NFL Player Rankings     Updated - 8-13-10

 

 

3-4 NOSE TACKLE

 

1. VINCE WILFORK, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

-Hard to move off the line. Quick feet and makes a lot of plays in the backfield for a big man. Weight will be an issue, always.

 

2. HALOTI NGATA, BALTIMORE RAVENS

-A terrific athlete for a man his size. Can stuff the run, shoot gaps and get after the QB. Also plays DE in the Baltimore system.

 

3. JAY RATLIFF, DALLAS COWBOYS

-A unique breed of NT by today’s standards. Quick, strong and mobile. Makes a lot of plays in the backfield.

 

4. SHAUN ROGERS, CLEVELAND BROWNS

-An amazing athlete for a man his size. Really powerful and explosive. Effort and conditioning can run hot / cold.

 

5. CASEY HAMPTON, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

-Nearly impossible to move of the spot. Low center of gravity. Almost exclusively a run down player. Not much of a pass rusher. Conditioning always an issue.

 

6. KRIS JENKINS, NEW YORK JETS

-Big, strong and athletic. Plays with great leverage. Versatile, can play the run and pass well. Extensive injury history.

 

7. AUBRAYO FRANLKIN, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

-Superb technician. Uses his hands well to shed blocks. Has turned himself into a top level player. A bit undersized.

 

8. KELLY GREGG, BALTIMORE RAVENS

-Stout vs. the run and built low to the ground. Former wrestler, maintains great leverage. Not much of a pass rusher at all.

 

9. JAMAL WILLIAMS, DENVER BRONCOS

-An immovable object in the middle. Injuries and age have taken lots of his athleticism. Coming off season ending 2009 injury.

 

10. RYAN PICKETT, GREEN BAY PACKERS

-Has found a home as a NT in Green Bay, after mediocre years in St. Louis. Plays with a solid base and can push the pocket.

 

11. RANDY STARKS, MIAMI DOLPHINS

-Has matured into a solid, dependable starter. Making the move from DE to NT will be an adjustment, but he has the ability to do so.

                                               

12. B.J. RAJI, GREEN BAY PACKERS

-Began to make a name for himself as a NT late in 2009. Big, agile and sturdy, he should grow into an elite player.

 

13. MAAKE KEMOEATU, WASHINGTON REDSKINS

-A premier run stuffer. Doesn’t offer much at all in the passing game. Will allow Albert Haynesworth to play DE. Coming off 2009 Achilles injury.

 

14. CHRIS HOKE, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

-Would start on most 3-4 defenses. Has filled in for Casey Hampton with little to no drop off in the past. Strong and team-oriented.

 

15. KYLE WILLIAMS, BUFFALO BILLS

-May have been Buffalo’s best d-lineman in 2009. Has excelled as a 4-3 DT, now must make the adjustment to NT. If he fails, it won’t be for lack of effort.

 

16. OGEMDI NWAGBUO, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

-Does not have much of a ceiling, but is a try hard guy. Would be better served as a rotational player.

 

17. AHTYBA RUBIN, CLEVELAND BROWNS

-Huge and extremely strong. Could allow the Browns to play Shaun Rogers at DE in 2010. Can he put it all together?

 

18. RONALD FIELDS, DENVER BRONCOS

-Served the team well in 2009, but is not as stout as you’d like. He wears down as the season goes on. Better served as a backup.

 

19. JUNIOR SIAVALII, DALLAS COWBOYS

-Recommitted himself after Dallas gave him a second chance. Keeps Ratliff fresh, as he can fill for short spurts and be effective.

 

20. SIONE POUHA, NEW YORK JETS

-Filled in admirably for Kris Jenkins for most of 2009, after Jenkins’ injury. Great natural strength, but doesn’t offer much as a playmaker.

 

 

ROOKIES (WITH A CHANCE TO CRACK TOP 15)

 

1. TERRENCE CODY, BALTIMORE RAVENS

-They don’t call him for “Mount” for nothing. A mountain of a man, who, if he gets himself in shape, will become a fixture in the Raven defense.

 

2. DAN WILLAMS, ARIZONA CARDINALS

-Should take over for under whelming players, Gabe Watson and Alan Branch in the middle. Williams is a potential rock for the next decade.

 

3. CAM THOMAS, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

-A bit raw, but has the size and strength to contribute immediately. Doesn’t have much talent in front of him holding him back.