50 best players in the AFC East

Rob Ninkovich

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) celebrates after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24.Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted in the 5th round by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Ninkovich watched his career sore once he joined the New England Patriots. Ninkovich spent his first season with the Saints before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2007 playing two seasons for the team. He briefly returned to the Saints ion 2008 before becoming a staple for the Patriots in 2009.

Ninkovich spent most of his first season in the NFL on IR with a knee injury suffered in the third game of the season. In July of 2007 he suffered another injury to the knee and was waived prior to the start of the season. He joined the Dolphins in September of 2007 and in appeared in the teams final four games after being inactive for the first 12. He had only two tackles in that season.

In 2008 Ninkovich converted to outside linebacker for the Dolphins and was promoted to the active roster in November. He was waived later that month and brought back to the practice squad where the Saints signed off of. In 2009 he was signed by the Patriots.

Since joining the Patriots, Ninkovich has become a vital part of their defensive unit. In his six seasons with the Patriots, he has started 74 of 95 games registering five interceptions, 35.5 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 229 tackles, and 156 assists.