Ranking the 10 Best Players in the NFL

1. J.J. Watt, DE

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt had one of the most ridiculous seasons ever for a defensive player in 2012.

According to Pro Football Focus Watt had 76 combined sacks, hits and hurries. Considering that the Houston Texans play a 3-4 defense may lead some to believe these numbers are near impossible, considering the position that Watt plays in the Texans defense.

Whats interesting about Wade Phillips defense is that it’s based on one-gap principles, which allows the defensive linemen to be play makers instead of taking on blocks. This allowed Watt to become an elite defensive player and a nightmare for opposing offenses in both the run and the passing games.

Watt is going into his third season in the NFL and at a very young age the future looks very bright.  If Watt continues his high level of play that we experienced in 2012, we could be on the verge of watching one of the best defensive players to ever play in the NFL for the next decade.