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NFL Player Rankings Updated - 8-13-10 |
SAFETY
1, TROY POLAMALU, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
-A truly one of a kind player. His tackling, coverage, run support and unpredictability are all amongst the best at the S spot. He’s healthy and primed for a big year.
2. ED REED, BALTIMORE RAVENS
-When he gets healthy, he immediately competes for the top spot. Without a doubt, the best big-play maker of his generation.
3. ANTOINE BETHEA, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
-One of the most underappreciated players in the NFL. Ball skills, range and secure tackling are all strengths. Not many weaknesses in this man’s game.
4. BRIAN DAWKINS, DENVER BRONCOS
-Many thought he was finished when he left Philly, but he showed he has plenty left. May be the best blitzing safety in the league.
5. NICK COLLINS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
-Has incredible range and hands. Has become more disciplined and he has benefited from it. Still getting better.
6. ANTREL ROLLE, NEW YORK GIANTS
-Became an elite safety after starting his career as a mediocre CB. A superb tackler and has great hands. Tends to get out of position too often.
7. ADRIAN WILSON, ARIZONA CARDINALS
-Big
and physical, he’s more like an extra LB at this point of his career.
Has become just average in coverage.
8. BRANDON MERIWEATHER, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
-Has quietly become one of the more dependable players on New England’s roster. Has plenty range and hardly ever caught out of position.
9. DARREN SHARPER, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
-Not the elite player his interception numbers lead you to believe, but he sure can pick it off and make a play.
10. ROMAN HARPER, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
-A huge part of New Orleans’ improved run defense. He is a rock in the box and can run with TE’s in coverage.
11. LARON LANDRY, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
-A big hitter, who would rather deliver the knockout blow than intercept the ball. Is talented, but his production doesn’t always match his skill.
12. BOB SANDERS, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
-If he could stay healthy, he is at least in the top three…arguably the best. He’s ready to go for the start of the season. We’ll see if he can hold up.
13. RYAN CLARK, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
-The epitome of underrated. He is the perfect complement to Troy Polamalu and is rarely caught off guard of out of position.
14. MICHAEL GRIFFIN, TENNESSEE TITANS
-Has CB speed and amazing range. Can catch the ball and get going the other way quickly. Can be fooled too easily by pump fakes and play action.
15. KERRY RHODES, NEW YORK GIANTS
-Had a down year in 2009 in a new defense, exposing himself as below elite. He’s still not a bad player, but he needs to return to form.
16. CHRIS HOPE, TENNESSEE TITANS
-Very strong against the run and is a sure tackler. Has morphed into a true SS, after playing lots of centerfield in Pittsburgh.
17. O.J. ATOGWE, ST. LOUIS RAMS
-He’s a very good player, but not the elite player he was made out to be during free agency. Solid ball skills and takes great angles.
18. QUINTIN MIKELL, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
-After most expected him to have a breakout season in 2009, he plateaued. He can be special when he’s on.
19. DONTE WHITNER, BUFFALO BILLS
-The switch to the 3-4 defense should allow him to become more of a playmaker. He just has to live up to it.
20. YEREMIAH BELL, MIAMI DOLPHINS
-Very solid player. Can tackle, play the ball and create turnovers. He also gambles far to much.
21. SHERROD MARTIN, CAROLINA PANTHERS
-A player on the rise. He has a great skill set. Can track the ball, play in the box and cover. He needs to improve as a tackler.
22. GERALD SENSABAUGH, DALLAS COWBOYS
-The Cowboys found a steal when they signed him out of Jacksonville. Solid tackler, above average range, but needs to improve ball skills.
23. BERNARD POLLARD, HOUSTON TEXANS
-Was released from Kansas City and played at a Pro Bowl level in Houston. Aggressively attacks the ball and uses his physicality as a plus.
24. JARRAD PAIGE, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
-If he plays in 2010, he is on the rise. Very good range and can track the ball in the air. Fairly decent tackler as well.
25. JIM LEONHARD, NEW YORK JETS
-Has made himself into one of the more steady players in the league. He makes tackles all over the field.
26. CHARLES GODFREY, CAROLINA PANTHERS
-Flashes signs or brilliance, but really must work to be more consistent. Should become a leader of a young defense.
27. JAIRUS BYRD, BUFFALO BILLS
-Another player whose numbers don’t tell the entire story. He enjoyed a fine rookie season, but must round out his game more.
28. MICHAEL LEWIS, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
-Still one of the more physical safeties in the NFL. But, still a big liability in coverage. Not very comfortable in space.
29. GERALD ALEXANDER, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
-Has become one of the more steady players that no one knows about. Will never be great, as he just doesn’t have the big play ability and instincts.
30. TANARD JACKSON, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
-He could be special if he ever gets his head on straight. Watch him play and he’ll wow you one second and tease you the next.
31. MELVIN BULLITT, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
-A very sound player. Attacks the ball carrier and has hands / instincts to make a big play.
32. ERIC COLEMAN, ATLANTA FALCONS
-Not flashy by any means, but he keeps the offense in front of him. Great communicator and leader in the secondary.
ROOKIES (WITH A CHANCE TO CRACK TOP 32)
1. ERIC BERRY, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
-Amazing playmaker who has a sixth sense for creating turnovers. Will start from day one with a chance to be elite.
2. EARL THOMAS, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
-Read: Berry, Eric
3. NATE ALLEN, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
-Will likely play early, but must excel to keep his job. If he increases his physicality he could be elite.
4. MORGAN BURNETT, GREEN BAY PACKERS
-Will play SS in Green Bay and should do well. He and Nick Collins will provide one hell of a duo.
5. TAYLOR MAYS, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
-If Michael Lewis struggles early, Mays will see action soon after. His measureabes are legendary, but can he translate it to the field?