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NFL Player Power Rankings Week 5: The defensive players

By Lyle Graversen

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a sack against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos won 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a sack against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos won 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defense end Willie Young (97) in the fourth quarter at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defense end Willie Young (97) in the fourth quarter at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 25-21

25. Willie Young – DE – Chicago Bears

Willie Young has proven to be a great pick up for the Bears this offseason. While Jared Allen received all the attention it is Young that has produced on the field. He is currently tied for second in the NFL with four sacks.

24. Patrick Peterson – CB – Arizona Cardinals

It was a toss up here between Patrick Peterson and Darrelle Revis. Both men are considered elite shut down corners, but neither have done much on the field this season. Peterson gets the edge here over Revis because his health is more reliable, but if he wants to stay on the list he’ll have to start producing more.

23. Robert Quinn – DE – St. Louis Rams

If I had done a defensive player list like this before the season started I probably would have ranked Robert Quinn number two on the list, so coming in at number 23 is quite a drop. Quinn has not been anywhere near as productive after losing fellow pass rusher Chris Long to injury and thus allowing offenses to key in on stopping him. Quinn still has the talent to shoot back up this list, but he’s going to have to start producing on the field.

22. Dwight Freeney – OLB – San Diego Chargers

While some may have written Dwight Freeney off at this point because of his age, they would be mistaken to do so. Freeney is off to a good start. Pro Football Focus has him with 15 QB hurries, which I count as the most in the NFL. Freeney can still bring elite pressure off the edge for the Chargers defense.

21. Tamba Hali – OLB – Kansas City Chiefs

As a Kansas City Chiefs fan, I was prepared for Tamba Hali’s play to decline this season. After all, he’s been around for a while and typically players at his age begin losing a step. However, Hali has been as productive as ever, with three sacks and a couple of forced fumbles already. Pairing him with Justin Houston makes life miserable for opposing QBs.

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