Troy Polamalu and 5 Favorites for the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

The amount of defensive talent in the NFL makes picking just five favorites to win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award a tall task.

Every season provides a wide-open stage for high-caliber players of very different positions to vie for the trophy that separates them from the rest of their peers.

If we can take anything away from the preseason, it's that the lockout has imposed quite an inconvenience to many new offensive schemes. As a result, we could see talented players in well-rehearsed defensive systems feast upon inexperience and post single-season efforts for the ages.

This, on top of the talent that's already emerged, means there are far more than just a handful of players who could become 2011's Defensive Player of the Year. But there are five that certainly cannot be out of
the conversation.

Let's take a look:

Nnamdi Asomugha (CB, Philadelphia Eagles)

Of all the stars that have arrived in Philadelphia on a green carpet this offseason, none have a bigger name than Nnamdi Asomugha.

(Unless, by "big", you mean "long." And that title probably goes to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.)

Despite being blanketed in the mediocrity of the Oakland Raiders defense, Asomugha didn't stop blanketing receivers. Over the last three seasons in Oakland, he allowed just 3.7% of passes thrown his way to be completed.

Now, on a much more talented defense, Asomugha has a chance to not only shine, but take the league by storm. With a talented unit that will force offenses to pick their poison, Asomugha may see more passes flung in his direction.

Ultimately, those passes will mean more opportunities for votes to be cast in his favor for Defensive Player of the Year.

Patrick Willis (MLB, San Francisco 49ers)

Despite playing on an underachieving 49ers defense, Patrick Willis remains one of the game's most feared players.

Now, with a clean slate provided by a new coaching staff, Willis will look to build upon his previous four seasons where he racked up more than 400 tackles.

What's especially notable is that he was hampered by a broken hand for part of the 2010 season, but that didn't stop him from notching another 100-tackle season and a career-high six sacks .

Now the hand is healed and there's every reason in the world to assume that Willis will pick up where he left off.

Ed Reed (FS, Baltimore Ravens)

How good to you have to be to lead the NFL in interceptions after missing the first six games?

Well, that's just what Ed Reed did in 2011 after starting the season on the team's PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

Now, after plenty of rest, the Ravens' ball-hawking safety should be in line for another phenomenal year against a cream puff of a schedule. If Reed continues to be a turnover machine, he will find himself deep in the running for his second Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Julius Peppers (DE, Chicago Bears)

Julius Peppers' individual accomplishments are staggering.

He experienced a decline in his normal sack totals in 2010, but forced three fumbles and intercepted two passes, further cementing his status as his one of the most disruptive linemen of his era.

What mostly makes him a favorite, however, is how good he makes his defensive unit as a whole. The Bears finshed ninth in the NFL in total defense and second in rush defense in 2010. In 2009, without Peppers, the Bears finished 17th and 23rd in those categories respectively.

It's a big year with big expectations in Chicago. If they continue their domination against a difficult upcoming schedule, Peppers will likely be the reason why.

If so, he may need to make more room in his trophy case.

Troy Polamalu (SS, Philadelphia Eagles)

Ah, yes. And how could we leave out last year's recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year Award?

Troy Polamalu has battled injuries for much of his career, but last year, he reminded the football world of what he's capable of when healthy. He made quarterbacks throw seven interceptions and countless fits while obstructing all levels of the playing field.

He remains healthy in 2011, and like Ed Reed, he will face a relatively easy schedule. No one besides Lawrence Taylor has ever repeated as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but the cards are
stacked in Polamalu's favor if he continues playing at last season's intensity.