NFL Top 100: Most Underrated Defenders Through First Half of Rankings

Defense still wins championships, period.

And although it's a cliche, the last five Super Bowls are definite proof of that. So here, we're checking out the most underrated defensive players from No. 100 to No. 50.

A prime example is Trent Cole of the Philadelphia Eagles. Cole's been arguably the most consistent pass-rushing and run defending lineman during his career and is Philly's best defensive player.

To that end Cole is in good company for being underrated, therefore let's see who else didn't get enough props along with him.

No. 78 Derrick Johnson: LB, Chiefs

Since 2005, Derrick Johnson has been a force in the NFL for Kansas City.

As a rookie he collected 95 tackles, forced two fumbles and defended five passes while playing in all 16 games. In 2007, Johnson one-upped himself when playing his second full season by recording 94 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and defending six passes.

The man is simply a complete player who possesses the instincts to stuff the run even outside of the tackle box and can sink into coverage and blanket the intermediate zone.

An aware defender if anything, Johnson is also a sure tackler and has proven a new level of consistency in 2010 and 2011. Those years, Johnson hit over 120 tackles each, forced a combined five fumbles and defended 25 passes (16 in 2010).

Provided that his teammates develop even just a bit against the run to help, Johnson's production could elevate to the most supreme of levels.

No. 73 Johnathan Joseph: CB, Texans

Easily one of the most impressively consistent corners in the league, Johnathan Joseph goes overlooked by elitists at his position such as Darrelle Revis and Charles Woodson.

When with the Bengals, Joseph made an immediate impact with 20 defended passes and 57 tackles as a rookie in 2006. A year later, Joseph developed even more with 62 tackles, four picks and 15 defended passes.

Interestingly enough, despite only playing in eight games during 2008, Joseph still defended 13 passes. As for consistency, Joseph is currently in his prime form with 43 passes defended, 13 picks and 155 tackles the past three seasons.

He's excellent in zone or man, playing back in soft coverage or shutting down in press coverage. Joseph also reads well against the run, has the quickness to get off blocks and reliability as a tackler.

Joining the Houston Texans in 2010, Joseph was an intricate part in the defense's improvement against the pass which ultimately helped boost the pass rush.

No. 66 Earl Thomas: S, Seahawks

After just two years in the pros, Seattle's Earl Thomas has made a strong impact in the Seahawks defense.

With 174 tackles, seven picks and 14 defended passes through just two seasons, Thomas has proven to be one of the better young safeties in the game. We also have to take the rest of Seattle's defense into account.

Corner Marcus Trufant missed 12 games last year and, although he stepped up, Brandon Browner is still inexperienced. Include the front seven's inability to defend the pass and Chris Clemons being the only legit pass-rusher and Thomas has to be the jack of all trades.

He can roll down into the box, take on slot receivers and tight ends in man coverage and fill for a blitzing linebacker. Additionally, Thomas also performs is traditional safety duties well in Cover 1, 2 and 3.

The Seahawks have potential for 2012 and the development of Thomas will play a major role in how well the defense builds off a solid 2011 campaign.

No. 57 Trent Cole: DE, Eagles

Four of the last five years Trent Cole has recorded at least 10 sacks and 50-plus tackles for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Unfortunately, that dominance goes under the radar as not only did the Eagles underachieve in 2011, but the NFC East is overloaded with other pass-rushers like DeMarcus Ware, Brian Orakpo and basically everyone along the New York Giants defensive line.

Cole, however, is not just a strict rusher as he can anchor the edge against the run and make plays in the backfield all day. Having great power and the know-how to use leverage and explosion, Cole possesses great field awareness and instincts.

He's forced at least one fumble every year in the league and has only recorded less than 40 solo tackles one time (rookie season in 2005). In the hopes of a better 2012, Cole will undoubtedly perform at an elite level, but it's the rest of Philly's defense that must follow his lead.

John Rozum on Twitter.