NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan continued his player rankings with the top-25 pass-rushers where sacks were factored into the analyzation process with pressures, having a complementary player on the opposite side, protection schemes and consistency, but ability to defend the run was not included.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley both received high rankings. Harrison was in Group A, the first group of five, while Woodley was placed in Group B. The pass-rushers among Kirwan’s list included 14 ends in four-three schemes, 10 outside linebackers in three-four schemes and one tackle.
The top 10 pass-rushers all were designated with sideways arrows or players who have maintained their status, while Groups C and D were dominated by rising stars who should crack the top 10 in the next year or two.
Joining Harrison in Group A were Minnesota end Jared Allen (four-three), Indianapolis end Dwight Freeney (four-three), Chicago end Julius Peppers (four-three) and Dallas outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (three-four).
Kirwan wrote that Harrison “is a tremendous fit in the Dick LeBeau’s defense and comes after the quarterback with such violence. He has 36.5 sacks since 2008 (and) 18 forced fumbles and 10 passes defended reminds all of us how relentless he can be when getting after the quarterback.”
Along with Woodley in Group B were Atlanta end John Abraham (four-three), Philadelphia end Trent Cole (four-three), end Justin Tuck from the New York Giants (four-three) and Houston end Mario Williams (four-three). Kirwan noted that “Harrison gets most of the notoriety, but Woodley’s 35 sacks since 2008 stacks right up there.”
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