2012 NFL Season Predictions – Top 5 Defensive Tackles in the NFL: Much like on the offensive side of the ball, linemen can often be overlooked members of defenses throughout the NFL. Defensive tackles, in particular, tend to be the odd men out because they don’t have as many opportunities to make plays in the backfield as defensive ends do. In reality, a dominant defensive tackle can cover up a lot of other issues on defense. A good DT can occupy two and sometimes three offensive linemen, opening up more lanes for linebackers and other players on defense to make plays. In many ways, the main job of a defensive tackle is to control the line of scrimmage and make life easier for his teammates. A job description like that isn’t a recipe for a lot of individual accolades, but the position is valuable nonetheless. With that in mind, here is a look at the NFL’s best defensive tackles heading into the 2012 season.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Defensive Tackles
1. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens
With straight All-Pro selections under his belt, Ngata has clearly become the premier nose tackle in the NFL. He has a rare blend of size, strength and surprising quickness that allows him to control the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield. He has topped 60 tackles in each of the last two seasons and has recorded at least 5.0 sacks in back-to-back years, as well. Ngata’s last season might have been his best. In addition to a career-high 64 tackles, he forced two fumbles, recovered three and knocked down five passes. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and the rest of the Ravens defense owe a lot of their success to Ngata.
2. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots
In New England’s 3-4 defense, there isn’t a more important player than Wilfork. He is a mountain of a man at nose tackle, and he controls the point of attack for the Patriots. He commands two blockers on every play, and he paves the way for everyone else behind him. Last year, Wilfork finished with 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, five pass deflections and two interceptions, and those numbers don’t begin to show his value. He is big and strong, and it takes a group of people to slow him down. Wilfork makes plenty of his own plays, and he makes life much easier for everyone else on defense.
3. Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
Any defensive tackle that finishes a year with 66 tackles and 10.0 sacks has had one heck of a season, and those are the numbers Suh posted as a rookie. His talent is undeniable, but he slumped a bit as a sophomore, being labeled a “dirty” player and being suspended for a cheap shot against the Green Bay Packers. While his attitude may have crossed the line at times, his intensity has also been a good thing for a franchise that has been famous for losing for more than a decade. Suh needs to figure out a balance between his talent and his aggression, but his upside is off the charts.
4. Ahtyba Rubin, Cleveland Browns
Playing for Cleveland has kept his name out of the headlines, but Rubin’s last two seasons have been remarkable. He is one of the most-active and productive defensive tackles in the NFL, and he has topped 80 tackles in each of the last two years. Rubin has combined for seven sacks in those seasons, as well, but it is his nose for the football that separates him from many of the players at his position. Topping 80 tackles is a solid year’s work for a linebacker. The fact that Rubin gives the Browns that type of production from the defensive end spot makes him one of the best in the game.
5. Darnell Dockett, Arizona Cardinals
Steady, solid production has been Dockett’s calling card throughout his eight-year career in the NFL. Like and good defensive tackle, Dockett helps control the line of scrimmage and often commands double teams from opposing offensive lines. However, he also brings a playmakers mindset to the position. Docket has topped 50 tackles in three straight seasons, and in two of those years he more than 40 unassisted tackles. Dockett can basically be penciled in for 50-plus tackles and around five sacks.
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