NFL Power Rankings Week 10: The Top 10 Candidates for Defensive POY

With NFL Week 9 officially in the books, the best players in the league are starting to separate themselves from the pack.

There are still eight games left to play for most teams, so there's plenty of time for even more pulse-pounding, stat-padding action.

There's more than just talent that goes into being nominated for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. A great player can't fully be appreciated unless there's talent around him, but some players make everyone else around them better.

But which defensive players have put themselves in the best position for a shot at the Defensive Player of the Year award? Here are my rankings.

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10. Jason Babin

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Im

Where did this guy come from? My best guess is that Jeff Fischer cloned a 27-year-old version of Kyle Vanden Bosch and kept him frozen away in storage until after they traded him.

Some sack masters pad their stats by preying upon weaker competition, inflating their sack total with a big three- or four-sack performance before going three games without a sack.

Not Jason Babin, though. In fact, there have only been two games this season in which Babin hasn't been credited with at least half a sack.

That's the kind of consistency that helps a team like the Titans re-establish its misplaced defensive identity. And also the kind of consistency that, across a season, merits some consideration for prestigious honors.

9. Asante Samuel

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his last minute interception that clinched their victory against the Indianapolis Colts with teammates Dimitri Patterson #23 and Jorrick Calvin #38 on November 7, 2010 at

Samuel was having an under-the-radar season, with only three interceptions heading into Week 9.

Now, after raking in two off Peyton Manning, Samuel's right back on the map. In fact, the Eagles have him to thank for saving the victory at the last minute.

Charles Woodson won the award last year with nine interceptions, and Samuel is on pace to surpass that number. With some help from Philadelphia's front seven, Samuel could make a strong case down the stretch.

8. Jerod Mayo

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 08: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots celebrates making a stop as Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins looks on November 8, 2009 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 27-17. (Pho

Jerod Mayo is currently on pace for a ridiculous 194 total tackles on the season.

For those who say that tackles can't be big plays, Mayo would beg to differ. He has made several key stops in the backfield that have helped end opponents' drives.

He is quietly establishing himself among the elite in the league at his position. His ability to call the signals for the Patriots defense has helped them to the 11th-best ranking against the run.

Despite the lack of "pretty stats," a 200-plus tackle season would be worthy of Defensive Player of the Year in my book.

7. Tamba Hali

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Hali is really getting a chance to shine in the 3-4 defense under Romeo Crennel, looking like another former Patriot, Willie McGinest.

He's reaching the quarterback with consistency, manhandling his opponents to the tune of eight sacks in seven games.

The defense has improved across the board thanks to the tutelage of Crennel, but also thanks to the improved play from Hali...which is, of course, thanks to the tutelage of Crennel. Does your head hurt yet?

6. Lawrence Timmons

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 02: Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team from the sideline during the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on September 2, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerha

With 77 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, Timmons has been nothing short of central at inside linebacker for the Steelers defense and seems to always be around the ball.

Some may argue that he's the product of Dick LeBeau's system, but it fits more aptly to say that his skill set is perfect for the system. He's a smart player, can track the ball, and can do all the different things the team asks of him.

5. James Harrison

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 20-10 over the Steelers. (Photo by Karl

Yep, the Steelers defense has been lights-out this season, and boasts two players on this list.

With $100,000 in fines this season, one has to wonder how much consideration Harrison would get for the title of Defensive Player of the Year.

He's lucky, at least, that the Associated Press votes on the award. His 55 tackles, seven sacks, interception and four forced fumbles are evidence of the intensity and focus with which he plays.

This would be James Harrison's second time winning the award in a three-year span, and if he keeps playing the way he's playing right now, he could easily make a case for the award...that is, if he can stay on the field and not get suspended for his hits.

4. Cameron Wake

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 4: Cameron Wake #91 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a play against the New England Patriots at Sun Life Field on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The former two-time CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player has made that big of an impact on the Miami Dolphins. Wake has 8.5 sacks through the first eight games and is to thank for at least one Dolphins victory.

In Week Three on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, Wake had a strip-sack on Favre in the end zone that was recovered by Miami for a touchdown.

The Dolphins have a much more solid defense all around, but the consistent pressure is a huge help. His impact on the defense as a whole is measurable only by their improvement against the pass from last year.

They have given up 1,711 yards (13th in the league) through eight games vs. 3,754 (23rd) all of last year.

3. Ray Lewis

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bills 37-34. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Im

Thirty-five years old, and the man still makes a huge impact for his defense. He's currently ranked 10th in the league in tackles, and is on pace for his highest total in that category since 2004.

Talk about a defender making the big plays: He has two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as well.

He's clearly still the emotional and physical leader for this defense, and it's just been another year of Ray Lewis football for the middle linebacker.

2. Osi Umenyiora

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 10: Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants in action during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Remember at the end of the 2009 season, when many wondered aloud if Umenyiora could be traded or possibly cut from the Giants? Those days seem far away now, don't they?

He has composed quite the stat sheet over the course of the season, logging eight sacks in the first seven games, only six of which he played.

He'll surely hit some snags along the way, but he's on pace for between 18 and 19 sacks, far and away the highest total of his career.

The Giants defense has been pressuring the quarterback consistently this season, and largely has Umenyiora to thank for that. He's coming back strong, and his versatility to play inside and outside has been nothing short of key for the Giants defense.

1. Clay Matthews

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings has his jersey grabbed by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)

Matthews is arguably one of the most complete linebackers in the league for his ability to rush the passer, make tackles in the backfield and in the open field.

He's on pace to finish just 1.5 sacks below Michael Strahan's record of 22.5 in a single season. He had a pair of highly productive three-sack performances to start the season.

Even when he's not reaching the quarterback, though, he's creating pressure and forcing the issue by quickly collapsing the pocket.

The Packers defense has done well at disrupting the pass with sacks and interceptions, and has Clay Matthews to thank for his direct contribution to those numbers.

Your Thoughts?

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts before a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Think I left someone off? Let me have it! I put a lot of thought into this list, but if I left off your favorite defensive player from your favorite team, let me know.

If you make a solid claim, I'll give your comment a look and respond with my reasoning. I hope to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading!