This is my first post for the defensive side of the ball in the player recap series. Fittingly, it starts with the men up front: the defensive linemen. I only picked 5 of them to breakout last year, but it should be interesting to see how they fared as some of them might have been picked a year too soon.
Gaines Adams Buccaneers:
What I said: Adams had a solid rookie year as he had 38 tackles and 6 sacks but at the end of the year, he showed why he was a top 5 pick in the draft. Adams started to get off the edge faster and learned how to use his great size and speed to create mismatches for his opponents. If Adams continues to improve, he could be in for a trip to Hawaii in the near future. Don't be surprised if Adams gets at least 10 sacks this year.
Now: Adams' second season was almost identical to his first. He had the same amount of tackles with 6.5 sacks and two interceptions. This should be the year where he takes the next step where he reaches double digit sacks and possibly makes the Pro Bowl.
Hit or Miss: Push
Ray Edwards Vikings:
What I said: Edwards has the skill set to be a dominant defensive end in the league. He is 6'5 268 pounds and has 4.8 speed. Last year Edwards had 5 sacks but now with Jared Allen across from him and Kenechi Udeze out for the year, Edwards has a chance to shine. Don't be surprised if Edwards gets at least 10 sacks.
Now: Edwards didn't have double digit sacks like I predicted, but he did have his best year statistically of his career with 50 tackles and 5 sacks. Edwards will continue to be the beneficiary of Jared Allen double teams so it's only a matter of time until he is one of the league's sack leaders.
Hit or Miss: Push
Brodrick Bunkley Eagles:
What I said: Bunkley started to show in his second year why he was worthy of a 1st round pick in 2006. He has incredible strength and the size to clog up the middle of the line. Bunkley has lost some weight this offseason and with the additions on the Eagles defense of Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel, Bunkley could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player very soon.
Now: Bunkley didn't make the Pro Bowl, but he continued to be a huge presence on the inside. The Eagles have proven to be among the NFC's elite and if the defense plays well look for Bunkley to get his fair share of credit.
Hit or Miss: Push
Jovan Haye Buccaneers:
What I said: In his first year starting, Haye was very impressive as he had 68 tackles and 6 sacks. With the development of Adams and the core of the Bucs defense intact, there is no reason to doubt that Haye could have an even better season in 2008.
Now: After impressing his first year as a starter, Haye took a step back in 2008. He only had 33 tackles and went from six sacks to zero in the course of a year. Haye was picked up by the Titans this offseason and now has an excellent opportunity to fill the very large footsteps that Albert Haynesworth left behind.
Hit or Miss: Miss
Marcus Thomas Broncos:
What I said: If not for legal troubles, Thomas would have been a first round pick in 2007. Instead he fell to the Broncos in the 4th round and if he lives up to the first round hype, the Broncos will be very happy. Thomas impressed at times last year as he had 19 tackles and a sack in 5 starts. Thomas should show lots of flashes of stardom this year, but look for him to really breakout in 2009.
Now: Thomas started every game in his second season and while he wasn't as dominant as I thought he would be, he still showed flashes of stardom. Look for Thomas to be a key contributor on a Broncos team that's really looking to improve its defense.
Hit or Miss: Miss
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