Defensive Tackles Who Should Get Starter Consideration
Albert Haynesworth/Tennessee Titans/UFA - At times, the seven-year pro has
proven to be the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. Haynesworth has
shown to be very disruptive against opposing offenses and he's capable of moving
to end to provide versatility as a pass rusher. The Titans can't use their
franchise tag on him again this season since he played in 60 percent of the
defensive snaps. If Tennessee can't reach a new deal with him, he'll likely be
the most sought after free agent this year and he can play in just about any
defensive scheme.
Rocky Bernard/Seattle Seahawks/UFA - He turns 30 in April, but the seven-year
pro has started 44 games in the last three seasons and he offers good pass
rushing skills as an interior lineman.
Jovan Haye/Tampa Bay Buccaneers/UFA - He's started 30 games in the last two
seasons and Haye has plenty of upside. He should attract plenty of attention in
free agency and could yield a significant deal.
Kedric Golston/Washington Redskins/RFA - Here's an underrated player who most
don't know about. The former sixth-round pick should yield at least a
third-round tender, but still could receive interest from other teams because
he's a solid run defender.
John Thornton/Cincinnati Bengals/UFA - The veteran lineman is a decent run
defender and still should have a few good years left as a starter despite his
age (turns 33 in October).
Others Who Could Find Interest For Backup Purposes
Tank Johnson/Dallas Cowboys/UFA - Earlier in his career, Johnson was
seen as a starter and a player with upside. However, he only started two games
for Dallas in his two seasons so his role in the future is in question. The good
thing is he's only 27.
Grady Jackson/Atlanta Falcons/UFA - He turns 36 soon and he might be a
biscuit away from 400 pounds, but Jackson is still a solid run-stuffing lineman.
La'Roi Glover/St. Louis Rams/UFA - The veteran interior defensive
lineman turns 35 in July and probably would be best suited to handle a third
tackle role at this point in his career. Glover also offers solid leadership
qualities.
Shaun Cody/Detroit Lions/UFA - Cody is a slightly disappointing former
second-round pick that still has some upside. He probably fits in as a third
tackle.
Mike Wright/New England Patriots/UFA - Versatile defensive lineman who can play
end or tackle.
Larry Tripplett/Seattle Seahawks/UFA - The high-motor defensive tackle was cut
by Seattle last August. Tripplett is a serviceable third or fourth tackle.
Gabe Watson/Arizona Cardinals/RFA - He's basically a rotational nose tackle in a
3-4 scheme.
Darwin Walker/Carolina Panthers/UFA - Walker was once a solid starter, but at
this point in his career teams see him as a third or fourth tackle.
Colin Cole/Green Bay Packers/UFA - A serviceable third or fourth tackle.
Jimmy Kennedy/Minnesota Vikings/UFA - Here's another former first-round pick
that has bounced around. Kennedy fits in as a fourth tackle.
Ryan Sims/Tampa Bay Buccaneers/UFA - The former first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs fits in these days as a fourth tackle.
Kenderick Allen/Minnesota Vikings/UFA - The journeyman tackle missed the entire
2008 season due to injury.
Fred Evans/Minnesota Vikings/RFA - The former sixth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins has some upside as a fourth tackle.
James Reed/New Orleans Saints/UFA - The seven-year pro is basically a fourth
interior defensive lineman.