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That the Lions D Line is the best in the NFL.
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Ranking the NFL's best D-lines
By Matt Williamson Scouts Inc.
Ndamukong Suh has earned a reputation as one of the most ruthless defensive linemen in the NFL. With Detroit off to a 2-0 start, we've been hearing more and more about the strength of its defensive line, a group that still doesn't have Nick Fairley in the rotation. But have they progressed to the point where they're among the top units in the league? I evaluated all 32 teams to come up with what I consider the five best defensive lines, based on performance, depth and the likelihood they can maintain the form.
1. Detroit Lions Kyle Vanden Bosch is the leader of this defensive line, and his work ethic and hustle are infectious. And Vanden Bosch has also been extremely productive thus far this season. But the man that makes it all go for Detroit is, of course, Ndamukong Suh. A ferocious player who might already be the best interior pass-rusher in football, Suh has Hall of Fame potential. His run defense is still a work in progress, but what he brings to Detroit rivals any defensive player in football. Adding to an almost embarrassment of riches, the Lions selected Fairley in the first round. We have yet to see this fantastic prospect -- Fairley is recovering from a foot injury suffered in training camp -- but Detroit can ease him into his role slowly. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Suh and/or Fairley lined up at end from time to time. There are a lot of options here. Also at tackle are the unheralded Sammie Lee Hill and Corey Williams. Both are fine players in their own regard and deserve more accolades than they receive. Lawrence Jackson has done many good things so far in a Lions uniform, but it is Cliff Avril who could be on the cusp of truly breaking out and turning into a Pro Bowl-caliber end. While Vanden Bosch might be in decline before long, overall my No. 1 defensive line is on the rise. The Lions are loaded up front.
2. Baltimore Ravens Haloti Ngata is about as special and rare of a player as you will find in this league. I don't have the adjectives to give him his just due. The other elite player up front for Baltimore is Terrell Suggs, who is too often mislabeled as an outside linebacker. That isn't to say that Suggs doesn't excel playing that position when Baltimore goes to its 3-4, but this defense is more often in an even front. Simply put, these two players do everything exceptionally well. The drop-off after Ngata and Suggs is noticeable, but there are some youngsters who look to have very promising futures in Terrence Cody, Brandon McKinney, Pernell McPhee and Arthur Jones. All four of these up-and-comers could have a major impact going forward. And while Cory Redding is still a serviceable player, he could be passed before long for playing time.
3. Chicago Bears Rod Marinelli is among the best defensive line coaches in the league, and he has this unit playing very well. The obvious star of the group is Julius Peppers, who has lived up to the huge free-agent contract that Chicago signed him to before the 2010 season. He is a physical marvel who does everything well and forces every offense to game plan around him. And Peppers opens up a lot more room for his teammates. The player who benefits most from Peppers' presence is the opposite starting defensive end, Israel Idonije. But Idonije also has a lot of ability and has progressed nicely. Chicago is rarely forced to blitz because of this pair. The defensive tackle situation, where the Bears go five deep, is also quite enticing. Henry Melton is a star-in-the-making and his backup, Amobi Okoye, is a former first-round pick that now finds himself in an environment much better suited for his talents. Anthony Adams is the starter at nose tackle. He is the weakest link of the starters but is backed up by Matt Toeaina and this year's second-round pick, Stephen Paea. Corey Wootton, is the top backup at end and is more than suitable in that role. As the defensive tackle rotation becomes more experienced, this group should only get better.
4. New England Patriots Vince Wilfork is simply the best in the league at what he is asked to do. I think Albert Haynesworth can still be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in football if used properly, and Bill Belichick will do just that. Even in Washington, Haynesworth was often unblockable when he was on the field. The talent isn't too shabby, but the real beauty to this line is the overall versatility and depth. Shaun Ellis should be an excellent addition as a power end and interior pass-rusher. Andre Carter looks great at end in the 4-3. And depth players like Jermaine Cunningham, Mark Anderson, Mike Wright and Myron Pryor give Belichick just so many options at his disposal. New England made its defensive line elite over this past offseason.
5. Philadelphia Eagles I was very torn between the New York Giants and Eagles for this final spot. Philadelphia's run defense and power at the point of attack is a drawback, but its ability to rush the passer is out of this world. The Eagles rarely have to blitz. Adding Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin really has taken this group to new heights. The stalwart here, though, is Trent Cole, who -- in case you didn't know -- might just be the best 4-3 defensive end in the entire league. As witnessed on Sunday when he terrorized the Atlanta Falcons, Cole is an elite all-around player. To spell Babin and Cole at end, Philadelphia has Darryl Tapp and Juqua Parker. Both Tapp and Parker could be starting for many teams in the NFL. In addition to these four ends, the Eagles also have Victor Abiamiri on injured reserve and last year's first-round pick, Brandon Graham, presently on the PUP list. Mike Patterson starts next to Jenkins on the inside. But the player that I am especially high on is Antonio Dixon, although he probably fit the Eagles' former scheme better than the one Jim Washburn brought from the Tennessee Titans that stresses penetration and getting upfield. The depth here is superb across the board, and the Eagles can simply wear out their opponent. They play the run on the way into the backfield. My concern with the Eagles is that they are not young on the D-line, so their window might not stay open as long as the other teams on this list. Honorable mentions: Giants, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL
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Ranking the NFL's best D-lines
By Matt Williamson Scouts Inc.
Ndamukong Suh has earned a reputation as one of the most ruthless defensive linemen in the NFL. With Detroit off to a 2-0 start, we've been hearing more and more about the strength of its defensive line, a group that still doesn't have Nick Fairley in the rotation. But have they progressed to the point where they're among the top units in the league? I evaluated all 32 teams to come up with what I consider the five best defensive lines, based on performance, depth and the likelihood they can maintain the form.
1. Detroit Lions Kyle Vanden Bosch is the leader of this defensive line, and his work ethic and hustle are infectious. And Vanden Bosch has also been extremely productive thus far this season. But the man that makes it all go for Detroit is, of course, Ndamukong Suh. A ferocious player who might already be the best interior pass-rusher in football, Suh has Hall of Fame potential. His run defense is still a work in progress, but what he brings to Detroit rivals any defensive player in football. Adding to an almost embarrassment of riches, the Lions selected Fairley in the first round. We have yet to see this fantastic prospect -- Fairley is recovering from a foot injury suffered in training camp -- but Detroit can ease him into his role slowly. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Suh and/or Fairley lined up at end from time to time. There are a lot of options here. Also at tackle are the unheralded Sammie Lee Hill and Corey Williams. Both are fine players in their own regard and deserve more accolades than they receive. Lawrence Jackson has done many good things so far in a Lions uniform, but it is Cliff Avril who could be on the cusp of truly breaking out and turning into a Pro Bowl-caliber end. While Vanden Bosch might be in decline before long, overall my No. 1 defensive line is on the rise. The Lions are loaded up front.
2. Baltimore Ravens Haloti Ngata is about as special and rare of a player as you will find in this league. I don't have the adjectives to give him his just due. The other elite player up front for Baltimore is Terrell Suggs, who is too often mislabeled as an outside linebacker. That isn't to say that Suggs doesn't excel playing that position when Baltimore goes to its 3-4, but this defense is more often in an even front. Simply put, these two players do everything exceptionally well. The drop-off after Ngata and Suggs is noticeable, but there are some youngsters who look to have very promising futures in Terrence Cody, Brandon McKinney, Pernell McPhee and Arthur Jones. All four of these up-and-comers could have a major impact going forward. And while Cory Redding is still a serviceable player, he could be passed before long for playing time.
3. Chicago Bears Rod Marinelli is among the best defensive line coaches in the league, and he has this unit playing very well. The obvious star of the group is Julius Peppers, who has lived up to the huge free-agent contract that Chicago signed him to before the 2010 season. He is a physical marvel who does everything well and forces every offense to game plan around him. And Peppers opens up a lot more room for his teammates. The player who benefits most from Peppers' presence is the opposite starting defensive end, Israel Idonije. But Idonije also has a lot of ability and has progressed nicely. Chicago is rarely forced to blitz because of this pair. The defensive tackle situation, where the Bears go five deep, is also quite enticing. Henry Melton is a star-in-the-making and his backup, Amobi Okoye, is a former first-round pick that now finds himself in an environment much better suited for his talents. Anthony Adams is the starter at nose tackle. He is the weakest link of the starters but is backed up by Matt Toeaina and this year's second-round pick, Stephen Paea. Corey Wootton, is the top backup at end and is more than suitable in that role. As the defensive tackle rotation becomes more experienced, this group should only get better.
4. New England Patriots Vince Wilfork is simply the best in the league at what he is asked to do. I think Albert Haynesworth can still be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in football if used properly, and Bill Belichick will do just that. Even in Washington, Haynesworth was often unblockable when he was on the field. The talent isn't too shabby, but the real beauty to this line is the overall versatility and depth. Shaun Ellis should be an excellent addition as a power end and interior pass-rusher. Andre Carter looks great at end in the 4-3. And depth players like Jermaine Cunningham, Mark Anderson, Mike Wright and Myron Pryor give Belichick just so many options at his disposal. New England made its defensive line elite over this past offseason.
5. Philadelphia Eagles I was very torn between the New York Giants and Eagles for this final spot. Philadelphia's run defense and power at the point of attack is a drawback, but its ability to rush the passer is out of this world. The Eagles rarely have to blitz. Adding Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin really has taken this group to new heights. The stalwart here, though, is Trent Cole, who -- in case you didn't know -- might just be the best 4-3 defensive end in the entire league. As witnessed on Sunday when he terrorized the Atlanta Falcons, Cole is an elite all-around player. To spell Babin and Cole at end, Philadelphia has Darryl Tapp and Juqua Parker. Both Tapp and Parker could be starting for many teams in the NFL. In addition to these four ends, the Eagles also have Victor Abiamiri on injured reserve and last year's first-round pick, Brandon Graham, presently on the PUP list. Mike Patterson starts next to Jenkins on the inside. But the player that I am especially high on is Antonio Dixon, although he probably fit the Eagles' former scheme better than the one Jim Washburn brought from the Tennessee Titans that stresses penetration and getting upfield. The depth here is superb across the board, and the Eagles can simply wear out their opponent. They play the run on the way into the backfield. My concern with the Eagles is that they are not young on the D-line, so their window might not stay open as long as the other teams on this list. Honorable mentions: Giants, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL
