Best In The Biz-Defensive Linemen.

I talked offense last week, now we’ll get into my favorite, defense. To be a successful defense, you must have a defensive line that can stop the run, rush the passer or even drop into coverage in the flat to pick up a back or fullback. A lot of great defensive linemen have played this game from Reggie White to Bruce Smith to Deacon Jones. Here are my five best defensive linemen in the game right now.

1. J.J. Watt- In just his second year in the league, J.J Watt put together one of the best seasons I’ve seen from a defensive linemen. 81 tackles (69 solo), 20.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and the stat that may really stand out to people is the 16 passes defended. He’s known as “J.J. Swatt” to football fans as that nickname was given to him by Jon Gruden. J.J does it all. He’s quick,disruptive, rushes the passer, gets after the ball carrier and makes offensive lines really game-plan to neutralize him and make him a non-factor. At 6’5 and 295 pounds, he has the speed of a linebacker. It’s scary. If you are a young defensive linemen and you need someone to study up on, J.J. Watt is the guy I highly recommend you to watch and pay attention too.

2. Haloti Ngata- He displays versatility and power for a defensive linemen. He can play the nose tackle and play defensive end and is productive no matter where he is. When you face this Ravens defense, the main focus is trying to take Haloti Ngata away. The quickness this man displays for his size is rare. He’s 6’4 and 340 lbs but is extremely quick on his feet, displays excellent leverage and is low at all times. The lowest man in football wins. Haloti is one of the key pieces up front for the Ravens and has been since he was drafted by them in 2006. He’s very athletic. He can get up in the air and deflect passes, rush the passer, can stop the run and even defend a man by dropping back in coverage. He’s a pro bowl player and has the potential to win multiple defensive MVP awards.

3. Vince Wilfork- He’s one of the premiere defensive linemen in the game right now. Vince is a force in the middle and an anchor for that young Patriots defense. He’s built up a lot of stamina over the past few seasons and can now play in multiple pass situations that he’d normally be subbed out for. When drafted by the Patriots, he was a nose tackle now that they have switched to a 4-3 defense, Vince plays more defensive end now and adjusted to the position change well.  He displays great range at the line of scrimmage and that’s why the Patriots have used him as an end more than his usual nose tackle position.

4. DeMarcus Ware- I’ve been very high on DeMarcus Ware throughout his career. He’s one of the best all around defensive players in the game right now. Preparing to block and defend him is the equivalent to preparing for an offensive player. I’ve seen many videos on NFL films with coaches saying “we need to stop 94″! He will now make the switch from an OLB in a 3-4 to a defensive end in a 4-3. I think he will adjust to this position change well and he will now come out of a three-point stance instead of a two point stance.

5. Jared Allen- He’s one of the most explosive pass rushers in football. His first step is what sets him apart from other pass rushers. Jared Allen’s quickness off the edge is extremely difficult for most offensive linemen to defend and contain. Allen also shows the ability to convert speed into power when utilizing a bull rush to attack blockers. He flies off the ball with a flat back and low leverage and displays superb hip explosion, forklifting blockers and driving them back into the quarterback’s lap.