My Post-Draft Top 25 Defensive Rookies

Editor’s Note: Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be providing rankings galore here at DLF. Many articles (like this one) will be from one of our specialists in either offensive or defensive rankings. Our rankings pages  will be constantly updated to give you the average rankings of multiple writers from Team DLF as well. You also have access to our Rookie Draft Cheat Sheet.  One thing we really discourage is the “group think” mentality. Our goal is to provide you lots of different insights and opinions so you can make the most educated picks in your own draft. Good luck and thanks for your support of DLF!

The NFL Draft was full of excitement and that is now bleeding over to all of our rookie drafts that have already begun or will soon be beginning. I wanted to sketch out a quick map of the ideal players and their landing spots so you can gain the quick advantage in your leagues. While your rookie drafts may be a bit light on offensive firepower, the IDPs have some real superstar potential. These rankings are based on a little more premium on sacks for defensive linemen.

Here is my top 25:

1. Arthur Brown, LB BAL
Brown is a bit of a knucklehead off the field, but he can step right in and be a playmaker for the Baltimore front seven. If the linebacker was concern free, he would have been a top 15 pick. He should be this year’s and your team’s LB1.

2. Dion Jordan, DE MIA
Jordan is explosive off the line and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. With Cameron Wake on the other side, he will not be double teamed often and is solid against the run. If you need a defensive end, he is in the best position of his class.

3. Jon Bostic, LB CHI
Bostic is ideally suited to take over Brian Urlacher’s inside linebacker role. He might be battling newly signed DJ Williams for playing time to start the season, but I expect him to be starting by December.

4. Ezekiel Ansah, DE DET
Ansah is as raw as the day is long, but he impressed his Senior Bowl coaches enough to invest in him in the top five of the NFL Draft. Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli will find ways to get him and the rest of the Lions to the quarterback to protect their defensive backfield.

5. Barkevious Mingo, LB CLE
Mingo is an explosive player who is great at applying pressure to the quarterback. He is solid enough against the run and can cover tight ends and running backs in a pinch. I’m not sure what this means for Jabaal Sheard, but Mingo will be a key cog for Cleveland.

6. Manti Te’o, LB SD
Te’o is a good fit as an inside backer for San Diego. Donald Butler will be more of the thumper while the rookie can flow free to the ball and help out in pass coverage. He should rack up plenty of tackles as the Chargers will see plenty of time on defense.

7. Matt Elam, S BAL
Elam has big shoes to fill as he takes the place of Ed Reed. He is a physical playmaker, but can be a liability in coverage. I expect him to be more of a thumper.

8. Jarvis Jones, LB PIT
Jones may not see the field right away for the Steelers, but that is the Dick Lebeau way. He is a great pass rusher, who needs to play better against the run and in coverage. Both Woodley and Worilds have injury concerns, so he may get playing time early.

9. Kenny Vaccaro, S NO
Vaccaro is a ball hawk. He can cover the slot receiver as well as running backs in the flat. This safety plays physical enough to be a factor against the run, too.

10. TJ McDonald, S STL
McDonald is better in pass defense than against the run. He is a sure tackler, but is not dynamic in any regard. The young defensive back will play right away and should be quite active.

11. Dee Milliner, CB NYJ
Milliner will begin his career haunted by the Revis comparisons, but he has enough talent to become a solid CB1. With Cromartie on the other side, he will see plenty of action to accumulate a lot of stats for your fantasy team.

12. Desmond Trufant, CB ATL
Trufant is a gambler with a tremendous amount of athletic ability. He loves jawing with receivers and getting in their heads. By going against the Saints receivers, Steve Smith, and Vincent Jackson, Trufant will get a lot of attention in the pass happy NFC South.

13. Sylvester Williams, DT DEN
Williams does a great job clogging up the middle of the field while getting to the quarterback. He is solid against the run and will make Denver’s entire front seven better. He is my favorite DT in this class.

14. Alec Ogletree, LB STL
Ogletree reads the ball quickly, but over pursues at times. He is not at physical of a linebacker as you would like playing the strong side, but he is a good athlete who has enough speed and vision to recover.

15. Johnathan Cyprien, S JAX
Cyprien is a small school hard-hitter who plays well against the run. He can hold his own against tight ends and running backs in the passing game. I love him as a DB2-3.

16. Darius Slay, CB DET
Slay will probably be the most active corner in the league this year with Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler in his division. He will benefit from the rookie corner rule.

17. Kevin Minter, LB ARI
Minter is good at everything, but great at nothing. He will play beside all-world Daryl Washington so he will not receive much of the offense’s attention. I like him as a LB3-4 value.

18. Margus Hunt, DE CIN
Hunt, also known as the “Eastern Block,” is a huge man who is extremely raw playing football. He will begin his career as a situational pass rusher, but should grow into a starter. Hunt can play anywhere on the defensive front if needed.

19. Damontre Moore, DE NYG
Moore fell quite a bit after his abysmal Combine performance. He does not have the measurables (speed or strength) that most look for in a defensive end. The Giants saw enough of his playmaking ability to draft him, which is good enough for me. I would love to draft him as my DE4.

20. Zavier Gooden, LB TEN
Gooden is quick and athletic, but isn’t strong enough in the hole. He will play along Brown and McCarthy (if healthy). I like him in the later rounds as I am not convinced McCarthy can stay healthy so Gooden could slide over to his spot.

21. Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S ARI
Mathieu is an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands. He might be more suited to play a hybrid slot corner/free safety role. The troubled defensive back is a solid returner, but gambles way too much for my liking. This is the ultimate boom/bust pick, which is why I have him this late.

22. Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE SF
Carradine was hurt by being placed on a 3-4 team, but that hasn’t slowed down his teammate Justin Smith too much. He sheds blockers in his sleep and can get up the field, but he won’t have enough tackle numbers with the talented linebackers behind him swarming to the ball.

23. Bjoern Werner, DE IND
Werner, like his former teammate Carradine, was given a tough role as a 3-4 defensive end. He can hold down his position and shed would-be blockers on the way to the quarterback. Hopefully he will work on his hustle making plays on the other side of the field.

24. Kiko Alonso, LB BUF
Alonso has good vision, but is not as instinctive as most linebackers. He needs to get more physical with his style of play. I am not convinced that Alonso will ascend to the starter’s role, but he intrigues me enough to include him here.

25. Xavier Rhodes, CB MIN
Rhodes will be the most active cornerback in the NFL by defending against the high-flying Lions, Packers and Bears. He is a big physical press corner who will learn on the job quick.

Good luck in your rookie drafts. If you have any questions, please feel free to follow me and ask questions on twitter @AndrewMiley.