Which defensive players make up the cream of the crop at their respective position? NFL Network analysts Solomon Wilcots and Rod Woodson unveil their top 5 at each defensive position. Read, watch and tell us if you agree -- or if you think our guys are out of their minds.
Cornerbacks
Woodson's take: "He's going to go to both sides of the football field, he's going to find the best receiver and he's going to cover him. That's one thing that a defensive coordinator loves, because you can start rolling to the other side, you can start comboing everybody else."
Fan's take: "Revis is the best in the league because he can cover any receiver and on any side of the field. Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Chad Ochocinco ... you name 'em, he can cover them. Oh, by the way, combined of all the good receivers he let up 30 catches, 311 yards, and 2 td's. Nuff said." -- Jetsdr24
Your take: Of all the corners on this list, Darrelle Revis performed the best last season by consistently shutting down the league's top receivers. But does he deserve to be No. 1 with just two years of elite play? Does someone like Champ Bailey, who has been getting the job done at a Pro Bowl level for much longer, deserve to be on this list? Tell us what you think.
Defensive ends
Wilcots' take: "He will force the offensive coordinator to change their gameplan (and) he has relentless speed. He can also play the run so he's really good at doing both very well. He'll attack you with speed and power. I think he's one heck of an athlete. He also can play outside linebacker in a 3-4."
Fan's take: "No one, and i repeat NO ONE, is better than D-Ware (DeMarcus Ware) at what he does. (Jared) Allen prob should be #2 and (Dwight) Freeny #3 but Ware is without a doubt the best" -- Spyronite
Your take: You can argue that DeMarcus Ware is more of a linebacker, but when he lines up on the edge, he's as hard a player to stop as any. Then again, Dwight Freeney is a true full-time defensive end and has been getting it done for years. Chime in with your thoughts.
Safeties
Woodson's take: "I thought I gambled a lot, but this guy really gambles a lot and it pays off for a Super Bowl team. He studies the film and he makes quarterbacks pay. He's very deceitful to a quarterback, because he can show them one thing and he'll give them another."
Fan's take: "Troy Polamalu would've been #1 if it wasn't for his injuries. Ed Reed had three picks all season, Troy had three and he only played like four games, so Polamalu will be back on top next year." -- Steelcity6x
Your take: There are too many quality safeties to narrow this list down to just five. If Bob Sanders had been healthy he probably would have been deserving as well. Now it's your turn. Who should be on this list?.
Inside linebackers
Wilcots' take: "He can run, hit, cover, is a wicked tackler. He can wreck your gameplan -- just ask the San Diego Chargers. Over 1,000 career tackles, 36 sacks, 28 career interceptions."
Fan's take: "No one is better than Patrick Willis. Ray Lewis is still great but he isn't better than Willis. Solomon Wilcots, you need to fix this problem, and how can you say by far. You are the only guy who would put Lewis ahead of Willis." -- Willisrules52
Your take: Ray Lewis is no doubt the inside linebacker of his generation and can still get it done at age 35. But the immense production from the likes of Jon Beason and Patrick Willis is too much to ignore. Also, here's another case of injuries making an impact. Brian Urlacher's stock has fallen. You decide. Who belongs at No. 1?
Defensive tackles
Jeff Saturday's take: "I think he could play free safety. He's got that kind of athletic ability. When he lines up off the ball somehwhat, in a flex position, he will bring all 340 pounds to you. He's an absolute monster."
Fan's take: "Good to see big Jenk getting some recognition at #3 Nick Mangold has said that Wilfork is the best in the league, he's facing Ngata this season, wonder if he'll change his mind." -- mouldy300
Your take: Guest host Saturday somehow managed to squeeze seven players into a top-five list, yet he could have made the argument for at least three more guys to be on here. We'll take his word on Vince Wilfork since he plays him every season. But what about huys like Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers? Let us know if you think they deserve to be on here.
