Focus on: NFC defensive tackles
May 11, 2007
SN correspondent
Sporting News asked its NFL correspondents to provide insight and analysis on players at each position. This is what they said, and how we ranked, defensive tackles in the NFC. For rankings of AFC defensive tackles, click here
1. Vikings Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are arguably the NFL's best run-stopping duo. The depth is not ideal, however. The team has no natural backup at nose tackle, and Spencer Johnson is injury-prone.
2. Bear Tommie Harris is unblockable at times, but the status of jailed partner Tank Johnson is a question. The club has added help in Dusty Dvoracek and Anthony Adams.
3. Lions Both Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding are extremely difficult to handle one-on-one because of their ability to get into the backfield. Shaun Cody will be the primary backup, mostly at under tackle.
4. Packers First-round pick Justin Harrell will complement nose tackle Ryan Pickett well -- both are difficult to move and play with high motors. The club also is high on Corey Williams, who played well next to Pickett last year.
5. Panthers When in shape, Kris Jenkins can be one of the game's dominant tackles. Maake Kemoeatu is a fine run stuffer, but he has no pass-rush skills. Damione Lewis will get in on passing downs.
6. . Saints Hollis Thomas is a powerful run stuffer. Brian Young is a bit more athletic but isn't much of a pass-rushing presence. Rodney Leisle, Antwan Lake and Willie Whitehead are decent backups.
7. Cowboys Jason Ferguson did a solid job at nose tackle in the team's 3-4 last season. Jay Ratliff is a high-energy player who has become a solid backup.
8. Seahawks Marcus Tubbs' recovery from knee surgery is pivotal. Chuck Darby excels at penetrating but can be overwhelmed by bigger players. Rocky Bernard is a good pass rusher, but durability is a problem.
9. Cardinals Kendrick Clancy is a solid veteran. Alan Branch and Gabe Watson have the size and athletic ability to be good players. The club thinks it stole Branch with the No. 33 pick in the draft.
10. Eagles Brodrick Bunkley barely got on the field as a rookie. Mike Patterson needs to be more consistent. Ian Scott and Montae Reagor will provide help.
11. 49ers Aubrayo Franklin is capable of taking on double-teams and holding his ground. Isaac Sopoaga is strong but raw. Ronald Fields is better suited to play end but can man the middle.
12. Buccaneers Kevin Carter is untested inside and is not a long-term answer. Greg Peterson has speed and quickness, but he's a project. Chris Hovan is a solid contributor at the nose.
13. Falcons With Grady Jackson's status unclear and Rod Coleman (quad) injured, this position is a mess. The team could open the season with Jonathan Babineaux replacing Coleman and either Anthony Bryant or Darrell Shropshire in Jackson's spot.
14. Giants The team got a career year from Fred Robbins and a strong rookie showing by Barry Cofield and still was only adequate. Behind Robbins is draft bust William Joseph.
15. Redskins Cornelius Griffin was bothered by bad shoulders last season but is fine now. Kedric Golston plays hard but gets pushed around. Joe Salave'a plays with a high motor.
16. Rams La'Roi Glover gets his share of sacks but isn't the player he was a few years ago. His backup, Claude Wroten, did little as a rookie. Rookie Adam Carriker probably will start ahead of Jimmy Kennedy at nose tackle.
SN correspondent
Sporting News asked its NFL correspondents to provide insight and analysis on players at each position. This is what they said, and how we ranked, defensive tackles in the NFC. For rankings of AFC defensive tackles, click here
1. Vikings Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are arguably the NFL's best run-stopping duo. The depth is not ideal, however. The team has no natural backup at nose tackle, and Spencer Johnson is injury-prone.
2. Bear Tommie Harris is unblockable at times, but the status of jailed partner Tank Johnson is a question. The club has added help in Dusty Dvoracek and Anthony Adams.
3. Lions Both Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding are extremely difficult to handle one-on-one because of their ability to get into the backfield. Shaun Cody will be the primary backup, mostly at under tackle.
4. Packers First-round pick Justin Harrell will complement nose tackle Ryan Pickett well -- both are difficult to move and play with high motors. The club also is high on Corey Williams, who played well next to Pickett last year.
5. Panthers When in shape, Kris Jenkins can be one of the game's dominant tackles. Maake Kemoeatu is a fine run stuffer, but he has no pass-rush skills. Damione Lewis will get in on passing downs.
6. . Saints Hollis Thomas is a powerful run stuffer. Brian Young is a bit more athletic but isn't much of a pass-rushing presence. Rodney Leisle, Antwan Lake and Willie Whitehead are decent backups.
7. Cowboys Jason Ferguson did a solid job at nose tackle in the team's 3-4 last season. Jay Ratliff is a high-energy player who has become a solid backup.
8. Seahawks Marcus Tubbs' recovery from knee surgery is pivotal. Chuck Darby excels at penetrating but can be overwhelmed by bigger players. Rocky Bernard is a good pass rusher, but durability is a problem.
9. Cardinals Kendrick Clancy is a solid veteran. Alan Branch and Gabe Watson have the size and athletic ability to be good players. The club thinks it stole Branch with the No. 33 pick in the draft.
10. Eagles Brodrick Bunkley barely got on the field as a rookie. Mike Patterson needs to be more consistent. Ian Scott and Montae Reagor will provide help.
11. 49ers Aubrayo Franklin is capable of taking on double-teams and holding his ground. Isaac Sopoaga is strong but raw. Ronald Fields is better suited to play end but can man the middle.
12. Buccaneers Kevin Carter is untested inside and is not a long-term answer. Greg Peterson has speed and quickness, but he's a project. Chris Hovan is a solid contributor at the nose.
13. Falcons With Grady Jackson's status unclear and Rod Coleman (quad) injured, this position is a mess. The team could open the season with Jonathan Babineaux replacing Coleman and either Anthony Bryant or Darrell Shropshire in Jackson's spot.
14. Giants The team got a career year from Fred Robbins and a strong rookie showing by Barry Cofield and still was only adequate. Behind Robbins is draft bust William Joseph.
15. Redskins Cornelius Griffin was bothered by bad shoulders last season but is fine now. Kedric Golston plays hard but gets pushed around. Joe Salave'a plays with a high motor.
16. Rams La'Roi Glover gets his share of sacks but isn't the player he was a few years ago. His backup, Claude Wroten, did little as a rookie. Rookie Adam Carriker probably will start ahead of Jimmy Kennedy at nose tackle.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:44 PM
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