SEC Defensive Player of the Year: Will Anderson still leads, and what do we do with Jordan Davis?

Alabama's Will Anderson stays atop the list, and we have issues knowing what to do with Georgia's Jordan Davis.

Jordan Davis photo courtesy of Georgia athletics.

Here's our list of the top 14 candidates for the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year. 

1. Will Anderson, LB, Alabama: An astounding 21 tackles for loss.

2. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia: Pro Football Focus continues to grade him as the team's best defender; Georgia credits him with 15 hurries.

3. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia: There's no question he's as dominant as anyone in the country when he's on the field, but he's played just 205 snaps. 

4. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn: Texas A&M tried to throw on him in bits and pieces and then thought better of it. 

5. Antonio Johnson, CB, Texas A&M: Plays the run well and doesn't allow big plays.

6. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia: 6.5 stops for loss and an astounding 24 hurries.

7. Kingsley Enagbare, DL, South Carolina: He's both consistent and durable (at least 40 snaps in his last eight games).

8. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia: A pick and six break-ups, and hasn't allowed a touchdown pass all year. 

9. Sam Williams, DL, Ole Miss: Tied with Anderson for SEC lead in sacks (10.5).

10. Michael Clemons, edge, Texas A&M: The Aggies' front's so good it's hard to know who to credit for what, but the numbers (7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 10 QBH, 1 FF) make a strong case.

11. Josh Paschal, edge, Kentucky: 11 stops for loss, six hurries and consistent play all season. 

12. Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama: Has been quite disruptive (6.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF).

13. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama: One of his two picks has gone for a score.

14. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M: His 8.5 stops for loss lead the Aggies.