Three players from the division appeared on Harrison’s Top 25 Under 25 list, and the five represented in Harrison’s most recent lineup was tied with the NFC East for the most in any division. (photo: Jack Newton, Flickr)
The Miami Dolphins led all teams with three picks, as safety Reshad Jones, punter Brandon Fields and newcomer Philip Wheeler all received nods at their respective positions.
Jones has been steadily stepped up his game the past few years, finishing off 2012 with four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 95 tackles total tackles, good enough for fourth on the team.
Fields led all punters in average yards per attempt (50.2) and was in the top third in the league in kicks inside the 20 yard line. Fields did lead the league in touchbacks, however, despite ranking in the middle of the pack in total attempts.
Wheeler, coming off a couple of strong years himself with both the Colts and Raiders, was signed to a five-year deal on the first day of free agency, with nearly half of his contract guaranteed money. He’s a ball hog with solid tackling ability that also tallied a personal best sack total in 2012 (3), as well as two forced fumbles.
New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley may be the most deserving on the list, rushing for the fourth-most single season yards in team history (1,263). Ridley was obviously overshadowed by Brady’s Pro Bowl season, though he certainly proved he can be a lead back with his 290 touches, which was sixth-most in the league, and 4.4 yard average.
Last but not least is Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who had a strong showing on the Bills’ line despite the team’s overall disappointing season. Williams came back from a 2011 foot injury to make the Pro Bowl for the second time, posting 5 sacks 46 combined tackles.
Here’s what Harrrison said of the five who made the cut.
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