The New York Times has been breaking down positions in the NFL this offseason and the best 10 players at each.

The latest list – inside linebackers – finds a familiar face to both the New Orleans and New York markets.

No. 10 is Jonathan Vilma, and “The Fifth Down” blog says, “Without him, the Saints’ run defense is well below average.”

New Orleans runs a 4-3 defense most of the time, so the team, obviously, can’t have more than one candidate, especially since Vilma hardly ever misses a defensive snap.

He finished the 2009 campaign with 130 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions and in the playoffs, recorded 14 tackles and an interception. He was most prolific in the Super Bowl, coming up with eight tackles in the Saints’ 31-17 win over Indianapolis.

Vilma, as you might recall, made our list of 10 Most Indespensible Saints. At least we at the EOSB aren't the only ones who believe he's invaluable.

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