NFL Power Rankings: Earl Thomas and the Other 31 Safeties
By Erik Lambert
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) runs with the ball after a missed Miami Dolphins field goal during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Miami Dolphins won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
55. Problems at linebacker really made it difficult for Troy Polamalu to be himself last year but that didn’t stop him from reaching his eighth Pro Bowl, snaring two interceptions, two sacks and a whopping five forced fumbles. It’s hard to imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers without him.. S. Pittsburgh Steelers. Troy Polamalu. 5. player
Denver Broncos. T.J. Ward. 6. player. 45. Finally validated with his first Pro Bowl, T.J. Ward used it to land a solid new contract from Denver. Where he will earn that money is around the line of scrimmage. Ward had two sacks and ten tackles for a loss his final year in Cleveland along with 76 tackles. If running on the Broncos was hard before, now it will be impossible.. S
31. Things were up and down for most of 2013 for the New York Giants but one guy they knew they could count on was Antrel Rolle. The 31-year old safety turned in one of his finest seasons with six interceptions, 77 tackles and two sacks. It culminated in his third Pro Bowl appearance.. S. New York Giants. Antrel Rolle. 7. player
42. To snare four interceptions and defend 11 passes as a rookie is a testament to the talent Eric Reid has. The San Francisco 49ers had their eye on him from the very start during the draft and it’s easy to see why. More experience should only help him improve.. S. San Francisco 49ers. Eric Reid. 8. player