Top 10 AFC South Defensive Linemen, Linebackers in the NFL Today

I’ve ranked the quarterbacks, running backs and defensive backs, and now it’s this juncture to unveil the top 10 AFC South defensive linemen and linebackers in the NFL Today.

There are players designating from every position that exists along the front seven, so it's an inevitable tough duel in the position rankings.

The criteria are last year’s statistics, leadership and morale, winner mentality, versatility, success in recent years, and potential that lies ahead this season as well as the years that follow.

10. Gary Brackett, MLB (Colts)

Eighth-year pro veteran linebacker Gary Brackett has been a force on the Colts’ defense.

Last season Brackett racked up 99 tackles for the second consecutive season, along with one sack and one forced fumble.

Career Statistics: Over 600 tackles, 11 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks

9. Will Witherspoon, OLB (Titans)

Now entering his ninth NFL season, Will Witherspoon’s best days are presumably behind him.

In spite of this, Witherspoon is geared up to be a very advantageous asset for the Titans after being cut loose by the Eagles in the offseason.

Career Statistics: Over 700 tackles, 9 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 20 sacks

8. Tony Brown, DT (Titans)

Albeit Tony Brown was a very late bloomer, he has become a full-blooded immense element along the Titans’ defensive front the last three seasons.

Coming off his fifth year, Brown led the troops through adversity, accumulating 38 tackles with five sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

Career Statistics: 197 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles

7. Aaron Kampman, DE (Jaguars)

Aaron Kampman spent his first eight seasons in Green Bay, but he’s officially moved camp, ready to ameliorate the Jaguars’ defensive front.

Career Statistics: Over 450 tackles, 54 sacks, 12 forced fumbles

6. Kirk Morrison, LB (Jaguars)

Sixth-year veteran and versatile linebacker Kirk Morison was acquired by Jacksonville via the Oakland Raiders for a 5th-round pick in last month’s Draft.

Morrison is extremely consistent having mounted between115-135 tackles each season.

Career Statistics: Over 600 tackles, 7 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, 5 sacks

5. Brian Cushing, OLB (Texans)

Despite the news breakout of Brian Cushing’s steroid use, a re-vote was presented and Cushing was again the undisputed winner of the 2009 ROY (Rookie of the Year) honors.

Cushing lead the team in tackles last season and was introduced in to the Pro Bowl in just his rookie year.

He’ll miss the first four games of this season, and a lack of performance-enhancing supplements should diminish his monster impact.

However, his mind-boggling on-field play was too superb for him to take a plunge below the top five.

Career Statistics: 133 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 4 sacks

4. Robert Mathis, DE (Colts)

Now entering his 8th year, Robert Mathis has become an out of this world pass rusher, despite only starting one full-season in his NFL career.

Career Statistics: Over 275 tackles, 63 sacks, 35 forced fumbles

3. Demeco Ryans, MLB (Texans)

Demeco Ryans is a very instinctive and physical middle linebacker.

He has only recorded two interceptions in his four seasons in the NFL, but he’s notorious around the league for finding the ball carrier and preventing plays from happening from the opposition.

Career Statistics: Over 500 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks

2. Mario Williams, DE (Texans)

Since joining the league as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Mario Williams has become a brilliant asset on the Texans’ defensive front.

He’s become a leader on and off the field, and has already made two visits to the Pro Bowl.

The 6’6,” 295 lb monster’s first four seasons have been jam packed with great success, and that triumph should only flourish with improving surrounding talent in Houston.

Career Statistics: Over 200 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles

Verse of this Piece

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success. —Proverbs 3:5-6

1. Dwight Freeney, DE (Colts)

Akin to Robert Mathis, 9th-year veteran Dwight Freeney only started in nine games in ‘09, yet had a ground-breaking season in a very successful rotation.

Freeney has amassed more than 200 fewer tackles than Aaron Kampman, but a very minuscule minority of defensive linemen has enriched fellow teammates like Freeney.

Furthermore, Freeney has conducted the way for a perpetual elite defense and has established himself as one of the greatest players at the position in league history.

Career Statistics: 242 tackles, 84 sacks, 36 fumbles