2011 Top Ten Defensive End: Peppers and Freeney Still the Best

1. Julius Peppers - Bears

Well-rounded, versatile, dominant defender who drew consideration for Defensive MVP this year. His presence on his new team was obvious.He drew a lot of blockers freeing up other teammates to make plays, along with making a lot of plays himself. He separates himself from other great pass-rushers by being great at stopping the run as well.

2. Dwight Freeney - Colts

Freeney remains one of the most fearsome pass-rushers in the game and certainly requires a lot of attention. He is still fast and quick and has a wide variety of moves to trick a blocker. He is not great at stopping the run, but it isn't a weakness either. Him and teammate Robert Mathis have anchored an overachieving defense on an illustrious defense.

3. Jared Allen - Vikings

Very athletic end who took a step out of the spotlight this year, with his team caught up in the middle of a lot of team complications. However, he is great in run support and has a great motor. He is strong enough to bull rush and fast enough to beat a lineman around the edge. He's got a persona that must be scary for QBs to face.

4. Osi Umenyiora - Giants

Even with a lot of drama, Umenyiora proved to everyone he could still play at a very high level. Not only did he put up double-digit sacks, he put up double-digit forced fumbles, almost double the amount of any other defender in the league. Him and Tuck led the most dominating pass-rush unit of the year, making teams lucky if their QB was only sacked and not injured.

5. Justin Tuck - Giants

Tuck has consistently been one of the best defenders on a prestigious interior defense. He has a very versatile rushing style, and is able to rush from the interior or the exterior, allowing the Giants to use other rushers such as youngster Jason Pierre-Paul. He is also one of the most clutch players in football. Tom Brady knows that.

6. John Abraham - Falcons

Abraham rebounded this year to his Pro Bowl caliber status and helped his defense lead a very successful team. He was their only major rush threat on the line and still produced the pressure needed to help a secondary that improved tremendously this year. He is getting older, but he is still athletic and has added awareness and experience to his elite qualities. Led 4-3 DEs in sacks last season.

7. Richard Seymour - Raiders

Seymour was possibly the best Patriots defender on their Super Bowl winning teams. Even when he was traded to the Raiders, switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3, he remains on of the best defensive ends. He is an outstanding run stopper with good pass-rush skills. He's lost a step, but he brings a lot of experience and leadership to the Raiders front seven on defense. A future HOF player.

8. Trent Cole - Eagles

An underrated player who carries the bulk of the Eagles' pass rushing duties. He has consistently produced good numbers in sacks for the last few seasons. He plays with good instincts and leverage and is capable of stopping passing in coverage as well. He is neither a great or terrible run defender and has played with a high motor and great consistency in his career.

9. Robert Mathis - Colts

Although in Freeney's shadow most of his career, Mathis has emerged as an elite pass-rusher in his own right. He may be the fastest off the edge on this list, causing quarterbacks to rush throws and causing lineman to take focus off of Freeney. He is not the strongest or the best in run support, but his qualities as a pass-rusher more than make up for it.

10. Justin Smith - 49ers

He has emerged as the best 3-4 DE in football. It's not a flashy position but is still relevant and an important spot on a 3-4 defense. He is a high effort player who has great combination of size, strength and speed. He has lost a step, but his veteran status as made him a very intelligent player. As long as he keeps his temper under control, he is one of the most underrated stars in the league.

Also Considered...

Elvis Dumervil - Broncos: led NFL in sacks when last healthy, but going to a position change, recovering from injury and not the biggest for a 3-4 DE. Still feel weird leaving him off list.

Jason Babin - Titans: veteran player who had breakout season with plenty of sacks.

Charles Johnson - Panthers: admirably replaced Peppers in Carolina as premier pass-rusher.

Darnell Dockett - Cardinals: has been one of the best 3-4 DEs for many years.

Carlos Dunlap - Bengals: put up nearly 10 sacks in limited time as a rookie.

Brett Keisel - Steelers: made up for injured counterpart Aaron Smith, great 3-4 tandem.

Aaron Smith - Steelers: 3-4 DE who when healthy is one of the best.

Luis Castillo - Chargers: not flashy, but solid run stopper and great 3-4 DE.

Chris Clemons - Seahawks: breakout season with 11 sacks.