NFL.com Ranks Fuller and Dadi Among 15 Best Returning Defenders

NFL ranked the 15 best defensive players in college football and both Kendall Fuller and Dadi Nicolas made the cut: http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000493191.

11. Dadi Nicolas, DE, Virginia Tech
Size: 6-4, 236
Class: Senior

Buzz: Nicolas gave some thought to entering the NFL draft early, and as a fourth-year junior with an undergraduate degree already in hand, nobody could have blamed him. Instead, he's back to terrorize ACC quarterbacks one more time. Last year, Nicolas made 72 stops with 18.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and an incredible 35 quarterback hurries. Expect him to finish more of those this fall. Beyond just rushing the passer, Nicolas has exceptional range as a tackler on the perimeter defending stretch plays. As a freshman in the Russell Athletic Bowl against Rutgers, he ran down a wide receiver from behind for a gain of 43.

7. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Size: 6-0, 197
Class: Junior

Buzz: The younger brother of 2014 Chicago Bears first-round pick Kyle Fuller, Kendall is filling his sibling's shoes nicely as one of the top cornerbacks in college football for the Hokies. He broke up a team-high 15 passes last season with two interceptions, giving him 26 breakups and eight picks for his two-year career. He'll be the best man-to-man coverage cornerback in the ACC this season and has the size to handle bigger receivers.