16. Cameron Wake,
OLB, Miami Dolphins
When you start to break down the performance of Camerwon Wake, you understand
his need for a new contract. One of the top pass rushers in the league, Wake
finished 2011 our highest-ranked 3-4 outside linebacker with the best grade of
all his peers as a pass rusher. He proved that you really need to look beyond
sack numbers when judging the impact a pass rusher has. As good as Wake is in
the passing game, it’s overlooked that he is able to get off blocks and make
plays in the run game–his run defense was initially a concern when he
transitioned to an every-down role. Keeps getting better.
Best Performance: Week 15 at Buffalo (+5.7)
Key Stat: His 81 combined sacks, hits, and hurries was the
second-highest total of all defensive players.