- Messages
- 5,432
- Reaction score
- 0
2011 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen
By: Roshan Bhagat
Top Defensive Ends:
Ray Edwards, MIN - Edwards made a name for himself with a 3-sack game against Dallas in the Divisional Round, but that was simply an exclamation point of a terrific season. Is his production a product of having 3 Pro Bowlers playing next to him? Edwards was tendered with a 1st round tag this year and it doesn’t seem teams are willing to take that risk quite yet. If he repeats his performance, or improves upon it, next year will be much different. The Vikings will have to pay a steep price to keep him.
Richard Seymour, OAK – Though Seymour still hasn’t signed his franchise tag, he and the Raiders are working on a contract extension. It’s very likely that Seymour will remain in Oakland for at least another short, multi-year contract given how much Oakland paid to acquire him.
Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG – The Giants love having a deep, talented defensive line, so it would be odd to see them let Kiwanuka go. Even though he notched just 3 sacks last season while starting 6 games, Kiwanuka’s flexibility as a pass rusher from end and tackle allow the Giants to get creative in getting after the passer with just a defensive line.
Tamba Hali, KC – It took some time for Hali to make the conversion to outside linebacker, but after making the successful transition, it seems that Tamba Hali is due for another contract in Kansas City. He’s still a long reach from being an elite player, but he’s consistent with still some upside.
Marcus Spears, DAL – Spears had a mildly disappointing season last year and was outplayed by backups at times. It should come as no surprise that the Cowboys reportedly tried to move him in the offseason. If the same trend continues where one of their backups truly emerges, the Cowboys may have few problems in allowing Marcus Spears to walk.
Shaun Ellis, NYJ – The Jets have far too many key free agents to make him a priority, but losing Ellis would just make the Jets’ weakest position, even weaker. Ellis is still productive from the 5-technique with a challenging blend of size and speed for offensive tackles to handle. His request for a long-term extension was rejected by the Jets, but it’s something they could potentially address next offseason depending on how much they’re forced to spend on their other key free agents.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Trevor Pryce, BAL
Chris Kelsay, BUF
Charles Johnson, CAR
Mark Anderson, CHI
Matt Roth, CLE
Jason Hatcher, DAL
Stephen Bowen, DAL
Cliff Avril, DET
Reggie Hayward, JAC
Brian Robison, MIN
Derrick Burgess, NE
Victor Abiamiri, PHI
Ryon Bingham, SD
Jacques Cesaire, SD
Victor Adeyanju, STL
Stylez White, TB
Dave Ball, TEN
Jacob Ford, TEN
Top Defensive Tackles:
Haloti Ngata, BAL – One of the league’s best franchise cornerstones (an annual article that will again be published later this summer) will not go anywhere. Coach Harbaugh has said he has “every intention” of making Ngata “a Raven forever.” As good as Ngata has been on the field, I’m equally impressed that he hasn’t pushed for a contract renegotiation after signing his rookie contract, where he’s been vastly underpaid. Ngata has earned every penny he will receive on the forthcoming lucrative contract.
Brandon Mebane, SEA – At only 6’1, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. Though his numbers were merely average, his impact on the field was anything but that. Mebane has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for next decade. The Seahawks will try everything in their power to ensure that each of those years will be in Seattle.
Aubrayo Franklin, SF – After putting together a nice season at nose tackle, the 49ers placed the franchise tag on Franklin who has yet to report to OTA’s. Based on the Crabtree holdout a year ago, it seems the 49ers have the will to endure holdouts. If the Niners are firm on their position and want to see one more high-level year from Franklin, he’ll have to wait one more season before receiving some stability.
Johnny Jolly, GB – Jolly’s ongoing legal issues make him an interesting player in the league. He had an outstanding season at defensive end a year ago. Though he had only a single sack, he also recorded 10 pass deflection and one incredibly athletic interception. If the legal issue could take care of itself, Jolly will have the opportunity to sign a well-sized contract, either in Green Bay or elsewhere, depending on how the rest of the defensive line performs.
Cullen Jenkins, GB – Jolly’s counterpart on the right side will also be entering his contract year. Jenkins is a much better pass rusher than Jolly, though not quite as consistent. Prior to his injury in 2008, Jenkins was working on a Pro Bowl season (through 4 games). With a full offseason in the weight room and on the practice field, Jenkins may be able to turn it up a notch to earn another contract extension in Green Bay.
Pat Williams, MIN – I very much doubt that Williams will play anywhere but Minnesota. He’s still an effective run stopper who is winding down his playing days. He threatened to retire early this offseason before deciding to return. If he wants to play, the Vikings will surely be happy to have him back.
Other Notable Free Agents: Bryan Robinson, ARI
Gabe Watson, ARI
Alan Branch, ARI
John McCargo, BUF
Nick Hayden, CAR
Tank Tyler, CAR
Robaire Smith, CLE
Ronald Fields, DEN
Eric Foster, IND
Atiyyah Ellison, JAC
Ron Edwards, KC
Paul Soliai, MIA
Fred Evans, MIN
Barry Cofield, NYG
Jay Alford, NYG
Chris Hoke, PIT
Travis Johnson, SD
Ray McDonald, SF
Clifton Ryan, STL
By: Roshan Bhagat
Top Defensive Ends:
Ray Edwards, MIN - Edwards made a name for himself with a 3-sack game against Dallas in the Divisional Round, but that was simply an exclamation point of a terrific season. Is his production a product of having 3 Pro Bowlers playing next to him? Edwards was tendered with a 1st round tag this year and it doesn’t seem teams are willing to take that risk quite yet. If he repeats his performance, or improves upon it, next year will be much different. The Vikings will have to pay a steep price to keep him.
Richard Seymour, OAK – Though Seymour still hasn’t signed his franchise tag, he and the Raiders are working on a contract extension. It’s very likely that Seymour will remain in Oakland for at least another short, multi-year contract given how much Oakland paid to acquire him.
Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG – The Giants love having a deep, talented defensive line, so it would be odd to see them let Kiwanuka go. Even though he notched just 3 sacks last season while starting 6 games, Kiwanuka’s flexibility as a pass rusher from end and tackle allow the Giants to get creative in getting after the passer with just a defensive line.
Tamba Hali, KC – It took some time for Hali to make the conversion to outside linebacker, but after making the successful transition, it seems that Tamba Hali is due for another contract in Kansas City. He’s still a long reach from being an elite player, but he’s consistent with still some upside.
Marcus Spears, DAL – Spears had a mildly disappointing season last year and was outplayed by backups at times. It should come as no surprise that the Cowboys reportedly tried to move him in the offseason. If the same trend continues where one of their backups truly emerges, the Cowboys may have few problems in allowing Marcus Spears to walk.
Shaun Ellis, NYJ – The Jets have far too many key free agents to make him a priority, but losing Ellis would just make the Jets’ weakest position, even weaker. Ellis is still productive from the 5-technique with a challenging blend of size and speed for offensive tackles to handle. His request for a long-term extension was rejected by the Jets, but it’s something they could potentially address next offseason depending on how much they’re forced to spend on their other key free agents.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Trevor Pryce, BAL
Chris Kelsay, BUF
Charles Johnson, CAR
Mark Anderson, CHI
Matt Roth, CLE
Jason Hatcher, DAL
Stephen Bowen, DAL
Cliff Avril, DET
Reggie Hayward, JAC
Brian Robison, MIN
Derrick Burgess, NE
Victor Abiamiri, PHI
Ryon Bingham, SD
Jacques Cesaire, SD
Victor Adeyanju, STL
Stylez White, TB
Dave Ball, TEN
Jacob Ford, TEN
Top Defensive Tackles:
Haloti Ngata, BAL – One of the league’s best franchise cornerstones (an annual article that will again be published later this summer) will not go anywhere. Coach Harbaugh has said he has “every intention” of making Ngata “a Raven forever.” As good as Ngata has been on the field, I’m equally impressed that he hasn’t pushed for a contract renegotiation after signing his rookie contract, where he’s been vastly underpaid. Ngata has earned every penny he will receive on the forthcoming lucrative contract.
Brandon Mebane, SEA – At only 6’1, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. Though his numbers were merely average, his impact on the field was anything but that. Mebane has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for next decade. The Seahawks will try everything in their power to ensure that each of those years will be in Seattle.
Aubrayo Franklin, SF – After putting together a nice season at nose tackle, the 49ers placed the franchise tag on Franklin who has yet to report to OTA’s. Based on the Crabtree holdout a year ago, it seems the 49ers have the will to endure holdouts. If the Niners are firm on their position and want to see one more high-level year from Franklin, he’ll have to wait one more season before receiving some stability.
Johnny Jolly, GB – Jolly’s ongoing legal issues make him an interesting player in the league. He had an outstanding season at defensive end a year ago. Though he had only a single sack, he also recorded 10 pass deflection and one incredibly athletic interception. If the legal issue could take care of itself, Jolly will have the opportunity to sign a well-sized contract, either in Green Bay or elsewhere, depending on how the rest of the defensive line performs.
Cullen Jenkins, GB – Jolly’s counterpart on the right side will also be entering his contract year. Jenkins is a much better pass rusher than Jolly, though not quite as consistent. Prior to his injury in 2008, Jenkins was working on a Pro Bowl season (through 4 games). With a full offseason in the weight room and on the practice field, Jenkins may be able to turn it up a notch to earn another contract extension in Green Bay.
Pat Williams, MIN – I very much doubt that Williams will play anywhere but Minnesota. He’s still an effective run stopper who is winding down his playing days. He threatened to retire early this offseason before deciding to return. If he wants to play, the Vikings will surely be happy to have him back.
Other Notable Free Agents: Bryan Robinson, ARI
Gabe Watson, ARI
Alan Branch, ARI
John McCargo, BUF
Nick Hayden, CAR
Tank Tyler, CAR
Robaire Smith, CLE
Ronald Fields, DEN
Eric Foster, IND
Atiyyah Ellison, JAC
Ron Edwards, KC
Paul Soliai, MIA
Fred Evans, MIN
Barry Cofield, NYG
Jay Alford, NYG
Chris Hoke, PIT
Travis Johnson, SD
Ray McDonald, SF
Clifton Ryan, STL
