders.
6. Osi Umenyiora, Giants, DE (11/16/81)
Last year Osi was banged up, but his production and athleticism makes him #6 on this list. The Giants defense is not good, but Osi is one of
those players who will be causing quarterbacks to have nightmares for years. I expect 5-6 more 10+ sack seasons from Osi.
7. Troy Polamalu, Steelers, S (4/19/81)
The best ball-hawking safety in the league. Polamalu is good in coverage and good in stopping the run. He has a knack for finding the ball and
making plays.
8. Ernie Sims,  Lions, LB (12/23/84)
Sims had a monster 125 tackles in his rookie season, and he outplayed any rookie defensive player at his position. Sims has outstanding speed
and is a leader. Sims will be making a few trips to Honolulu before his career is over.
9. Kamerion Wimbley, Browns, LB (10/13/83)
Wimbley had 11 sacks his rookie season on a bad, bad Browns defense. Wimbley was a workout warrior, he didn’t even play much in college and
he was playing behind Sims (see #8), but this didn’t mean he couldn’t play. Wimbley is a special player, with both a power & speed pass rush.
Wimbley, IMO was the most underrated draft pick in last year's draft.
10. Amobi Okoye, Texans, DT (6/10/87)
Just turned 20 this year. Through 6 games this season Okoye has 4 sacks. That is a lot coming from the DT position. Alongside Super Mario, the
Texans will have one of the best defenses in the league in a few years. Okoye is a freak of nature. He is a raw talent right now, but with the right
coaching, he could end up being one of the best players to ever play the position.
11. Laron Landry, Redskins, S (10/14/84)
Drawing comparisons to Ronnie Lott is going to be a big thing for Landry to overcome. The Redskins defense this year has shown a huge,
significant improvement over last season. Landry is one of those once in a lifetime kind of players. 15 years from now, they are going to be
comparing rookies to Landry not Lott.
 
HONORABLE MENTION:
Aaron Kampman, Packers, DE (11/30/79)
 Jonathan Vilma, Jets, LB (4/16/82)
Julius Peppers, Panthers, DE (1/18/80)
 AJ Hawk, Packers, LB (1/6/84)
Karlos Dansby, Cardinals, LB (11/3/81)
 Demarcus Ware, Cowboys, LB (7/31/82)
Demeco Ryans, Texans, LB (7/28/84)
 Asante Samuel, Patriots, CB (1/6/81)
Kirk Morrison, Raiders, LB (2/19/82)
 DeAngelo Hall, Falcons, CB (11/19/83)
In my opinion, the best young DT in the league.  The Bears defense is
nothing without him. In the NFL, you need to be able to stop the run on
defense.  If you can’t do that, you can’t win, and Harris is the key to that
defense.
2. Mario Williams, Texans, DE (1/31/85)
40 yd dash – 4.66, vertical jump 50.5”, 6’7, 295 lbs. Super Mario will always
be the guy that the Texans passed Reggie Bush & Vince Young over, but the
Texans were smart.  To win in the AFC South, they are going to need to beat
the Colts, and the Texans have 3 people in the top 20 to start a franchise
with. Will be among the leaders in sacks in a few years.
1.  Tommie Harris, Bears, DT (10/29/83)
Top 11 Opinion List -
Defensive Players with whom to Start a Franchise
Each month, we here at EDSFootball.com publish two Top 11 Lists: one based on pure statistical fact and another based on the opinion of an
EDSFootball.com contributor.  For the Top 11 Opinion list (Defensive Players with whom to Start a Franchise), several factors were used to
determine the list, including career track record, potential, age, etc.  This list would be different if we were talking about just one season.  

This 11-on-11 opinion list was prepared by Sean, a guest correspondent for EDSFootball.com.  (If you'd like to submit your comments, e-mail Sean
or use the feedback form at the bottom of the page.  Your opinions may be posted on our site.)
Check back Apr. 17th for our next Top 11 List
Top 11 Fact List -
Stingiest Scoring Defenses in the '90's
Rank
 Team
 PPG Allowed
1
Dallas Cowboys
17.2 ppg
T2
Kansas City Chiefs
17.7
T2
Pittsburgh Steelers
17.7
4
San Francisco 49ers
17.9
5
New York Giants
18.5
T6
Green Bay Packers
18.7
T6
Buffalo Bills
18.7
8
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans
18.8
9
Miami Dolphins
19.6
10
Denver Broncos
19.7
T11
Philadelphia Eagles
19.8
T11
 Minnesota Vikings
 19.8
27 sacks in 2 years, and is on pace to come close to matching last year's 17.
Some people have compared Merriman to L.T.  He isn’t close to being there
yet, but he has all the tools and is on the right defense to do so.  
3. Shawne Merriman, Chargers, LB (5/25/84)
NEW: GO TO OUR MESSAGE BOARDS
FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL
AND ALL 32 NFL TEAMS
NFLShop.com
Franchise QB
If you could start a franchise with any QB today, who would you choose?
Peyton Manning
Carson Palmer
Tom Brady
Another QB



view results

NAME:


LOCATION:


E-MAIL:


COMMENTS
ABOUT OUR
LIST: