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Top 5 Louisville football players in the NFL to watch in 2016

By Derek Snyder

Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Franklin American Mortgage president Dan Crockett welcomes Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino to the presentation stage following the 2015 Music City Bowl against the Texas A&M Aggies at Nissan Stadium. Louisville won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Franklin American Mortgage president Dan Crockett welcomes Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino to the presentation stage following the 2015 Music City Bowl against the Texas A&M Aggies at Nissan Stadium. Louisville won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 15. . Defensive tackle. New Orleans Saints. Sheldon Rankins. 2

Sheldon Rankins has the opportunity to be a giant among men in the NFL during his professional career. He was unstoppable at the University of Louisville as he led the Cardinals in sacks in 2014.

Rankins joins a New Orleans defense who has struggled over the past four seasons. Last season. the Saints were almost last in every defensive statistical category there is. He will now be on a defense with Cameron Jordan; a special defensive force who is great at effecting the quarterback.

Rankins will come right in and play big minutes for the Saints in 2016. He may not put enough numbers to win the NFL’s Rookie Defensive Player of the year award, but he will definitely be in the conversation. As Sheldon Rankins becomes more productive, the Saints will start to win more battles up front and in turn, win more football games.

Don’t be surprised if Rankins makes the Pro Bowl his first year in the NFL. He always took advantage of his opportunities at Louisville and he will make the most of every moment in New Orleans.

Next: No. 1: Preston Brown

Rankins will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC South in 2016.

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