2011 NFL Draft Preview: Power-Ranking the Top 20 Defensive Players

With less than three weeks until the 2011 NFL Draft, the National Football League is still in the middle of a lockout with its players.  However, the draft will still take place on April 28th, 2011.  

From Cameron Newton to A.J. Green, there is a deep pool of offensive talent entering the NFL this year.  

The majority of this year's first-round selections, however, are expected to be on the defensive side of the ball.

The draft values of each player have been continuously fluctuating since the end of the college football season.  

At one point, DE Da'Quan Bowers and DT Nick Fairley were considered to be the top defensive players entering the professional level this upcoming season, but a lot has changed since the NFL combine and player workouts.  

Patrick Peterson and Marcell Dareus are now considered among the top defensive assets as the draft approaches.

The following slides exhibit the top 20 defensive players entering the 2011 NFL Draft.

20. OLB Justin Houston, Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Ima

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 258 pounds

Season Stats: (2010) 56 total tackles (30 solo, 26 assisted), 10 sacks and one interception

This past season, Houston was second overall in the SEC in sacks, with 10.

Houston has the talent and size to be an immediate impact to whichever team may draft him. 

19. OLB Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Graham Harrell #6 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is tackled by Jeremy Beal #44 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 263 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 66 total tackles (43 solo, 23 assisted), 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception

(2010) Recorded 72 total tackles (41 solo, 31 assisted), nine sacks and one forced fumble

Bowl Game Performance: Tostitos Fiesta Bowl vs. Uconn (W 48-20) Recorded six total tackles (one assisted, five solo) and one pass deflection

At Oklahoma, Beal was an excellent edge rusher who recorded a total of 28 sacks throughout his four-year college career.  

Todd McShay described Beal as having "the type of size and versatility that they look for in an outside linebacker."

18. DT Drake Nevis, LSU

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Chris Todd #12 of the Auburn Tigers is sacked by Drake Nevis #92 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 285 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 50 total tackles (26 solo, 24 assisted) and four sacks

(2010) Recorded 56 total tackles (30 solo, 26 assisted), six sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception

Nevis is a talented defensive tackle who plays with a great deal of passion.  He has proven to be solid against both the run and pass, exhibiting outstanding leverage.  

Nevis has shown an innate ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, along with a quick first step.

17. DE Allen Bailey, Miami

Doug Benc/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners scrambles away from linebacker Allen Bailey #57 of the Miami Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Oklahoma 21-20

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 288 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 32 total tackles (18 solo, 14 assisted) and seven sacks

(2010) Recorded 46 total tackles (22 solo, 24 assisted) and seven sacks

Bowl Game Performance: (L 33-17 to Miami Hurricanes) Recorded two total tackles

While at Miami, Bailey exhibited versatility and elite interior pass-rushing skills.  

Bailey has a very similar game to Jevon Kearse, with his great size and incredible athletic abilities.  

16. DT Corey Liuget, Illinois

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 298 pounds

Season Stats: (2010) Recorded 63 total tackles (29 solo, 34 assisted) and five sacks

Bowl Game Performance: Texas Bowl @ Baylor(W 38-14) Recorded five total tackles (two solo, three assisted) and one sack

Corey Liuget is an explosive defensive threat that has consistently clogged up the middle for his defense.

Once Liuget gets adjusted to the professional level, he will be one of the best defensive tackles in the National Football League.

15. DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes picks up a fumble by Vince Davidson #26 of the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 288 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 48 total tackles (25 solo, 23 assisted), four sacks and one interception

Throughout four seasons played for Ohio State, Heyward recorded a total of 156 tackles, 14 sacks, one interception and one safety.  

Cameron Heyward was selected to the 2010 All-Big Ten Conference Football first team (coaches).

14. DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - DECEMBER 03: Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks rushes with the ball past tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on December 3, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 311 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 45 total tackles (20 solo, 25 assisted), six sacks

Stephen Paea has shown superb quickness for his size and has a seemingly non-stop motor.  

Paea also has a unique passion and knowledge for the game, and may eventually move to DE depending on the team that selects him.

13. DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 315 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) 58 total tackles (33 solo, 25 assisted), six sacks and one forced fumble

(2010) 68 total tackles (43 solo, 25 assisted), 10 sacks and one forced fumble

Muhammad Wilkerson was a 2010 first-team All-MAC honoree who knows how to get to the quarterback with reckless abandon.  

With a deeply talented draft this year, Wilkerson may fall to the third round, which would be a steal for any team in search of a defensive end.

12. DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 290 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 44 total tackles (32 solo, 12 assisted) and four sacks

(2010) Recorded 62 total tackles (43 solo, 19 assisted), seven sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception

Watt has the dedication and skill set to be an immediate factor on any NFL team.

He has the potential be one of the most dominant defensive players in the National Football League.

11. DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 267 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 66 total tackles (42 solo, 24 assisted), 12 sacks and two forced fumbles

(2010) Recorded 70 total tackles (50 solo, 20 assisted), 13 sacks and one forced fumble

Last season, Ryan Kerrigan led the nation with 26 tackles for a loss, becoming virtually impossible for opponents to block, even when facing double-team scenarios.  

Todd McShay has Kerrigan going 18th to the New England Patriots, saying "Kerrigan is probably higher on our board than on most others, but very few players with his touchiness, pass-rushing savvy, a nonstop motor and passion for the game fail to contribute in the NFL."

10. S Rahim Moore, UCLA

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 12: Alterrau Verner #1 and Rahim Moore #3 of the UCLA Bruins celebrate against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Image

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 196 pounds

Season Stats: (2009) Recorded 45 total tackles (34 solo, 11 assisted), one sack and 10 interceptions

(2010) Recorded 77 total tackles (51 solo, 26 assisted) and one interception

Rahim Moore is the most talented safety entering the 2011 NFL Draft, and is very likely to be selected in the late first round.  

Moore has proven to be excellent in deep-zone coverage throughout his college career, which should help him to make a fast transition at the pro level.

9. CB Aaron Williams, Texas

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns drops a pass intended for Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Ima

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 192 pounds

Season Stats: (2010) Recorded 45 total tackles (30 solo, 15 assisted), one sack and two forced fumbles

Throughout his three seasons with the Longhorns, Williams recorded a total of 89 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, five fumbles forced and a touchdown.  

Williams would be a steal for any team if he's still around in the second round, which is fairly likely.

8. OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Tom Brandstater #7 of the Frenso State Bulldogs is sacked by Akeem Ayers #40 of the UCLA Bruins during the game on September 27, 2008 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Fresno State defeated UCLA 36-31. (

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 251 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 68 total tackles (45 solo, 23 assisted), four sacks and two interceptions

Akeem Ayers was on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, and the Rotary Lombardi Award, which is presented to the nation's top lineman. 

Ayers has proven he can be consistent, earning very similar numbers over the past two seasons.

Throughout three seasons with the UCLA Bruins, Ayers has recorded a total of 177 tackles, two fumbles forced, 11 sacks, six interceptions and two touchdowns.

7. DE Robert Quinn, UNC

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 270 pounds

2009 Season Stats: 52 total tackles (35 solo tackles, 17 assisted), 11 sacks and two forced fumbles

Robert Quinn was unable to play this season for violating NCAA policies by accepting thousands of dollars in jewelry from an agent, but his 2010 season should speak for itself.  

In one season, Robert Quinn recorded 11 sacks and two forced fumbles.  

He's a talented athlete who has been awarded the 2008 Brian Piccolo Award and was named to the 2009 Second-Team All-America (CBSsports.com) and the 2009 First-Team All-ACC.  

Quinn was also named the Naagurski, Lombardi, Hendricks and Lott trophy award candidates—along with being selected for the 2010 Preseason First-Team All-America—before becoming permanently ineligible in the NCAA.

6. DT Nick Fairley, Auburn

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 298 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 56 total tackles (32 solo, 24 assisted), 12 sacks and one interception

Bowl Game Performance: BCS National Championship v. Auburn(won 22-19)—Five total tackles (three for a loss), one sack and one forced fumble.

While at Auburn, Nick Fairley has exhibited an explosive first step and proven that he can be a highly effective pass rusher.  

Mel Kiper Jr. has Fairley as a top-10 lock and believes that he "epitomizes the ideal penetrating 4-3 tackle."

5. CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Cameron Kenney #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the ball against Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 205 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 59 total tackles (36 solo, 23 assisted) one sack

Bowl Game Performance: Holiday Bowl v. Washington Huskies(Loss 19-7)—One tackle

After a tremendous junior season, opposing quarterbacks began to limit their throws to receivers being covered by Prince Amukamara.  

He has the potential to be a highly effective shutdown corner in the NFL, after exhibiting tremendous abilities at Nebraska.

4. DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 280 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 67 total tackles (41 solo, 26 assisted), 16 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception

Bowl Game Performance: Meineke Car Care Bowl v. USF (Lost 31-26); Six total tackles (three solo, three assisted)

Da'Quan Bowers has proven to be a natural pass rusher who led the FBS in sacks this season, with 15.5.

College football analyst Todd McShay has said that "Bowers is a stud, can fit any defensive scheme and is blessed with a rare combination of size and athleticism."  

Bowers was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Award in 2010.

While at Clemson, Bowers recorded the most sacks in a season by any lineman in the school's history.

Bowers is one of the most NFL-ready defensive lineman in the entire draft.

3. OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers throws under pressure from Von Miller #40 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by C

Height: 6'3''

Weight: 243 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 68 total tackles (38 solo, 30 assisted), 11 sacks and one interception

Bowl Game Performance: AT&T Cotton Bowl v. LSU Tigers (lost 41-24); Nine total tackles (four solo, five assisted), one sack

Todd McShay described Miller as having "a freakish combination of size, speed and athletic ability."

Miller has shown he can continuously get after the quarterback and has improved his ability to drop and cover, which will be a valuable asset to the team that selects him.

2. DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #3 of the Texas Longhorns tries to tackle lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide who would score after intercepting the ball during the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Champio

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 306 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 33 total tackles (20 solo, 13 assisted), five sacks

Bowl Game Performance: Capital One Bowl v. Michigan State (Won 49-7); three tackles (two solo, one assisted) and one sack

Marcell Dareus has shown the consistent capability to penetrate against the pass defense, as well as anchor effectively versus the run.  

1. CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #37 of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 222 pounds

2010 Season Stats: 36 tackles (24 solo, 12 assisted) and four interceptions

Bowl Game Performance: Cotton Bowl v. No. 18 Texas A&M (won 41-24)—six total tackles (five solo, one assisted)

As one of the best cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL draft, Patrick Peterson is likely to be selected within the top 10 picks.

 Heading into the 2010 season, ESPN listed Peterson as the best defender and fourth-best overall player in college football.  

Throughout his three seasons with LSU, Peterson has exhibited rare athleticism and superb instincts.  

College football analysts and experts all over have been raving about this kid and the potential he possesses.  

Peterson is expected to develop into one of the premiere cornerbacks in the National Football League.