(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
In Trillville terms, Henderson is the biggest head bussa in the league.
7. Tommie Harris (CHI)
Harris was arguably the best tackle in the league two to three years ago. Since then, Harris has struggled with injuries, but has not lost a step in his game when he does play.
Again, I think the Cutler deal was bigger than most people realize. The move should bring a higher level of confidence and desire to work harder for everyone on the Bear roster.
I think Harris' proven talent, and the fact that he has not lost any piece to his game, can make him a top tackle this year. He will need to stay on the field more consistently, but overall, his work ethic and determination to succeed should be higher.
That could bring a more consistently productive season for him and the entire team.
8. Haloti Ngata (BAL)
He has the best power to speed ratio at the position today. His reaction to plays is so quick compared to most tackles today. He is extremely explosive coming out of his stance and can beat blockers in various different ways.
His pursuit skills are some of the best at the position, and he has a drive to get the job done. His knowledge has developed faster than I expected, and has the youth and ability to become a long-term and reliable player for any defense (let alone the Raven's).
9. Jay Ratliff (DAL)
Ratliff is an underrated player with tons of explosiveness and aggression. He seems to make almost every play in the backfield and never seems bothered by anyone trying to block him.
His determination when executing during a play seems unreal. He has the confidence and mindset to make a play every time he's on the field, and usually does. Ratliff's overall skill is still improving, which is scary if you think how effective he was last year.
I thought Ware's presence was the main reason for Ratliff's early success, but as the season went on, Ratliff's level of consistency, productivity, and intelligence improved with his pure talent.
He is setup perfectly to become a top playmaker in the league for years to come.
10. Vince Wilfork (NE)
Wilfork has some of the best one-on-one ability in the game. He has great technique and fundamentals along with very impressive power. He has the right to hold out for a new contract, even though New England is unlikely to give it to him.
Despite contract issues, Wilfork is the type of player who will be focused and ready to play. He has a nose for the football and can fill a gap by filling it himself or moving others.
Wilfork's overall athletic talent at the position, along with his reliable display of dominance, makes him the perfect player (physically and mentally) for the New England organization and any 3-4 defense.
11. Marcus Stroud (BUF)
Stroud is just as powerful and aggressive as any tackle in the league. His pure power, along with his underrated speed and elusiveness, gives opposing blockers a different style to guard than their used to.
His overall athletic ability is some of the best at the position, and he has proven playmaking capability to be a reliable leader on the Buffalo defense.
12. Darnell Dockett (ARI)
Dockett is one of the more athletic tackles in the game. He has a strong-driven character that brings a higher level of confidence and play from his teammates. Dockett took over extremely well from a leadership stand point.
He came into his own as an overall dominant player toward the end of the season. Although he definitely showed a lot of potential and intensity, his consistency lacked early in the year.
Dockett's performance toward the end of the year can definitely pick back up in '09, but he needs to deliver the same style of leadership and reliability through next year if he wants to become a definite proven player at his position.
13. Jamal Williams (SD)
Williams is a reliable veteran who has more on his resume than people realize. His size and consistency to produce solid plays has not gone away. He can still rush through the middle of an offense more times than none, and has the attitude to make others better.
His speed and strength have lacked the past two years, but his overall work ethic and productivity level is still some of the best. His presence and skill still make him a big playmaker, just not as consistent as we were once used to seeing.
14. Shaun Rogers (CLE)
We're going to send you the most entertaining NFL articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
18 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete