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. 10 Comments On: "Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen"
Featured Stories Today
Chicago Bears (Bear Goggles On)
It's finally time for some football! Despite having two playoff contending baseball teams, Chicago ...
Detroit Lions (SideLion Report)
Team MVP: Quarterback Jon Kitna.Anything the Lions will try to accomplish on offense will revolve...
Green Bay Packers (NFL Mocks)
Team MVP: Ryan Grant. How can it be anyone else? With Aaron Rodgers inexperienced at the helm of...
Minnesota Vikings (The Viking Age)
Team MVP: Adrian Peterson. He had a chance at league MVP last year before Al Harris took his knee...
Exclusive NFL previews in the Yard
If you're a Lions fan, and sincerest condolences if that's the case, why read a preview written by...
Most Comments Today
Most Comments This Week
|
Top 8 Related Stories
Top NFL Quizzes
Most Popular Related Topics
Aaron Rodgers
Anquan Boldin
Baltimore Ravens
Brett Favre
Brian Westbrook
Brodrick Bunkley
Chad Johnson
Chad Pennington
Chicago Bears
Chris Henry
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Donovan McNabb
Eli Manning
Fantasy
Gaines Adams
Green Bay Packers
Injuries
Jovan Haye
Kansas City Chiefs
Kevin Curtis
Kyle Orton
LaDainian Tomlinson
Lito Sheppard
Marcus Thomas
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
NFL
NFL Other
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders
Peyton Manning
Philadelphia Eagles
Player News/Analysis
Randy Moss
Ray Edwards
Rookies
Rumors
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team and League Analysis
Terrell Owens
Tom Brady
Tony Romo
Transactions
Washington Redskins
Recent NFL Fans
Are you a NFL fan?
Add Yourself
Most Popular NFL Articles
More from the Blogosphere
|
||||||||||