Those rankings seem pretty high for Mangold and Vilma. While they're both great, I don't think either is the second best at their respective position. They both have the potential to be, and should definetly be top-5 but I'm not sure they're there yet (especially Mangold; you could've made a good case for Vilma being the 2nd-best MLB in football before last season). As for Rhodes, glad he got some recognition and he deserves to be on the list.
So Vilma is one Brian Urlacher away from being the best ILB in the league? He's good, but I find that ranking hard to agree with. Mangold is not #2 yet, but another year like his rookie season will put him there by the end of this season. Rhodes' ranking is fine, given he continues at his current rate. We sure seem to be gaining a lot of praise this offseason. The "no respect!!111!" threads have been kept quiet. Don't know if that a good or bad thing... >_>
Most of this ratings are just BS. Vilma and Mangold are way to high on that list. And for Rhodes, it?s tough, is he really already better than Polamau, Bob Sanders and Roy Williams. I don?t know.
More love for the Jets Peter Prisco ranks the top 5 guys at their position http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/positional-rankings/OFF/C Center: Olin Kreutz, Chicago: He's been topping this list the past few years. He keys that Bears rushing attack. 2. Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets: In his rookie season, he showed why he will be a perennial Pro Bowl player. 3. Jamaal Jackson, Philadelphia: He has power and quickness, which you need at the position. He's an emerging player. 4. Tom Nalen, Denver: He's getting up in the years, but he still keys the Denver run game. His ability to move is vital in the Denver blocking scheme. 5. Kevin Mawae, Tennessee -- For a young line, he was just what they needed. Vince Young should be happy he has him. Next best: Andre Gurode, Dallas -- He is a tough, quick player who helps key the Dallas run game. He can also play guard in a pinch. Safety: 1. Ed Reed, Baltimore: A big-time hitter who can cover the field. Like teammate Ray Lewis, he's slowing down, but he's smart, anticipates plays, has good range and reads quarterbacks as well as anyone in the game. He's also a great technician and a team leader. 2. Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia: Two years ago, he was supposed to be slipping. Yeah, sure. He might not have the quickest feet, but so what? He's smart, anticipates plays and rarely is caught out of position. He's also the quarterback of a defense that propelled the Eagles to division championships five of the past six years. 3. Adrian Wilson, Arizona: Pete loves this guy, and I can see why. He's murder on quarterbacks, whether it's sacking them or picking them off. He's physical, has outstanding speed and decent range. Plus, he's a hard worker. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last season, and it's about time. 4. Dawan Landry, Baltimore: The brother of Redskins' rookie LaRon, he is smart, physical and instinctive. He's OK in coverage, but, at 220 pounds, is a force in the box. I was reticent to put him here, but I had a couple scouts insist that he belongs. "He plays like a seasoned vet," said one. 5. Kerry Rhodes, N.Y. Jets: He's a secret outside of New York, but that won't last. Rhodes has great size, good range and good speed. He's also fluid, able to turn out of his backpedal to cover a deep receiver. The Jets kept moving people in and out of the position until he showed up, and watch him. You'll discover why. Next best: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh -- I would've liked to have had him higher, Steelers' fans, but he just didn't have a good season. I know, he played hurt. The guy is tough, but he didn't play well. He makes it here because he's someone opponents must watch. He's physical, can cover the field and is the leader of the Pittsburgh defense. Inside Linebacker 1. Brian Urlacher, Chicago: Once, I thought he was overrated. Not anymore. He's one of the most disruptive forces on any defense. He can rush. He can drop into coverage. He pursues. He tackles. He punishes ball carriers. Plus, he's a team leader. In short, he's does it all. One of today's elite players. 2. Jonathan Vilma, N.Y. Jets: He was supposed to be hurt by the Jets' move to a 3-4, and he was. At times it seemed he was lost out there. Still, he produced a team-high 116 tackles, the second consecutive year he led the Jets. He's athletic. He's a sure tackler. And he's outstanding in coverage. 3. Ray Lewis, Baltimore: He's a step slower than he was and can be taken out of plays. Nevertheless, he's still better than most of what's out there. The guy plays with a rare passion and ferocity, is instinctive and still has big-play ability. But this is what's most impressive: He led the Ravens in tackles despite missing two games. 4. DeMeco Ryans, Houston: I'm reluctant to put rookies in here, but this guy is too good to be left off any list. He led the Texans in tackles with 156, including 126 solos, and was the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year. He's physical, good at blitzing and airtight in coverage. Most important, he's productive. 5. Antonio Pierce, N.Y. Giants: All he does is make plays. He had a career-high 132 tackles last season for the Giants, but that's not what makes him special. He diagnoses plays, is a good blitzer and works well in space. Plus, he has a solid work ethic. In short, he can do virtually everything. Next best: Lofa Tatupu, Seattle -? In two years, he's made an impact on the Seahawks, leading the club in tackles both seasons and helping to settle a defense that was a liability. He has good range, is decent in coverage and can attack the pocket. Mostly, he's a sure tackler, something the Seahawks were missing for years. Let me just say that after arguing for a month w/ my friends who are not Jets fans, that Rhodes is a borderline top 5 safety, this is awesome to see.
I love seeing Mangold ranked 3 higher than Mawae. I don't know if he is #2 yet, but he is getting there. Vilma is pretty high too. Is Prisco RobA?
I would have put Vilma n Mangold lower but its great to see we finally get any recognition. Hopefully we can see a Darrelle Revis on a list like this in the future
I wonder if champ will constantly quote this article three years from now since it's actually a positive review of Vilma. He keeps quoting things he thinks he's heard (like Coker supposedly bashing Vilma) but I wonder if he'll quote this one since it's actually something we can all read
did someone slip Prisco a mickey? this guy usually tears us apart. I could not believe what i was reading
this guy has no idea what hes talking about....vilma in a 4-3, yeah hes probably a top 5 player, but not in the 3-4, no way, not top 5.....mangold, number 2 already??? i love the guy, great player and probably will be up there soon, but not right now......but i do agree with rhodes if fred taylor is his number 5 back in the entire NFL....SOMETHING IS WRONG...haha, he wouldnt even be in my top 10, probably not top 15 so this guy could be on crack
I think he's rating Mangold high based on potential and the fact that he did so well as a rookie. Clark Judge was the one that rated the defense. I agree with Kurt about where I'd rate them, although I think I'd only rate Vilma at #5 in a 4-3 alignment.
I don't think Rhodes is up there in terms of experience and on-field impact yet, but I think in the next season or two he's going to rocket past all three of them and will be fighting it out with Ed Reed for the next few years for the #1 spot. He amazes me whenever I see him play.
Comeon Vilma should not even be in the top ten after last year performance. J Vilma couldn't hold Kirk morrison jock strap. Lets see Troy Polamalu drops because of the year he had. Hello did this guy watch J Vilma play last year.
