The All-Time Greatest Defender in the History of Every NFL Franchise
There has never been a more feared player in the NFL than the one pictured above. When opposing quarterbacks looked at Lawrence Taylor, intense fear coursed through their body. Taylor was the most ferocious player to ever play the game. He took absolute pleasure in attempting to destroy you.
We have yet to see another player quite like Lawrence Taylor, but there have certainly been talented defensive players before and after Taylor. Players that could change games in an instant. Players that never took a play off. Players that defined what a defensive player should be.
While some franchises have been blessed with an abundance of defensive talent, other franchises have missed that one great defensive player to associate with.
Either way, here is a look at the best defender in every NFL franchise.
Atlanta Falcons: Jessie Tuggle, LB
1 of 32
Career stats: 209 games played, 1,640 tackles, 21 sacks, 6 interceptions
Jessie Tuggle, aka "The Hammer," played his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. What is most impressive about Tuggle is that he went undrafted coming out of Valdosta State.
Tuggle was an intimidating tackler roaming the center of the field for Atlanta. He wasn't great in coverage, and he didn't have the best hands, but he could tackle with the best of them.
Tuggle made five Pro Bowl's during his career with the Falcons. He is also among the all-time leaders in tackles.
Arizona Cardinals: Aeneas Williams, CB
2 of 32
Career stats: 211 games played, 677 tackles, 55 interceptions, 12 defensive touchdowns, 3 sacks
Aeneas Williams was a third-round draft pick during the 1991 draft and established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league during his rookie season. He recorded six interceptions, which was tied for the league lead and was referred to as a true shutdown corner.
Williams continued to be a shutdown corner for the Cardinals during the 90s, recording a career-high nine interceptions during the 1994 season. He possessed great ball skills and was extremely talented in the open field. His 12 defensive touchdowns is a staggering number.
Williams made eight Pro Bowls and was a member of five All-Pro teams. He was also a member of the 1990s NFL All-Decade Team.
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis, LB
3 of 32
Career stats: 210 games played, 1,909 tackles, 38.5 sacks, 30 interceptions
Ray Lewis is the most feared man in the NFL. If any player could come close to having the same affect on opposing offenses as Lawrence Taylor, it is Ray Lewis
Lewis has a nose for the football as he always appears to make the tackle. He is a powerful tackler who can get after the quarterback and is good in pass coverage. He is a vocal leader and was the face of one of the best defenses in NFL history.
Lewis has made 12 Pro Bowl appearances, been named to 10 All-Pro teams and has twice been the Defensive Player of the Year. If he plays a few more productive seasons, he could go down as the greatest defensive player ever.
Buffalo Bills: Bruce Smith, DE
4 of 32
Career stats: 279 games played, 1,225 tackles, 200 sacks, 43 forced fumbles
Bruce Smith was a terror to offensive lineman. The No. 1 overall draft pick in the 1985 draft lived up to his billing and is one of the best defensive lineman to ever play the game.
Smith made a living by sacking the quarterback. Smith is the all-time leader in sacks, but to only focus on that amazing feat of Smith's game would be a mistake. Smith was an incredible all-around talent, as he was a force against the run also.
Smith made it to 11 Pro Bowls and was on 11 All-Pro teams. He was twice voted as the Defensive Player of the Year and was a member of the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Team.
Carolina Panthers: Julius Peppers, DE
5 of 32
Career stats: 138 games played, 435 tackles, 89 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions
Julius Peppers is a freak athlete. At 6'7" and 283 pounds, Peppers has a rare blend of athleticism, strength and speed.
The combination of Peppers' size and speed allow him to be nearly unstoppable at the line of scrimmage. He is quicker than most offensive tackles but can also use his strength to run over weaker players. He has a non-stop motor and is pretty decent at getting his hands up to make plays in pass coverage.
Peppers has been to six Pro Bowls and a member of five All-Pro teams. Those numbers will only increase throughout his career.
Chicago Bears: Dick Butkus, LB
6 of 32
Career stats: 119 games played, 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions
Dick Butkus played at a time when sacks weren't recorded, but we can imagine he recorded quite a few. He was once referred to as "The Most Feared Man in the Game."
Butkus was a near unstoppable force on defense. He played with such energy and passion that it is hard to not like him as a player. He was great against the pass and the run, and his maneuver to strip the ball carrier was revolutionary at the time. It is unfortunate that is career was cut short due to multiple knee injuries.
Butkus was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in each of his eight seasons. He was voted as a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Cincinnati Bengals: Ken Riley, CB
7 of 32
Career stats: 207 games played, 65 interceptions
The Cincinnati Bengals don't have a great history of premier defensive players. Ken Riley, a cornerback who played from 1969-1983, is the best
Ken Riley was always one of the best cover cornerbacks in the NFL. He had a great ability to make plays while the football was in the air. He was also a threat in the return game.
Riley was a member of four All-Pro teams.
Cleveland Browns: Len Ford, DE
8 of 32
Career stats: 125 games played
Len Ford is a very old school player. He was the anchor of a dominant Browns defense during the 1950s. When he played in the AFL he even spent time as a running back. Talk about versatility.
Ford was a member of four Pro Bowl and four All-Pro teams.
Dallas Cowboys: Bob Lilly, DT
9 of 32
Career stats: 196 games played
Bob Lilly was a dominant force during his 14-year career. He switched from defensive end to defensive tackle early in his career and become one of the best at that position. Lilly was best known for his pass rushing skills. For his time, Lilly had unique agility and great instincts for the ball.
Lilly made it to 11 Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro teams. He is best remembered for his NFL record Super Bowl sack of Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese.
Denver Broncos: Steve Atwater, S
10 of 32
Career stats: 167 games played, 1,180 tackles, 24 interceptions
Steve Atwater was a first-round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 draft. He was one of the finest defensive leaders ever in the NFL.
Atwater was used more like a linebacker than a safety. He would often play up on the line of scrimmage to help with run defense. He often led his team in tackles, a rare feat for a safety. It wasn't until Mike Shanahan took over that Atwater played more of a true safety role.
Atwater made it to eight Pro Bowls, including seven straight. He was also a member of three All-Pro teams and won two Super Bowls with the Broncos.
Detroit Lions: Joe Schmidt, LB
11 of 32
Career stats: 155 games played
Joe Schmidt's size made the Lions wait until the seventh round to draft him. Of course, that was only the 85th overall pick, but the seventh round is the seventh round.
Schmidt played an aggressive style of football and was one of the toughest players during his time. He constantly played through injuries, proving his physical toughness. Schmidt was also a vocal leader and known for his rousing speeches.
Schmidt made it to 10 straight Pro Bowls and was a member of nine All-Pro teams. He also coached the Lions for five years.
Green Bay Packers: Ray Nitschke, LB
12 of 32
Career stats: 190 games played, 25 interceptions
Ray Nitschke was crucial to the storied history of the Green Bay Packers. Some might be surprised to not see Reggie White at this spot, but more on this later.
Nitschke was known for his hard hitting during a playing age when that wasn't the norm. He was also impressive in coverage, as you can see by his high interception total. He is still reverenced by many players as one of the best linebackers and individuals to ever play the game.
Ray Nitschke only made one Pro Bowl which is surprising. He was, however, part of seven All-Pro teams.
Houston Texans: Mario Williams, DE
13 of 32
Career stats: 77 games played, 230 tackles, 48 sacks
Mario Williams was the first pick in the 2006 draft. People were surprised that he was picked over offensive talents Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Matt Leinart. I think it is safe to say the Texans made the right pick.
Williams had a less-than-impressive rookie season but really put it all together during his sophomore campaign. Williams possesses an intimidating physical size and a good first step to get after the quarterback. He has an active motor and can take over games defensively.
Williams has been to three Pro Bowls and been on two All-Pro teams. He will only continue to improve his game and should be a fantastic player for many years.
Indianapolis Colts: Gino Marchetti, DE
14 of 32
Career stats: 161 games played
Gino Marchetti technically played for the Baltimore Colts, but I felt that he was a better pick for Indianapolis than Dwight Freeney. Freeney could surpass Marchetti by the time his career is over, but right now, Marchetti is the best.
Marchetti was voted as the "best defensive end in pro football history" during his 1972 Hall of Fame induction. He was always getting to the quarterback and wouldn't stop until he had the sack. He was also very effective against the run and was the centerpiece of a dominant Baltimore Colts defense during the late 1950's.
Marchetti was picked to be on 11 Pro Bowl teams and 10 All-Pro teams. He also played some left tackle. Pretty impressive, huh?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcus Stroud, DT
15 of 32
Career stats: 146 games played, 397 tackles, 28.5 sacks
The Jaguars haven't been in existence long enough to have a large selection of defensive players, but Marcus Stroud is their best.
Stroud was a force in the middle for the Jaguars. He teamed with John Henderson to form the best inside defensive presence in the NFL at that time. He would generally take on multiple blockers and still find a way to make the play.
Stroud has made three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. He will have a chance to revitalize his career with the New England Patriots this year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Thomas, LB
16 of 32
Career stats: 169 games played, 649 tackles, 126.5 sacks, 41 forced fumbles, 3 safeties
Derrick Thomas was my favorite player to watch growing up. He played the game the right way and left the game while still on top.
Derrick Thomas was a true sack specialist. He was quick off the edge and relentless to do whatever it took to get to the quarterback. He hit with power and never game up on a play. He was the youngest player to ever record as many sacks as he did before he was 32 years old.
Derrick Thomas played in nine Pro Bowls and was a member of six All-Pro teams. His accomplishments off the field were nearly as impressive as his accomplishments on the field.
Miami Dolphins: Zach Thomas, LB
17 of 32
Career stats: 184 games played, 1,776 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles
Zach Thomas played the majority of his career for the Dolphins. He currently ranks in the top five for tackles all time.
Zach Thomas was a tackling machine. He wasn't drafted until the fifth round, but he proved his doubters wrong and had a fantastic rookie season. He made his first All-Pro team two years later on his way to a fantastic career. Thomas had a knack for doing whatever needed to be done to find the ball and make the tackle.
Thomas made seven Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro teams during his career as a Dolphin. He was also a member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade team.
Minnesota Vikings: Alan Page, DT
18 of 32
Career stats: 218 games played, 148.5 sacks, 3 safeties
The current Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court was a beast on the football field. I wonder if he tackles people that he convicts. Probably not, right?
Alan Page was a part of the "Purple People Eaters" and was the star of that vaunted defensive line. Page was relentless at getting after the quarterback. It didn't matter if he got the sack, Page wanted to force the quarterback to make a bad decision.
Page was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of nine All-Pro teams. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1971.
New England Patriots: Mike Haynes, CB
19 of 32
Career stats: 177 games played, 46 interceptions
Mike Haynes split his playing career between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders. He had his most productive seasons with the Patriots.
Haynes was a cover corner who had good speed and athletic ability. He was durable and hard-working. He also was a punt returner, returning two for touchdowns.
Haynes made it to nine Pro Bowls, six with the Patriots. He was also voted to the 1980s All-Decade Team.
New Orleans Saints: Rickey Jackson, LB
20 of 32
Career stats: 227 games played, 1,173 tackles, 128 sacks, 40 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions
Rickey Jackson dominated football throughout his entire career. He had an impressive college career at Pittsburgh and an even better career with the Saints.
Jackson was part of a linebacker group that is considered one of the best ever. At the time of his retirement in 1995, Jackson had the third-most sacks ever. He was a big, punishing linebacker who had great success in opponents' backfield.
Jackson was selected to six Pro Bowls and six All-Pro Teams. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
New York Giants: Lawrence Taylor, LB
21 of 32
Career stats: 184 games played, 1,088 tackles, 132.5 sacks, 33 forced fumbles
No other defensive player has had an impact on the NFL like Lawrence Taylor. He revolutionized the way that defense is played. It is unfortunate how his life has turned since he left the NFL.
Lawrence Taylor put absolute fear in opposing offenses. He was nearly unblockable and a vicious hitter. Taylor had incredible speed and explosive ability for a player his size. He used those abilities to become the most intimidating defensive player on the planet Earth. Heck, Taylor was probably the most intimidating human being in the universe.
Taylor's impressive career included 10 Pro Bowls, 10 All-Pro teams and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also the last defensive player to be named MVP.
New York Jets: Joe Klecko, DL
22 of 32
Career stats: 155 games played, 32 sacks
Don't let Klecko's low career sack total mislead you. Sacks weren't normally recorded when Klecko was playing football.
Klecko did record eight sacks during his rookie season and is in second place for career sacks as a New York Jet. Klecko played both defensive end and defensive tackle and was dominant at both positions. He is widely considered as having the best technique ever seen by a defensive lineman.
Klecko made four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during his tenure as a Jet. Klecko has yet to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
Oakland Raiders: Howie Long, DE
23 of 32
Career stats: 179 games played, 84 sacks
We all know that Howie Long now makes a living as an analyst for Fox Network. What you didn't know is that Howie Long wrote a book called Football for Dummies.
Howie Long combined his size, speed and strength and became one of the best defensive lineman to ever play the game. He was a member of the vaunted Raiders defensive line that recorded a total of 249 sacks in the span of three years. Long's favorite move to get past offensive lineman was the "rip" move, which is now frequently utilized by pass-rushing experts.
Long made his way to eight Pro Bowls and was part of five All-Pro teams. He was also a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team.
Philadelphia Eagles: Reggie White, DE
24 of 32
Career stats: 232 games played, 1,048 tackles, 198 sacks, 33 forced fumbles
Reggie White is probably the second-greatest defensive player ever. I put him on this list as an Eagle because he had better career statistics with Philadelphia than he did with Green Bay. He was equally dominant with both teams.
White held the record for career sacks until Bruce Smith broke the record. White might be the most liked defensive player of all time, as he always seemed cheerful and played like he loved the game. On the field, White would bull rush offensive lineman to get into the backfield. He was the definition of a team leader.
White made 13 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986 to 1998. He was also a member of 13 All-Pro teams and was twice voted as the Defensive Player of the Year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: "Mean Joe" Greene, DT
25 of 32
Career stats: 181 games played, 78.5 sacks
The Steelers have the greatest amount of outstanding defensive players. "Mean Joe" Greene was the best player on the Steelers best defense which makes him the Steelers best defensive player.
"Mean Joe" Greene spent the majority of his career being double and triple teamed. He combined a great intensity with strength to disrupt plays in the backfield. He was the anchor of the "Steel Curtain" and played with a fighter's mentality. He even spit in Dick Butkus' face once.
Greene made 10 Pro Bowl appearances and eight All-Pro teams. He won four Super Bowls and was twice named the Defensive Player of the Year.
San Diego Chargers: Junior Seau, LB
26 of 32
Career stats: 268 games played, 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks, 18 interceptions
Junior Seau was picked with the fifth overall pick in the 1990 NFL draft. He took absolutely no time to establish himself as one of the best defensive players.
Seau was tenacious on the field. He had great passion and would run all over the field just to make a tackle. He was constantly around the ball and always seemed to be making tackles.
Junior Seau was selected to 12 Pro Bowls and a member of nine All-Pro teams. He was a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team. Seau never won a Super Bowl.
San Francisco 49ers: Ronnie Lott, CB
27 of 32
Career stats: 192 games played, 1,113 tackles, 63 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles
Ronnie Lott might be the toughest football player ever. It is reported that Lott had the tip of his pinkie finger cut off in order to continue to play in a game. That is either extreme dedication or absolute insanity.
Ronnie Lott hit like a linebacker but had the speed and coverage skills that allowed him to excel as a defensive back. He possessed great instincts while the football was in the air and was constantly breaking up passes that he didn't intercept. He was an extremely efficient tackler and moved from cornerback to safety later in his career.
Lott was a member of 10 Pro Bowl teams and eight All-Pro teams. He was voted to the NFL All-Time Team and won four Super Bowls during his career.
Seattle Seahawks: Cortez Kennedy, DT
28 of 32
Career stats: 167 games played, 568 tackles, 58 sacks
Cortez Kennedy had a terrible rookie season and had many people doubting his high draft selection. The following season, Kennedy silenced his doubters with a terrific sophomore campaign and continued on to a fantastic career.
Kennedy spent his entire career with the Seahawks and was a true defensive tackle. He didn't get many sacks or tackles, but he was disruptive and would take up space. He understood his job on defense and worked the game with excellent efficiency.
Kennedy made it to eight Pro Bowls and was part of four All-Pro teams. He was Defensive Player of the Year in 1992.
St. Louis Rams: Deacon Jones, DE
29 of 32
Career stats: 191 games played, 194.5 sacks (unofficially)
Jones often referred to himself as "the baddest person I know." Reading about how Jones played football makes you respect that statement.
Jones is credited with revolutionized the position of defensive end for football. He had an incredibly high sack total in a short career. Jones was usually one of the quickest players on either side of the ball and could make plays all over the field. There are few defensive ends that have the speed that Jones has in today's game.
Jones made eight Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro teams. He was voted to the NFL All-Time Team and was a two-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Warren Sapp, DT
30 of 32
Career stats: 198 games played, 569 tackles, 96.5 sacks, 4 interceptions
Warren Sapp was just a huge man. I mean, look at that gut in the picture above. Who could block that?
Sapp was a fantastic defensive tackle that played with an energy not normally seen in a player of his size. He was aggressive and intense and backed up all his talk with great on-field production. The most surprising part of Sapp's game was his speed, as he was one of the quickest defensive tackles ever.
Sapp made seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams during his career. He was the 1999 Defensive Player of the Year.
Tennessee Titans: Elvin Bethea, DE
31 of 32
Career stats: 210 games played, 105 sacks
Elvin Bethea played for the Houston Oilers who eventually became the Tennessee Titans. Bethea was the best player of a generally mediocre defensive franchise.
Bethea spent his entire career with the Oilers and was extremely durable throughout his career. He had one stretch of 135 consecutive games played. He was often overlooked as a player due to more high profile players at his position during the 1970s. His only real specialty was his ability to sack the quarterback.
Bethea was a participant in eight Pro Bowls and a member of five All-Pro teams. However, of those five, only one was a first-team selection.
Washington Redskins: Darrell Green, CB
32 of 32
Career stats: 295 games played, 1,159 tackles, 54 interceptions, 8 defensive touchdowns
Darrell Green is 51 years old and could still beat me in a foot race. Green, also known as the "Ageless Wonder," played an amazing 20 years with the Washington Redskins.
Darrell Green was one of the fastest players to ever play the game. He used his speed to become a cover cornerback even though he was undersized at that position. He was fearless and a true competitor at heart. Throughout his entire career, he was extremely productive and even as he aged, his play never diminished.
Green played in seven Pro Bowls and was a member of four All-Pro teams. He won two Super Bowls and was a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team.
.jpg?w=480 "Rams Seahawks Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Thibodeaux, Diggs Top Landing Spots 🛬")
.jpg?w=600 "Steve Smith Sr.'s Cryptic Post 🤨")
