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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; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 20-16

20. Ryan Kerrigan – OLB – Washington

Brian Orakpo is supposed to be the big time pass rusher for the Redskins, but so far this season it has been Ryan Kerrigan that has been getting after quarterbacks for Washington. His five sacks lead the NFL through four games and he also has 13 QB hurries to go along with them. Kerrigan has been bringing the heat so far in 2014.

19. Harrison Smith – S – Minnesota Vikings

Harrison Smith missed most of last season with an injury but has been back and better than ever so far this season. He has totaled 21 tackles, a sack, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions (one of which he returned over 80 yards for a TD). If Smith can continue that kind of play he may begin to hear his name mentioned in the conversation for the best safeties in the NFL.

18. Michael Bennett – DE – Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have a small army of players that can get after the quarterback on their roster, but Michael Bennett is probably the most talented. With two sacks, six QB hits, and nine QB hurries in just three games so far his production is certainly off to a good start.

17. Cameron Wake – DE – Miami Dolphins

Cameron Wake probably doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. His PFF grade is currently +15.3, which is currently the highest grade for any defensive player not named J.J. Watt. Wake is adequate against the run, but his pass rush ability is really what sets him apart from several of the players considered for this list.

16. Patrick Willis – LB – San Francisco 49ers

I know Patrick Willis may not be stockpiling huge statistics like some of the other players that are on (or were considered for) this list. However, Willis is still the heart and should of the 49ers defense and has 23 tackles, two passes deflected, and a TD to his credit.

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