Top 7 DE’s (3-4) in NFL
Defensive end has become a more important position in 3-4 defenses in recent years (for elaboration, read this). A 3-4 defensive scheme is built primarily to stop the pass, though stopping the pass stems from first stopping the run. That’s the chief job of the ends. Here are the Top Seven 3-4 defensive ends in football.
7. Justin Smith, 49ers
Not a prototype for this position, but he’s a player who does everything well.
6. Aaron Smith, Steelers
Headlines Pittsburgh’s potent three-DE rotation.
5. Ty Warren, Patriots
Underappreciated in the shadows of Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork; plays with splendid all-around technique.
4. Glenn Dorsey, Chiefs
Hasn’t really played the position until this year, but based on what he showed last season, he’ll be challenging for the No. 1 ranking by 2010.
3. Luis Castillo, Chargers
When he’s healthy, there isn’t a more disruptive source of energy.
2. Haloti Ngata, Ravens
Has surprising quickness for a man with such power.
1. Richard Seymour, Patriots
A future Hall of Famer. The more someone knows about football, the more they admire the ninth-year pro.
Also considered: Kendall Langford, Dolphins; Shaun Ellis, Jets; Marcus Spears, Cowboys
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Haloti Ngata is a nose tackle, not a DE.
Richard Seymour is a great player, and he very well might be the best 3-4 DE in the game. A future Hall of Famer? possibly, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Guys who spend as much time injured as Seymour has have a tough time making it to Canton.
I also think if you’re going to put someone on the list who has never played a 3-4 DE, why not Aaron Kampman, who will probably split time at DE and OLB this year for the Packers. At least he’s proven to be effective on the edge unlike Dorsey
I sense a New England bias.