Ranking the NFL’s Top Five Defensive End’s

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A defensive end is arguably the most important position on a defense. They have several jobs to take care of, but their number one job is to disrupt the quarterback in any way possible. When looking around the league, lets take a look at the NFL’s top five defensive ends according to Ramblin Fan.

1) J.J. Watt

What is their to say about J.J. Watt. He is the best defensive end in the NFL by a long shot. The 100 million dollar man has two NFL seasons of 20 or more sacks and will likely have several more before his career is over. The Wisconsin product is huge, but has the speed and agility to lineup just about anywhere on the field. Watt may be the best pass rusher of all time. Yeah, I said it.

2) Robert Quinn

As a surefire starter, Robert Quinn  of the St. Louis Rams is making a name for himself as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL. Standing at 6-4,264 pounds, he has a rare mixture of speed, power and uncommon length. Those tools combine to make him one of the most consistent producers in the league. Quinn had a solid 2014 season, when he added 11 sacks, 15 hits and 27 hurries in what would be considered a down year statistically. Quinn’s ability to win with speed, power or technique makes him an almost-perfect pass-rusher. Quinn is also a very underrated run stopper. His 33 stops in 2014 show that when teams do run off his side, he’s able to stick his nose in and stop the ball.

3) Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett, another NFC West product is one of the most versatile players in the NFL. At 6-4, 274 pounds, Bennett is rarely unable to get around any offensive lineman. His ability to rush the quarterback from the edge or inside is a huge asset. Bennett can get pressure in either a 3-technique or as a true defensive end. His combination of quickness and power makes him nearly unblock-able for long stretches. In 2014, he had 53 quarterback hurries tied for the most in the league. Bennett is a solid tackler, too,accounting for 31 stops and showing he can come off blockers to close on running backs.

4) Mario Williams

Mario Williams at 6-6, 292 pounds is one of the biggest defensive ends in the NFL, and he uses his size to his advantage. Williams, tied for fourth in the NFL with a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2014, and is one of the most complete players at his position.His size has not effected his freakish athletic ability, and is able to win with his speed around the edge, while he is also strong enough to overpower blockers and highly skilled at using his hands to shed blocks. Williams is almost always lined up against the right tackle in Buffalo’s defense.Entering the 2015 season at 30 years old, Williams has shown no signs of slowing down and continues to be among the NFL’s elite edge defenders.

5) Everson Griffin

At 6-3, 273 pounds, Everson Griffen is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the NFL.Griffen had an impressive 2014 campaign, adding 11 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 40 quarterback hurries. On top of his great pass rushing ability, Griffen has the size and power to stop the run effectively as well. Playing right defensive end, he’s often on the backside of the run, but Griffen does an excellent job of pursuing down the line and squeezing down on cutback lanes. His 44 solo tackles in 2014 were among the best for 4-3 defensive ends.