2012 Season Prediction: Surprise Defensive Impact Player of 2012

[Ian]

In this thread feel free to discuss who you feel will be this year's surprise defensive impact player. Obviously as I mentioned in the other thread guys like Chandler Jones come to mind, but try and be creative and think of other guys who very quietly could end up being someone who make other guys around him better. Be creative with your answers, and feel free to debate the responses in this thread.

 

[102 Pat]

Alfonzo Denard gets my pick for the defence. I guess it all depends how much playing time he gets. I get the feeling he'll make an impact at some point this season.

 

[mgteich]

Scott.......

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Alfonzo Denard gets my pick for the defence. I guess it all depends how much playing time he gets. I get the feeling he'll make an impact at some point this season.

1. Ebner
2. Dennard
Distant 3rd. Forston

 

[doesntmatter1]

I feel in my gut that spikes is going to miss a game or two at some point and mike rivera will see some considerable amount of snaps in his place and keep this train moving.

 

[jah]

Tavon Wilson. Chung is obviously going to miss more than his fair share of games and this guy will take advantage.

I think Gregory will be even better than Wilson but I'm not going to call any starter a surprise impact player.

 

[mrscruff]

Like mgteich I think Scott could flash like Mark Anderson did last year. He has the quickness, and if the Patriots can get the O to fire out of the gate and jump out into an early lead, there will be plenty of pass rush opportunities. If Chandler Jones can draw double teams like he did in pre-season, I expect the sacks and disruptions to come from the opposite flank. Ninko would be my second choice here.

Honorable Mentions:
Similarly Forston could make a splash as he has a quick first step and could be given an opportunity as an interior rusher when the Pats are in nickel while Myron Pryor is on PUP.

In the secondary, I am hoping the Steve Gregory can be a stabilizing force, and though I don't expect many highlight plays, his impact could be the most beneficial.

And oh yeah, I forgot to mention.... predictions are not my strong point!

 

[Gostkowski for 3]

vince wilfork.

 

[resdubwhite]

hope Chandler Jones

I know. 1st rd pick and all that.

 

[robbomango]

1. Dowling
2. Ebner

 

[TheComeback]

Tavon Wilson

 

[BBass]

1. Tavon Wilson - Going to see a lot of snaps in the money position. His athletic ability went unnoticed but he is impressive.
2. Sterling Moore - He gambled a lot in preseason but I think he has outstanding ball skills and will see time backing on the outside.
3. Nate Ebner - Scary potential

 

[Creative Username]

Pat Chung's due for his breakout year.
I say this year... At least 4 INTs and he plays all 19 games (duh, we're going to the superbowl) and maybe 2 FF (The guy hits hard)

 

[brady199]

I'll say that guy everyone complained about drafting instead of Dunlap.

Also like the trendy pick of Ebner, but knowing how the pats operate, they'll probably IR him tonight and dash my dreams

 

[brady199]

Pat Chung's due for his breakout year.
I say this year... At least 4 INTs and he plays all 19 games (duh, we're going to the superbowl) and maybe 2 FF (The guy hits hard)

It would be a surprise to me if Chung didn't breakout, playing in the final year of his contract.

 

[Creative Username]

I'll say that guy everyone complained about drafting instead of Dunlap.

Cunningham?

 

[BBass]

I'll say that guy everyone complained about drafting instead of Dunlap.

Also like the trendy pick of Ebner, but knowing how the pats operate, they'll probably IR him tonight and dash my dreams

I like the Cunningham pick. I could see him having 8-10 sacks

 

[PrairiePat]

1. B Spikes
2. T Wilson
3. C Jones

 

[ausbacker]

Ras-I Dowling. Someone needs to play well at corner for the Patriots. I'm going with him.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

I going to say Love. It will be pick your poison with Wilfork in there and Love will take it to another level (than previous years) and aallow Wilfork more (1) Rest (2) positional opportunity where he can play end or line up in the middle (3) opportunity to make plays.