[gmf1369]

No. 6: Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo is basically the definition of a "ball hawk."

This 6'1" inside linebacker is everywhere on the football field, and is perennially one of the league leaders in tackles, thanks to his 4.56 40-yard dash speed.

He ranks just ahead of David Harris of the Jets as the best inside linebacker in the division.

No. 5: Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins

Cameron Wake is a perfect example of why to never give up on your dream.

He went undrafted out of Penn State in 2005. He entered the Canadian Football League, where his performance could not be ignored.

No. 4: Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots

Vince Wilfork is a mountain of a man, perhaps a bit heavier than his listed weight at 325 lbs.

Wilfork is an integral part of the Patriots defense, as he can cause pressure with his potent strength or he can stuff the line with his massive frame and long arms.

His statistics are not as gaudy (excluding his impressive interceptions) as a Haloti Ngata or Kevin Williams, but he is just as important to his team's success.

No. 3: Sione Pouha, New York Jets

In Rex Ryan's 3-4 scheme, the New York Jets absolutely need a big-time run-stopper in the middle of the line. Sione Pouha is just that.

Pouha has made Jets fans forget about the injuries to Kris Jenkins, which ended his 2009 and 2010 seasons prematurely.

The 6'3" native of Utah often went unnoticed early in his career as a Jet, but put together a fantastic 2011 campaign which featured 58 tackles, 41 solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and all of this came as a nose tackle, while often taking on double-teams and penetrating the A-gap.

Pouha has developed into one of the premier nose tackle in the game, just ahead of the rival Vince Wilfork.

No. 2: Mario Williams, Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams entered the league amidst high expectations considering he was not only taken as the No. 1 selection of the Houston Texans in 2006 NFL Draft, but he was picked just before the highly touted Reggie Bush.

Williams has not disappointed, as he has compiled 53.0 career sacks to go along with 241 tackles. He set the Texans single-season sack record with 14.0 in 2007, and was an integral part in the rebuilding of the franchise.

No. 1: Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Darrelle Revis is not only the best cornerback in the NFL today, but arguably the best since Deion Sanders.

Quarterbacks have generally avoided "Revis Island" since his tremendous 2009-'10 campaign which saw him shut down the likes of Randy Moss, Chad Johnson (currently Ochocinco), Terrell Owens, Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson.

Last season was another dominant campaign from Revis who allowed only a single touchdown all season, which was by Stevie Johnson of Buffalo.

His completion percentage against of 41.2 percent was the lowest in the league, and he only allowed 35 receptions all season.

Revis has admitted sometimes he is forced to fight off boredom due to his lack of activity at times.

As long as Revis maintains his dominant level of play, he allows Rex Ryan more freedom in his defensive play-calling, because Revis is able to match up against the opponent's top receiver and essentially render him useless.

By Vinny Messana

[butterscotch]

The Beast has two of the six. I would love to get it to at least 4 of the six.



Long live the Beast

[Innocenti]

There's only 4 teams. I'm embarassed that we only got two of the six. I think Mayo is overrated though.

BTW, I'm proud of the fact that Brick owns Mario and Wake.

[bcr1]

revis
mark s
tim tebow
l landry
rex - jets 's head coach
tony s - jets 's new offedefense c

[gmf1369]

I'm happy that outta the top 6 we have two of the top 3 in Revis & Pouha... The others can go kiss it...

[sgreene23]

Im surprised Harris isn't on this, should be on rather than Mayo