Pat Y rankings

[koolkatluke]

Ranking the NFC South linebackers

June 9, 2009 8:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

Time for the linebackers in our series of NFC South position rankings. I've lumped the outside linebackers in with the middle linebackers.

Four of the top five are middle linebackers with Carolina's Thomas Davis as the lone outside linebacker in the top five.

Jon Beason, Carolina. The best defensive player in the division.

Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans. Had a solid season last year, but should be much better with an improved defense around him.

Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay. The only proven building block as the Bucs overhaul their once-great defense.

Thomas Davis, Carolina. Has emerged as a playmaker after a rocky start to his career.

Curtis Lofton, Atlanta. Stood out in the middle as a rookie and will be counted on as an every-down player this year.

Stephen Nicholas, Atlanta. I see this guy as one of the division's breakout players this season.

Scott Fujita, New Orleans. Nothing fancy about him, but he does what the Saints ask.

Mike Peterson, Atlanta. Getting up there in age, but has something to prove after last year's clash with Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville.

Angelo Crowell, Tampa Bay. Bucs went after this guy hard in free agency, so he must be in the plans.

Na'il Diggs, Carolina. Doesn't stand out in any area, except he rarely makes mistakes and that's why the Panthers keep bringing him back.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, position rankings, Jon Beason, Jonathan Vilma, Barrett Ruud, Curtis Lofton, Stephan Nicholas, Scott Fujita, Mike Peterson, Angelo Crowell, Na'il Diggs, Jack Del Rio

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http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-12-38/Ranking-the-NFC-South-linebackers.html

I don't see how Nicholas made the list and is as high as he is.

[Peppa Jack Supreme]

No doubt The Beast is numero uno! I think that TD is primed for a huge year. He should best all his personal season records in the new defensive system.

[Nicbsbll2]

This list is pretty solid. Can't really argue where anyone was placed.

[TerriblePizza]

Jon Beason, Carolina. The best defensive player in the division.

Hell yes. I love how all three of our starting LB'ers are on the list.

[scpanther22]

contract time will be something to see..when resigning Beason and Davis

[N1kkadeemuz]

The best list he's made so far.

[rayzor]

i agree but i'm taking this ranking with a grain of salt...after all it did come from yas.

i'm thinking that not even he could mess this up, though. i'd put our LBs against any in the league.

[HSCBandit07]

He called Beason the best defensive player in the division, not just the best linebacker. Nice!

[Cpanthers5851]

i'd put our LBs against any in the league.

:iagree: