Top Ten NFL Defensive Ends | edawg's Blog

Defensive ends in the National Football League can change the game in an instant with a big sack or any play that goes for a loss. Here's my top ten at this position.

1. Jason Taylor, Dolphins: Taylor is a very athletic guy that can play end or OLB. He had 13.5 sacks and two interceptions (both which were returned for touchdowns) en route to the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2. Julius Peppers, Panthers: When Peppers is on, I don't know if any tackle in the league can block him. He supposedly had an "off" year in 2006, but still recorded 13 sacks.

3. Aaron Kampman, Packers: Not too many people know much about Mr. Kampman, but, the truth is he should probably be higher. His 15.5 sacks and 89 tackles were tops among D-Ends last year.

4. Aaron Schobel, Bills: Schobel, like Kampman, is a very underrated player. However, he finished second among ends in sacks last year and recorded 53 tackles.

5. Dwight Freeney, Colts: Frenny had an injury-filled 2006. If this list was being made after the 2005 season, he'd be number one.

6. Leonard Little, Rams: Little had 60 tackles to go along with this 13 sacks last season. He's had some off field issues, but is great against both the run and pass.

7. Derrick Burgess, Raiders: Burgess is the best player on a Raiders defense that I think finsihed third in yards agianst last year. He had 11 sacks, but led the league in that category in 2005.

8. Trevor Pryce, Ravens: Pryce used to be one of the most dominating players in Denver. He seems to have regained his old form in Baltimore as he racked up 13 sacks.

9. Justin Smith, Benagals: Smith only had 7.5 sacks last year, but did finsih second among ends in tackles with 81. He is as good as they get against the run.

10. Will Smith, Saints: Smith had 52 tackles and 10.5 sacks last year. He anchored what was a surprisingly good New Orleans defense.

Honorable Mentions: Terrell Suggs, Mark Anderson, Robert Mathis, Jared Allen, Vonnie Holliday