Top 10 2009 Defensive Players to Draft; NFL Fantasy Football

Here are the top ten defensive players to draft in fantasy football leagues where defensive players are used. Note: this is not a list of the best players defensively in the league, simply the ones that project to have the best fantasy stats for the 2009 season. There is no Jonathan Vilma, Lance Briggs, or Julius Peppers even though they dominate the league defensively, they do not necessarily put up the best fantasy stats. Here is my top ten defensive players to draft.

#10. Ed Reed S- Baltimore Ravens
Ed Reed has the best field presence of any defensive back in the game if not of any player period. Reed led the league with 9 interceptions and 3 defensive touchdowns in 2009. Although his 41 total tackles are lower than other defensive backs in the league, the touchdowns and interceptions more than make up for it.

#9. Patrick WIllis LB- San Francisco 49ers
Willis is a defensive monster, and the reason the 49ers could afford to ship Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions. Willis recorded a total of 141 tackles (109 solo, 31 assists), one interception, one touchdown, and 10 defended passes. If your league counts assisted tackles, Willis could be among the top five best performers. Even though he doesn't get the respect he deserves playing in San Francisco, Willis does get much deserved respect in fantasy football.

#8. Oshiomogho Atogwe S- St. Louis Rams
Atogwe has had three very productive seasons for the Rams and continues to improve. In 2008, he had 77 solo tackles, 5 interceptions, one touchdowns, and 6 forced fumbles. The Rams don't have much else in terms of defense, so Atogwe should have fantastic fantasy numbers once again in 2009.

#7. Gibril Wilson S- Miami Dolphins
Wilson had his best year in the NFL in his first and only season in Oakland. Now in Miami, Wilson will face a pass heavy schedule and have plenty of opportunities for interceptions and open field tackles. Even as a safety Wilson managed 134 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. With the Dolphins his numbers should range around that same range if not improve.

#6. Mario Williams DE- Houston Texans
We can finally admit that the Texans made the right choice by choosing Mario Williams over Reggie Bush and Vince Young. The talented young defensive end is turning into a pro bowler and putting up un-human numbers. 53 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in 2008 lands him the #6 spot in the top 10 defensive players to draft for 2009.

#5. Troy Polamalu S- Pittsburgh Steelers
Although Polamalu didn't have one defensive touchdown, a sack, or a forced fumble, he still managed 7 interceptions and 73 tackles. Polamalu give defenses headaches week after week and has a presence for the ball similar to that of Ed Reed. Polamalu may not always have the best season of any safety in the league, but he is dominant consistently and will put up solid fantasy numbers.

#4. Jared Allen DE- Minnesota Vikings
The best defensive end in the league is arguably Jared Allen and he puts up numbers to prove it. In '09 Allen had 54 tackles, 14.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, and caused two safety's. Allen causes havoc in the NFC Central and should have another pro bowl year. Allen is worthy of being the first defensive end taken for your fantasy league.

#3. DeMarcus Ware LB- Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware is the third best defensive player for the 2009 season, but I wouldn't second guess anyone who drafted him as their first defensive player pick. Ware had an amazing 20 sacks in '09. Add to that 84 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. I don't expect a repeat of twenty sacks, but the Cowboys will blitz just as much and he will have plenty of chances for tackles, forced fumbles, and up to 15 sacks.

#2. Barrett Ruud- LB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anytime a player puts up 137 tackles you can expect him to get league wide respect. Ruud also had 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. Ruud has gotten better every single year and put up more tackles each season. I don't know how can he cap top last years totals, but you have to expect him to get close. You want Ruud on your team for the '09 season.

#1. James Harrison- LB Pittsburgh Steelers
Harrison is hands down the number one player for the 2009 NFL Season. Harrison put up career highs in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles (101, 16, 7). Although Ruud and Ware can make a case, no one is worthy of taking the top spot from Harrison this season. Before taking any other defensive player, draft Harrison!