NFL Player Rankings     Updated - 8-13-10

 

 

4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

 

1. LANCE BRIGGS, CHICAGO BEARS

-Has become the premier player on the Bears’ defense. He is a tackling machine and makes more than his share of big plays.

 

2. CHAD GREENWAY, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

-Has become a big time player maker and game changer. Smart and incredibly instinctive.

 

3. JUSTIN DURANT, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

-He’s one of the better athletes at the position. Versatile, can play all 3 LB spots. Should excel with a return to the outside in 2010.

 

4. AARON CURRY, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

-Flashed brilliance in his rookie season, but was up and down. Has had a great offseason and will be utilized more to make bigger plays.

 

5. KEITH RIVERS, CINCINNATI BENGALS

-Did not take the step into stardom in 2009, as many thought he would. Smart, instinctive and aggressive, he should have a big year in 2010.

 

6. BRIAN CUSHING, HOUSTON TEXANS

-Would be higher on this list if I were sure he could maintain his great level of play without PED’s. What we do know is he is a big play waiting to happen if he’s ready to go.

 

7. THOMAS DAVIS, CAROLINA PANTHERS

-May miss the entire 2010 season due to a knee injury. When healthy, he is all over the field and gets to the ball in a hurry.

 

8. JULIAN PETERSON, DETROIT LIONS

-Not the dominant presence he was a few years ago. But, still can press the issue to the offense. And still very athletic.

 

9. ERNIE SIMS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

-New scenery and coordinator in Philadelphia should serve him well. He’s a three down player and aggressive on the blitz…a must in Philly.

 

10. MICHAEL BOLEY, NEW YORK GIANTS

-Another player who is always dinged up. If he’s healthy, he can make plays all over the field. He plays the run well and is a natural in coverage.

 

11. REY MAUALUGA, CINCINNATI BENGALS

-A strong, aggressive, intense player. Attacks downhill, but must learn to harness his energy. A new focus this offseason has reportedly helped.

 

12. BEN LEBER, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

-Entering a contract year and will looking at his last big payday. A rock vs. the run and a solid blitzer.

 

13. CLINT SESSION, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

-Has emerged into one of the more consistent players on the Colts’ roster. Has always been a solid run and chase player, but has improved his reads.

 

14. DAVID HAWTHORNE, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

-Stepped in at MLB for Lofa Tatupu last year and shined. Moved to the outside, with Tatupu’s return in 2010, Hawthorne will become a star in Seattle.

 

15. DARYL SMITH, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

-Always has been a consistent, do-it-all player. Can play several positions, but is best on the outside.
 

16. QUNCY BLACK, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

-Undervalued player who seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Should continue to emerge in this scheme.

 

17. GENO HAYES, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

-Highly athletic, but also up and down. Makes big plays, but doesn’t focus on the small things.

 

18. SCOTT SHANLE, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

-Always the guy people are trying to replace. Steady and dependable, he’s not a big time playmaker.

 

19. MIKE PETERSON, ATLANTA FALCONS

-Can still be a viable starter, but wore down late in 2009. If he can be kept fresh, he is highly effective.

 

20. PHILLIP WHEELER, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

-First year starter in 2009, he should blossom in 2010. Really athletic, but must take on contact more effectively.

 

 

ROOKIES (WITH A CHANCE TO CRACK TOP 20)

 

1. SEAN WEATHERSPOON, ATLANTA FALCONS

-Will push Peterson and Steven Nicholas in Atlanta’s starting lineup early. Should be a fixture my midseason.