10 NFL Players Who Will Have 100-Plus Tackles in 2011

While tackles are not a great stat for evaluating defensive players (at least on their own), they are an interesting measure of how well players react to the ball carriers.

We'll see some familiar faces in 2011 for sure, but also some new ones.

While linebackers are the primary receivers of these high tackle numbers, there are a few other positions as well.

Which players will be hungry for tackles in 2011?

Stephen Tulloch, LB Lions

With the news of the former Titans linebacker signing with Detroit today, it makes it a near certainty that Tulloch gets onto this list.

The seventh-year veteran had 160 tackles last year, and that was with the Titans. With the Lions, Tulloch will be able to take advantage of an incredible defensive line, allowing Tulloch to rack up the tackles.

Look for Tulloch to lead an impressive Detroit defense in 2011.

Chad Greenway, LB Vikings

The starting linebacker for the Vikings was just franchised, showing just how much the Vikings value him.

Greenway has had over 100 tackles three times in the last four years, and 2011 looks like another good year for him.

Considering the offense may stagnate this year in Minnesota, the Vikings hope Greenway can repeat his 2010 year, as he had 144 tackles.

Lawrence Timmons, LB Steelers

Timmons had a breakout year last year with 135 tackles, transforming into a well rounded linebacker.

Generally, good linebackers do very well with the Steelers, although not so much after they leave. As long as Timmons is in Pittsburgh, I see him doing very well.

Look for Timmons to have another great year in 2011 with the Steelers nasty defense.

Donte Whitner, S Bills

This one depends on where he signs. There were rumors that Whitner wanted out of Buffalo, but he may not get a deal he wants elsewhere, as he's not signed yet.

If Whitner stays in Buffalo, there will be plenty of ball carriers to tackle, with Paul Posluszny leaving for Jacksonville.

While he hasn't quite lived up to his eighth overall draft position, Whitner is a tackle machine, and should continue that in 2011 if with the Bills.

Ray Lewis, LB Ravens

Is it any wonder that Lewis is on this list? He is still the heart and soul of the Ravens defense, and hasn't gone under 100 tackles in a full season in the past decade.

Lewis had 139 tackles last season, and played in all 16 games. As long as he's starting for Baltimore, he'll be on this list.

London Fletcher, LB Redskins

This 14-year veteran is very familiar with this list. He's been very durable over the past decade, and hasn't been under 100 tackles, or missed a game, since 2000.

Again, as long as he's starting, I don't see Fletcher being under the century mark.

T.J. Ward, S Browns

As a rookie, Ward had a great season, totaling 123 tackles and starting every game. With Cleveland's awful defense, Ward has plenty of opportunities to get tackles.

The second-round draft pick has the chance to be very special in this league. And it's very possible that he's on this list again and again.

Jerod Mayo, LB Patriots

The fourth-year linebacker out of Tennessee has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with.

Mayo led the league in tackles in 2010, with 175 combined tackles. He's had over 100 tackles in each of his first three years, and is likely New England's defensive leader for years to come.

As long as he stays healthy, I expect Mayo to be on this list for another five years at least.

James Anderson, LB Panthers

Anderson finally won a full time starting job in 2010, and exploded with 130 tackles.

The new contract Anderson signed with Carolina gives Anderson a five-year deal with up to $22 million in cash, and gives Carolina one of the best linebacking corps in the league.

With the ball carriers being funneled to Anderson, he's sure to have another big year.

Patrick Willis, LB 49ers

Can't end this list without having arguably the best linebacker in the game on here. He hasn't ever been under 128 tackles and has only missed one start in his career.

He's the future's Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher, and will be on this list for a long time. He should be perfectly healthy in 2011 and will have another Pro Bowl year.