Crusader

So far, we have ranked the top running backs, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, tight ends, defensive tackles and wide receivers in the NFL. This week, we turn our attention to the league's best defensive ends.

Instead of straight rankings, this format will feature tiers so as not to be as arbitrary.

This is not a fantasy football cheat sheet, nor is it an attempt to predict which players will finish with the best statistics this season. The premise is which defensive end I would want for the 2013 season. Although statistics, scouting reports and other factors such as durability were considered, the criteria are based primarily on game film from the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Top shelf: J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan, DeMarcus Ware, Cameron Wake, Muhammad Wilkerson, Justin Smith

Watt's sack numbers are down from last season, but he's been the same disruptive force this season. His game against Seattle was one of the best of his three-year career. ... Previously a run plugger, Jordan leads all defensive ends in combined quarterback sacks, hits and hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. ... Even at age 31 there was no significant decline in Ware's get-off before his quadriceps injury.

Entering the season, Wake's career average of .915 sacks per start was the best among active players. He's just now returning to health after an early-season knee sprain. ... Wilkerson is filling the Jets' defensive superstar void left by the Darrelle Revis trade. ... Smith has bounced back just fine from last season's torn triceps.

J.J. Watt still atop ATL's defensive end rankings - NFL.com

W.T. Sherman is my favorite General. After all he did order Atlanta to be burned to the ground.

hagan714

Jordan is just now being turned loose to do his thing.

jeanpierre

It's the move to the 34 defense and the change in the assignment back or at least similar to what he did in college; experience, confidence, and communication have a big part of it as well...

dizzle88

It's weird to think how we could not generate much pressure the past couple seasons from the front 4 and through 6 games now I've almost become accustomed to seeing a defensive player getting round the tackle as the QB finishes his drop back.

Budsdrinker

We are still not running a 3-4. We still have 4 guys on the DL.

44Champs

We're running a lot of different formations including 43,34,and 355. I love the fact that ryan throws a lot of differnet looks out there.

dizzle88

Agreed, this has attributed to a few of the sacks when the O line dont know whos rushing the passer and whos dropping into coverage

Budsdrinker

What's a 355? 13 men? The only time I've seen a 3 man front is when we run the prevent which isn't working. We've run a lot of 4-2-5 and I'm willing to bet 95% of the D looks have been 4 on DL.

whybag

The mythical typo.

RaginCajun83

Yes 13 players on the field, shhhh don't let the refs know about our secret formation