Multiple Miami Hurricanes Named in NFL’s Top 400
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Olivier Vernon
4-3 DE
"Vernon needs to deliver more pass-rush bang for the $85 million bucks he got as a free agent in 2016. So why is he so high on this list? Run defense. There isn’t a better play-side or backside run-stopping defensive end."
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Like his former college teammate Miller, Vernon began his career with the Dolphins and left in free agency after the 2015 season. Vernon joined the Giants in 2016.
Vernon had career highs with 11.5 sacks and 46 solo tackles with the Dolphins in 2013. He set a career high in total tackles last season with 64 and added eight and a half sacks.
Vernon earned first-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus in 2015. He earned second-team from the Associated Press last season.
Vernon was part of a Giants defense last season that ranked second in yards allowed and tenth in points. They were 23rd against the pass in yards allowed, but second in touchdown passes allowed.
The Giants were much better against the run. New York was third in rushing yards allowed and second in yards per carry.