Jared Allen without question is the best end in the NFL. He rushes the passer just as good as anybody you'll see but what separates him from the rest of the pass rushing ends is that he stops the run like he plays DT. He's the perfect end and football player. He never takes a play off and never stops until the whistle. Supreme talent with supreme effort he's every coaches dream.
2. Julius Peppers
As my number two I got Peppers. Peppers is relentless against both the run and pass as well although not quite as dominant against the run as Allen which is why I have him 2nd. But Peppers can do it all including pass coverage as he had 2 int. last year. He also led all end with 11 pass deflections proving that even when he's not getting pressure he's still giving effort and finding ways to contribute.
3. Justin Tuck
As u read earlier I had high praise for Allen's run stopping ability well the only 4-3 end that might be better against the run is Justin Tuck who is probably the best 4-3 end run stopper in the NFL as he led the position in tackles with 76 which is ridiculous for a 4-3 end. Tuck also rushes the passer very well as well. For all of you thinking Freeney or someone else should be ahead of Tuck I say Tuck had the most tackles and 3rd most sacks and not to mention the six forced fumbles. As a cowboys fan I know all to well how disruptive Tuck can be trust me when I tell you this isn't to high for him.
4. Robert Mathis
I'll give you a minute to get over the shock of seeing mathis on the list before Freeney. Now that that's over yes Robert Mathis is the Colts best end now. Probably one of the fastest ends as well as far as pure speed goes. Not only did Mathis have more sacks than Freeney last year he had 40 more tackles as he's made a legit effort to improve his ability to defend the run. Mathis just blows by defensive ends with his incredible quickness. He's probably faster than most linebackers and some safeties.
5. Trent Cole
Trent Cole is another complete end that does more than just rush the passer. He's the leader of an agressive Eagles defense as he is extremely disruptive on both passing and running plays. Trent also has a strong repertoire of moves in his arsenal from rips and spins to the bull rush he's a legit top 5 end.
6. John Abraham
John Abraham had a great season last year as he led all Defensive lineman in sacks last year and was a big part of the Falcons becoming an elite football team. I'd say Abraham is an above average run defender. But he definitely is top 5 when it comes to rushing the passer. Abraham has been doing it for a long time but because of injury over the last couple seasons has sort of been forgotten about as a elite pass rusher but showed what he can do when he's fully healthy.
7. Dwight Freeney
Dwight Freeney without question is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Probably top 3 as far as 4-3 ends are concerned and one of the best of all time as he should eclipse 100 career sacks next season as he's only 6 away. But Freeney isnt the Freeney he was a couple years ago. Not only that his skills against the run are still as pedestrian as ever as when u watch him play he seems to want no part of that part of the game. Still even without stopping the run the man is a lock for 10 sacks or more every year which is why he's top 10.
8. Osi Umenyiora
Some nagging injuries over the past couple years entering last season had taken Osi of the map as a premiere end but after a fairly healthy 2010 season I'd say he's still a top 10 end. As is the case with anybody on this list he's a good pass rusher. And just like his teammate Tuck he's solid against the run. But Osi is just disruptive as his 10 forced fumbles last season showed.
9. Elvis Dumervil
10. Charles Johnson
Dumervil was an elite pass rusher the year before but didnt get to play last season due to a season ending injury. Also the Broncos have switched to a 4-3 and he's not gonna be moved to end which is why he's on this list. We all know what Dumervil can do and when Healthy he's probably top five on this list but until I see how he comes back from his injury this is as high as I can put him.
10. Charles Johnson
In his 1st season as the leader of the Panthers D-Line Charles Johnson showed his worth. He was the reason the Panthers felt comfortable letting Peppers hit free agency and he delivered as he was 3rd among end in sacks. Also had over 50 tackles. He gets it done a little differently than Peppers did as he's not as quick and athletic. But he is probably bigger and stronger and can simply overwhelm tackles at times.
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