NFL Power Rankings: League's Hardest Hitting Teams

So which defense in the NFL should have the bragging rights to be considered the hardest hitting team in the league?

Not only are these rankings based on the number of well-respected heavy-hitters that each defense has, but also the depth at each position. For example, the San Francisco 49ers have hard-hitting players at each level of their defense: defensive end, linebacker and safety.

The team's with only one notorious headhunter, but not a lot of talent surrounding him, will be ranked lower on the list.

Here's a list power ranking all of the hardest hitting teams in the NFL.

32. St. Louis Rams

Biggest hitter: James Laurinaitis

There haven't been very many reasons for St. Louis Rams fans to smile this year. Their team has been riddled with injuries on both sides of the ball, and there wasn't much talent on the roster to begin with.

James Laurinaitis and Chris Long are a couple of good building blocks to build this defense around, but it is still one of the worst defensive units in the NFL. One thing this defense lacks is physicality, especially in the secondary. Even though Robert Quinn, the St. Louis Rams' first-round pick last year, isn't a defensive back, it was a good first step towards beefing up the defense.

Laurinaitis is a very solid middle linebacker, but you don't want him to be the biggest hitter on the team.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest hitter: Jason Babin

Despite their incredible secondary, the Eagles do have a glaring weakness on defense. They are small, undersized and not physical at all.

The defensive line is stacked, though. With Trent Cole, Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins, they'll be a force to be reckoned with the longer they play together.

The secondary is full of star players who excel in coverage. Physicality is one aspect missing from that section in the defense, however, and Brian Dawkins could've made a huge impact if he was still in Philadelphia.

But the linebacking corps, on the other hand, is arguably one of the worst in the NFL. If anything, the Eagles will need to devote most of their attention towards improving their depth at linebacker this offseason.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest hitter: Paul Posluszny

Paul Posluszny was a nice free agent acquisition for the Jaguars this offseason. He has turned out to be the leader and the one bright spot on this Jaguars team in 2011.

Daryl Smith has had a nice season starting along side Posluszny, but other than that, the Jaguars don't have a lot of talent on defensive side of the ball.

29. Buffalo Bills

Biggest hitter: Nick Barnett

The Buffalo Bills lost their big hitter when they placed Shawne Merriman on the injured reserve earlier in the season.

Jairus Byrd and Leodis Mckelvin are a couple of talented defensive backs, but the defense lacks a true enforcer on defense. Shawne Merriman used to be that guy, and Paul Posluszny went to Jacksonville. Losing both of those guys completely depleted their already-thin linebacking corps.

Nick Barnett is having a nice renascence in Buffalo this year, but he might be the only player on the defense who can deliver a big hit on on a consistent basis.

28. Tennessee Titans

Biggest hitter: Chris Hope

After the Tennessee Titans lost Stephen Tulloch to the Detroit Lions, Chris Hope instantly became the defense's biggest hitter. Hope, however, has only played in nine games this season due to injury. He also might have lost his starting spot to Jordan Babineaux, who has played well during Hope's absence.

But when Hope is not on the field, the defense lacks physicality. This holds especially true when the team's leading tackler is the second starting cornerback.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hardest hitter: Gerald McCoy

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have themselves a very talented defensive line that will anchor their defense for years to come. Led by Gerald McCoy—who has missed the majority of the year due to injury—Adrian Clayborn, Da'Quan Bowers and Albert Haynesworth, this group could emerge as the best "D-line" in all of football one day.

But at the linebacker position, there isn't much depth on the roster. Mason Foster has had an excellent rookie season, but it certainly is the weakness on the defense.

26. San Diego Chargers

Biggest hitter: Shaun Phillips

Shaun Phillips used to be as good as it gets when he and Shawne Merriman were rushing the passer together in San Diego. Injuries have prevented him from ever getting it going in 2011, which is why his sack total only stands at 3.5 on the year.

Takeo Spikes has done a nice job holding down the middle linebacker position this year and leads the team in tackles with 98. Eric Weedle had a fantastic season after breaking the bank this offseason. His seven interceptions is enough to lead the league.

But outside of Phillips, there aren't too many players on defense who can bring the lumber.

25. New York Giants

Biggest hitter: Jason Pierre-Paul

Jason Pierre-Paul, along with Aldon Smith of the 49ers, could be the next big pass rusher in the NFL. He has 15.5 sacks on the season and is one of the more athletically gifted defensive ends in the league.

I don't know how they do it, but the Giants never seem to stop grooming elite talent on the defensive line. Pierre-Paul is just the latest phenom that they have grown.

But outside of the defensive line, the Giants lack depth at the other defensive positions. Although, I do like the way that Antrel Rolle has been playing safety this season. He currently leads the team in tackles with 88, which is impressive coming from the safety position.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Biggest hitter: DeMarcus Ware

There aren't too many things that are certain in the NFL, but DeMarcus Ware is the best pass rusher in the NFL. He's 6'4", 260 pounds and is unrelenting when he's chasing down the quarterback. His six straight years of at least 10 sacks certainly vouches for that. The only time he didn't reach that total was his rookie year in 2005, when he finished with eight.

Starting along side Ware in the Cowboys linebacking corps are Sean Lee, Bradie James and Anthony Spencer. All are considered to be vigorous tacklers.

But where the Cowboys lack depth is in the secondary. The corners are solid in coverage, but neither of their starting safeties, Gerald Sensabaugh and Abram Elam, are known for their heavy hits. 

23. Carolina Panthers

Biggest hitter: Jon Beason

It was unfortunate to see Jon Beason go down for the year during Week 1 of the season. Even though he's widely considered to be one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL, he still doesn't get talked about enough. Everyone's always talking about Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis, but Beason deserves to be mentioned in that same group.

The problem with the Panthers, though, is that Beason is really the only heavy hitter on the roster. There is talent; just not physicality.

22. Seattle Seahawks

Biggest hitter: David Hawthorne

If you haven't paid much attention to the Seattle Seahawks this year, you should know that there is some bright, young talent on their roster.

The duo of Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne is one of the better unknown linebacker tandems in the NFL. They have combined for 187 tackles this year and are one of the main reasons why they have a top-10 defense this year.

The main reason for their success, however, is because of their safety Earl Thomas. Due to his stellar rookie and sophomore campaigns in the NFL, it won't be much longer before he's breathed in the same sentence as Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

If you haven't gotten a chance to see him play yet, it will be worth your while to do so.

21. Oakland Raiders

Biggest hitter: Rolando McClain

Despite his recent head-scratching incident this offseason which resulted in this infamous picture, Rolando McClain is as physical as they come in the NFL.

By the way, try not to laugh when looking at that picture. I have no idea what was going through that man's head at the time, but I digress.

Fellow 'backer Kamerion Wimbley can hit, and Richard Seymour is a big man in the middle of the defensive line. But the Raiders don't have that impact player in the secondary to frighten wide receivers from crossing over the middle.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Biggest hitter: E.J. Henderson

E.J. Henderson is as violent as they come. He's a hard-nosed linebacker who won't shy away from a high-speed collision on the football field.

I think he's one of those players who feels uncomfortable when he's not hitting someone, and you shouldn't expect anything less from a linebacker in the NFL.

His teammate, Antoine Winfield, used to be very physical cornerback in his own right, but his age has caught up to him.

And when you think about the Minnesota Vikings defense, Jarred Allen should be the first thing to come to mind. He doesn't quite hit as hard as Julius Peppers from the defensive end position, but he's just as good at getting after the quarterback.

19. Cleveland Browns

Biggest hitter: T.J. Ward

T.J. Ward is simply a star in the making. The second-round pick out of the University of Oregon has already emerged as one of the more physical safeties in the NFL. There will be a time when we will be debating whether Eric Berry or Earl Thomas is the best safety in the NFL, but Ward's name won't be completely out of the discussion.

Ward is really the only heavy-hitter on the Browns defense, but Sheldon Brown, who delivered this hit on Reggie Bush, is currently the starting cornerback opposite of Joe Haden.

That has to count for something.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Biggest hitter: Pat Angerer 

I don't think anyone expected Pat Angerer to have the type of season he has had this year. He showed promise as an 11-game starter his rookie year, then exploded during his sophomore year by accumulating 137 combined tackles.

He has been one of the few bright spots on the Colts this season.

Antoine Bethea is also one of the more underrated players in the NFL, and he showed us his versatility this season by accumulating 129 tackles from the safety position.

And when a defense has Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis rushing from the defensive end spots, it has talent at all three levels of the defense.

17. Atlanta Falcons

Biggest hitter: Curtis Lofton

The Atlanta Falcons have an plethora of talent on the defensive side of the ball, and it all starts with the linebacking corps.

The duo of Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon is primed to become the next Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs; it will only be a matter of time. Lofton is already considered to be one of the better middle linebackers in the league, and Weatherspoon hasn't been around long enough to be appreciated yet. He soon will, however, after the type of season he's having right now.

John Abraham and Dunta Robinson are the other two standouts on this very deep Falcons defense.

16. New Orleans Saints

Biggest hitter: Roman Harper

The New Orleans Saints defense has playmakers all over the defensive side of the ball, but they aren't really known for their physicality.

That does not hold true for the safeties, however, since Roman Harper and Malcom Jenkins are two of the harder hitting defensive backs in the league. They are the reason why the Saints are ranked towards the middle of this list rather than the bottom.

Jonathan Vilma has had his fair share of backbreaking hits, but it's the safeties that exude the toughness on defense.

15. Miami Dolphins

Biggest hitter: Cameron Wake

The Miami Dolphins defense might not be flooded with big-name talent, but they are definitely a very physical bunch. Cameron Wake is a relentless pass rusher who has a big appetite for sacking quarterbacks.

His fellow linebackers, Karlos Dansby and Channing Crowder, also have the marks of being big hitters. This could be the most physical trio of linebackers in the NFL.

From the safety position, Yeremiah Bell has a reputation of delivering punishing blows. He could also be considered, along with Wake, the Dolphins' heavy hitter.

14. New England Patriots

Biggest hitter: Patrick Chung

The New England Patriots defense isn't the same defense from the Super Bowl seasons last decade. After they periodically lost players like Rodney Harrison, Tedi Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest, this defense has transformed into something that the 2007 Patriots defense would be ashamed of.

They rank dead last in pass defense this season and 17th at stopping the run. But despite their struggles, they still have players who do their fair share of jacking up opponents. Patrick Chung has earned the reputation of a hard-hitting safety, and Jerod Mayo is certainly a load as a 245-pound linebacker.

13. Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest hitter: Rey Maualuga

The Cincinnati Bengals defense is now a force to be reckoned with. They excel at stuffing the run—ranked fifth in the NFL—and their physicality is a direct result of this. When healthy, Rey Maualuga is physical as they come and easily the team's enforcer on defense.

Safety Reggie Nelson has been known to lay the smack down from time to time, and we all know the reputation that backup safety Taylor Mays has.

12. Denver Broncos

Biggest hitter: D.J. Williams

Everyone has been talking about Von Miller, the new star on the Broncos defense. Before Miller, everyone was talking about Elvis Dumervil.

D.J. Williams, however, is the linebacker who deserves a lot more credit than he actually receives. He is the biggest hitter on a Broncos defense that is cluttered with physical players.

In the secondary, Brian Dawkins is still alive and well and playing at a high level. Even though he's 38 years old, Dawkins is not the type of player who will ever shy away from any contact.

Maybe if they put Tim Tebow at linebacker, the Broncos would shoot straight up to the top of this list.

11. Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest hitter: Eric Berry 

The Kansas City Chiefs defense took a huge hit when they lost Eric Berry (no pun intended). He is an emerging star at the safety position after his sensational rookie campaign in 2010. He is a well-rounded safety who not only excels in coverage, but can makes receivers think twice about running routes over the middle.

The Chiefs also have a few linebackers—Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher—who are considered to be heavy hitters.

10. Detroit Lions

Biggest hitter: Stephen Tulloch

The Detroit Lions have quite a few players who pride themselves on hitting their opponents with brute force. Stephen Tulloch is the most notorious for this, but Louis Delmas and the infamous Ndamukong Suh know how to use the truck stick as well.

9. Arizona Cardinals

Biggest hitter: Adrian Wilson

The Arizona Cardinal defense has improved immensely over the course of the season, and that is largely due in part to the play of safety Adrian Wilson. Many consider Wilson to be the hardest-hitting safety in the NFL. Due to his abnormal athletic abilities, it's hard to argue otherwise.

Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett on the defensive line can also hit with some power.

8. Houston Texans

Biggest hitter: Brian Cushing

The Houston Texans completely revamped their philosophy on defense. They brought in Wade Phillips to become the defensive coordinator, and he turned the Texans defense into a strength rather than a liability.

He instilled the 3-4 defense, which forced Mario Williams to move from the defensive end position to a 3-4 'backer. He hasn't been able to make the transition this year, however, due to the injury he sustained in the beginning of the season.

Many players on the Texans defense did step up in behalf of Williams. Brian Cushing, who is the heavy hitter on the Texans defense, is having a solid season thus far. Rookie J.J. Watt has also had an excellent season as a 3-4 defensive end.

7. New York Jets

Biggest hitter: Bart Scott

Rex Ryan made it very clear when he took over the job as the New York Jets head coach: They were going to be a tough and physical team on both sides of the ball.

He took that to heart with the defense and used his time and experience in Baltimore to construct a tenacious defense. It isn't been as effective this year as it has in the past, however, but the physicality hasn't gone anywhere.

Bart Scott makes a living on hitting like a truck, and fellow inside linebacker David Harris is his mirror image.

They do lack the physicality from the secondary, however, and that is what made them slip out of the top five on this list.

6. Green Bay Packers

Biggest hitter: Desmond Bishop

Yes, the Green Bay Packers aren't statistically one of the top-rated defenses in the NFL. But they an opportunistic bunch that forces a ton of turnovers, and that is largely attributed to their ability to be physical on defense. 

All four of their starting linebackers—Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk and Erik Walden—are known to be heavy hitters. Morgan Burnett from the free safety position can also make it painful for receivers who try to go across the middle.

5. Washington Redskins

Biggest hitter: LaRon Landry

The Washington Redskins are very deserving of a top-five ranking on this list. They have the hardest hitting safety in the NFL in strong safety LaRon Landry.

But the talent runs deeper than just Landry. Their trio of linebackers—London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, Rocky McIntosh—all have the ability to hit with power.

It might not be the best defensive group in the NFL, but they all sure can tackle.

4. Chicago Bears

Biggest hitter: Major Wright

When a team has players like Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Major Wright and Julius Peppers on defense, they're going to be ranked high on this list.

Urlacher has been annihilating running backs throughout his 11-year career. Wright is also known to be one of the biggest hitters from the safety position as well. Even Peppers is a freakish athlete who will make it hurt every time he gets his hands on the ball carrier.

The Bears have been playing tough and rugged defense for years now. Their reputation as a hard-hitting team has been well deserved.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Biggest hitter: Ray Lewis

You shouldn't be surprised to see the Baltimore Ravens so high on this list. For the past decade, the Ravens defense was what we thought of when talking about a hard-nosed and physical defense.

Ray Lewis, the ageless wonder, has been obliterating running backs ever since he stepped on the NFL field 15 years ago. Even today, despite being 36 years old, he's finding a way to play at an elite level.

Along with Lewis, the Ravens have other players who are notorious for being hard hitters like Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed and Jarret Johnson. Even Haloti Ngata is considered to be one of the big hitters at the defensive line position.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Biggest hitter: Dashon Goldson

Some might be surprised to see Goldson on this list rather than Patrick Willis, but the Niners safety makes his money being a heavy hitter.

The 49ers actually have a pair of the hardest hitting safeties in the league. Playing along side Goldson is Donte Whitner, who has been known to knock around his fair share of receivers. NaVorro Bowman has also emerged as an excellent middle linebacker along with Willis.

The 49ers defense makes its money turning the ball over, and that includes forced fumbles. They lead the NFL with 15 fumble recoveries on defense.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest hitter: James Harrison

There should be little doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers have the hardest hitting team in the league. They have heavy hitters across the board like James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Lamar Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Clark.

The list goes on and on. No team lays the lumber down like the Steelers.