By Tim Graham
A countdown of my top 25 AFC East players continues, one weekday at a time ...
The choice
As a rookie, Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Marcell Dareus led the team with 5.5 sacks. That also led the NFL for players who primarily played 3-4 nose tackle. Dareus started 10 games at nose tackle and five at defensive end.
The Bills are moving a 4-3 and will have some incredible talent around Dareus they didn't have last year. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kyle Williams is back from injury. Free agents Mario Williams and Mark Anderson will set the edge.
That setup -- plus a year of NFL experience -- will make it tough for opponents to concentrate on stopping Dareus. ProFootballFocus.com credited him with 24 quarterback hurries, sixth in the league among all defensive tackles.
Fast fact
Dareus was named NFL defensive rookie of the week for his performance against the Washington Redskins. He notched 2.5 sacks, the most by a Bills rookie since Cornelius Bennett in 1987.
How acquired
Selected in the first round (third overall) of the 2011 draft.
Hint about No. 22
If not for injuries, he'd be considered a fantasy superstar.
Picks to date
23. Marcell Dareus, Bills defensive tackle
24. Antonio Cromartie, Jets cornerback
25. Eric Wood, Bills center
