Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen

On many occasions a defensive lineman could have a huge effect on the outcome of the game. If the ends get a pass rush on the quarterback, it will slow down the passing game and if the tackles do their job and stop the run, your team has a good chance at winning. Breakout defensive linemen such as Mario Williams and Albert Haynesworth had huge impacts on their teams last year. Here are some players who I think are capable of doing that this year.

Gaines Adams Buccaneers: Adams had a solid rookie year as he had 38 tackles and 6 sacks but at the end of the year, he showed why he was a top 5 pick in the draft. Adams started to get off the edge faster and learned how to use his great size and speed to create mismatches for his opponents. If Adams continues to improve, he could be in for a trip to Hawaii in the near future. Don't be surprised if Adams gets at least 10 sacks this year.

Ray Edwards Vikings: Edwards has the skill set to be a dominant defensive end in the league. He is 6'5 268 pounds and has 4.8 speed. Last year Edwards had 5 sacks but now with Jared Allen across from him and Kenechi Udeze out for the year, Edwards has a chance to shine. Don't be surprised if Edwards gets at least 10 sacks.

Brodrick Bunkley Eagles: Bunkley started to show in his second year why he was worthy of a 1st round pick in 2006. He has incredible strength and the size to clog up the middle of the line. Bunkley has lost some weight this offseason and with the additions on the Eagles defense of Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel, Bunkley could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player very soon.

Jovan Haye Buccaneers: In his first year starting, Haye was very impressive as he had 68 tackles and 6 sacks. With the development of Adams and the core of the Bucs defense intact, there is no reason to doubt that Haye could have an even better season in 2008.

Marcus Thomas Broncos: If not for legal troubles, Thomas would have been a first round pick in 2007. Instead he fell to the Broncos in the 4th round and if he lives up to the first round hype, the Broncos will be very happy. Thomas impressed at times last year as he had 19 tackles and a sack in 5 starts. Thomas should show lots of flashes of stardom this year, but look for him to really breakout in 2009.

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10 Comments On: "Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen"

 
Great to see Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley, gotta rep Broncos and FSU

I know you would like that. Both of them have the potential to be stars.

There you go sucking up to the Eagles fans again!. Seriously, nice job.

Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley will be pro bowl caliber next year. An argument can be made that Patterson should have made it 2 the pro bowl last season.

agreed..such an underrated part of our defense...patterson was 3rd in tackles for defensive tackles last year only one behind jovan haye....bunkley is just a run stuffing beast they are both rediculous and deserve more recognition

Haynesworth is a beast...........6'6" 320lbs. and moves like a man half his size.............

Yea GREAT list FB....Love the Thomas and Bunkley picks, the Broncos got themselves a player and at a great price, Also Edwards has a great opportunity in front of him. With Allen taking on double teams it should allow Edwards to shine. Both Bunkley and Thomas will be going to the pro bowl this year. Edwards has a chance as well. This is one of the few lists I have to say I agree with 100%...Solid, keep doin your thing!!

Thank you for the high praise and I'm glad you liked it.

I believe the Eagles have a very good DT duo, and will have an amazin D-Line this yr, I mean they held Adrian Peterson to 70 some yards and he got 20 some carries

san franscico held him to 3 yards... or was it -3... idk.

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