Further down this list are some recently-drafted players that have shown signs of promise but don't have an extensive track record. I was reluctant to move them up to a higher spot because of how many players that ended up on the list of busts had a decent rookie or sophomore season and then did nothing during the rest of their career.
For the No. 2 spot on this list, I am making an exception to my reluctant ways for Ndamukong Suh, the second overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Suh had a rookie season that few defensive tackles in the history of the NFL can match, recording 66 tackles, 10 sacks, an interception and a fumble return for a touchdown. Here is the list of awards/honors he received for his outstanding play during the 2010 season:
- AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010)
- NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year (2010)
- Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year (2010)
- Pro Bowl selection (2010)
- First Team All-Pro selection (2010)
- Sporting News Rookie of the Year (2010)
- Pro Football Weekly Rookie of the Year (2010)
- Pro Football Writers of America Rookie of the Year (2010)
Suh's potential both on and off the field (as an ambassador for Detroit and in general a role model) is through the roof. Already he has drawn comparisons to Reggie White and has been called the piece that is "critical to building a champion in Detroit." He is considered one of the top DTs in all of football after only one season, which shows how great he played last year.
While the future will ultimately determine whether or not Suh keeps this spot on the list, I like what I've seen so far enough to put him at No. 2 after only one season. Already he has shown more potential than many top five picks ever do, so I feel comfortable betting on Suh doing even more great things down the road.
Previously: No. 10 Sammie Hill, No. 9 Brandon Pettigrew, No. 8 Louis Delmas/DeAndre Levy, No. 7 Cory Redding, No. 6 Dominic Raiola, No. 5 Shaun Rogers, No. 4 Cliff Avril, No. 3 Jeff Backus
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