21 - Bob Sanders

The AP gets it right for once. I rave about Patrick Willis, DeMarcus Ware, and Patrick Kerney because they are defensive beasts in the NFL week in, week out. There is one guy on the defensive side who we don't hear enough about, Bob Sanders. Patriot fans before you jump out of your seat and say "THAT'S THE ONLY GUY WE HEAR ABOUT," put your panties back on and settle down. The 5-8, 200lb. safety out of Iowa, same school that gave us former Heisman candidate, Brad Banks, literally has carried the Colts defense in the absense of Dwight Freeney. The AP awarded him with this years NFL Defensive MVP, and rightfully so. With 3 and 1/2 sacks, 97 tackles, and 2 interceptions Sanders played huge this year. After missing 12 games in 2006 and coming back just in time for the playoffs it was no surprise the once anemic Colts run defense came alive for four straight games in the postseason. 10 tackle performance against the Ravens, 6 against New England, and an interception to go along with his 3 tackles in the Super Bowl. Congrats Bob Sanders, YOUR THE MAN.