One scout's take

Les Snead, Director of pro personnel for the Falcons, weighs in on the best run-stuffing linemen:

If I had to pick one, I'd pick Kris Jenkins over some of the fatter guys. You could talk about Ted Washington and heavier guys like that, but I think Jenkins has more range. He's probably a little more explosive, a little quicker, a little faster. He plays with natural leverage. He can shed and get off blocks, and he has that range where he can move a little bit. He can get up and down the line of scrimmage, where those heavier guys may keep the running back from going into the hole, but the back may run to the other side of the line.

You could make the case for the two guys in Jacksonville, Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. They work well together as a team, but singly they're not as good athletically as Jenkins. The Jaguars have developed a good run defense because they've got two of them, but I don't think one without the other is as good as Jenkins.

Sam Adams (6-4, 335), DT, Bills. Adams jams running lanes and has the power to dominate at the point of attack. He's almost impossible to block one-on-one and knows how to anchor himself against double-teams. He can beat blockers off the snap with an explosive burst.

Tim Bowens (6-4, 325), DT, Dolphins. Bowens lacks pass-rush skills, so his two Pro Bowl appearances speak volumes about his run-stuffing ability. His natural power overwhelms opponents. He often takes on two linemen, and guards talk about how impossible he is to move.

Kelly Gregg (6-0, 310), NT, Ravens. Gregg is on the small side but gets good leverage against opponents and might be the Ravens' strongest player. He knows how to position his body to absorb blows and get rid of defenders. He has great explosiveness upon impact.

Casey Hampton (6-1,325), NT, Steelers. Hampton is squat with thick hips and powerful legs, making it difficult for centers and guards to get leverage against him and move him in the middle. He's very quick and agile and often beats blocks to disrupt plays in the backfield.

John Henderson (6-7, 328), DT, Jaguars. Henderson is only in his third year and lacks seasoning, but he makes up for it with exceptional upper-body strength. He simply can't be moved out of the way and often shuts down running plays at the point of attack.

Shaun Rogers (6-4, 345), DT, Lions. Though he might not get statistical credit, Rogers has a knack for blowing up plays by quickly penetrating the backfield and forcing running backs to change direction. He has great strength and quickness and routinely draws double-teams.

Michael Strahan (6-5, 275), LE, Giants. Strahan gets more attention for his sack totals, but he also is one of the league's best run stoppers. He has good instincts, the strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen and the quickness to shed them and get to the runner.

Marcus Stroud (6-6, 312), DT, Jaguars. Almost impossible to move, he has outstanding athletic ability for his size and long arms. Stroud complements his size and skill with a mean streak that has led to fines from the NFL but is coveted by the coaching staff.

Ted Washington (6-5, 365), NT, Raiders. His massive frame, strength and ability to break down blocks make him a premier run stopper. By occupying at least two blockers on most plays, he frees other defenders to make plays. He lacks durability and could use more stamina.

Pat Williams (6-3, 317), DT, Bills. Williams has remarkable quickness and plays with good leverage. His strong hands help him keep blockers away from his body. He has good recognition skills and a knack for penetrating gaps and disrupting plays in the backfield.

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