Some of you Fantasy guys play with defensive players and some just want to know how they'll workout with their favorite team(s). Here is a list of our Top 10 Defensive Impact Players for 2008 with reason as to why we feel they'll be impact players for the 2008-09 NFL Season.
Best of luck to you all this year.
1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City Chiefs: Glenn Dorsey is believed to be the best talent prospect coming out of the NFL Draft. With help from Tank Tyler and Turk McBride, he should have help and should be able to avoid a lot of double teams that he may have received if he had gone elsewhere.
2. Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams: Chris Long is believed to be the safest pick coming out of the NFL Draft. The Rams had an abysmal defensive line last year and should be aided by a high-energy player like Chris Long.
3. Vernon Gholston , DE , New York Jets: Vernon Gholston is a physical specimen, but could be a project. The Jets were in need of a pass-rushing defensive end after losing John Abraham. Gholston has been known in college to take a few plays off but, has dominated the likes of Jake Long.
4. Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis really helped himself with a stellar Senior Bowl performance. The Saints sorely needed a big, strong defensive tackle. New Orleans ' defensive backs will enjoy the inside pass rush that Sedrick Ellis will provide.
5. Keith Rivers, OLB, Cincinnati Bengals: Keith Rivers will be a huge addition to the Cincinnati Bengals' linebacker corps. The Bengals truly start from ground zero as their defense was horrendous last season. On top of that, Keith Rivers is a high character player which Cincinnati needs more than ever.
6. Jerrod Mayo, ILB, New England Patriots: Jerrod Mayo will help to bring youth to the New England Patriots' linebacker corps, which is a bit seasoned. Though Mayo's production may go under the radar due to such a great defense, his impact will be huge for a team looking to return to the Super Bowl.
7. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Buffalo Bills: Leodis McKelvin looks to improve an average defense at Buffalo on an improving team. Leodis McKelvin slipped in some minds as he was considered a potential Top 10 pick. McKelvin may be forced to start but he should be prepared as one of the best cover cornerbacks coming out of the draft.
8. Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie helped himself with a stellar Senior Bowl performance, as well. He is a Top 10 talent who may have slipped due to injury concerns. He has great ball skills and should be a great addition to the Arizona secondary as Antrel Rolle will move to safety.
9. Derrick Harvey, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Harvey is a welcome addition to a Jacksonville defensive line that could use more of a pass rush. Harvey is the stout defensive end that Jacksonville wanted, as they traded up to get him.
10. Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas Cowboys: Mike Jenkins makes Jerry Jones a very happy man. He is a solid cornerback who was believed to be a Top 20 talent. At South Florida he had a solid career and he shouldn't be forced into action as they have decent defensive backs and a good pass rush.
Best of luck to you all this year.
1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City Chiefs: Glenn Dorsey is believed to be the best talent prospect coming out of the NFL Draft. With help from Tank Tyler and Turk McBride, he should have help and should be able to avoid a lot of double teams that he may have received if he had gone elsewhere.
2. Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams: Chris Long is believed to be the safest pick coming out of the NFL Draft. The Rams had an abysmal defensive line last year and should be aided by a high-energy player like Chris Long.
3. Vernon Gholston , DE , New York Jets: Vernon Gholston is a physical specimen, but could be a project. The Jets were in need of a pass-rushing defensive end after losing John Abraham. Gholston has been known in college to take a few plays off but, has dominated the likes of Jake Long.
4. Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis really helped himself with a stellar Senior Bowl performance. The Saints sorely needed a big, strong defensive tackle. New Orleans ' defensive backs will enjoy the inside pass rush that Sedrick Ellis will provide.
5. Keith Rivers, OLB, Cincinnati Bengals: Keith Rivers will be a huge addition to the Cincinnati Bengals' linebacker corps. The Bengals truly start from ground zero as their defense was horrendous last season. On top of that, Keith Rivers is a high character player which Cincinnati needs more than ever.
6. Jerrod Mayo, ILB, New England Patriots: Jerrod Mayo will help to bring youth to the New England Patriots' linebacker corps, which is a bit seasoned. Though Mayo's production may go under the radar due to such a great defense, his impact will be huge for a team looking to return to the Super Bowl.
7. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Buffalo Bills: Leodis McKelvin looks to improve an average defense at Buffalo on an improving team. Leodis McKelvin slipped in some minds as he was considered a potential Top 10 pick. McKelvin may be forced to start but he should be prepared as one of the best cover cornerbacks coming out of the draft.
8. Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie helped himself with a stellar Senior Bowl performance, as well. He is a Top 10 talent who may have slipped due to injury concerns. He has great ball skills and should be a great addition to the Arizona secondary as Antrel Rolle will move to safety.
9. Derrick Harvey, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Harvey is a welcome addition to a Jacksonville defensive line that could use more of a pass rush. Harvey is the stout defensive end that Jacksonville wanted, as they traded up to get him.
10. Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas Cowboys: Mike Jenkins makes Jerry Jones a very happy man. He is a solid cornerback who was believed to be a Top 20 talent. At South Florida he had a solid career and he shouldn't be forced into action as they have decent defensive backs and a good pass rush.
