NFL: 25 Biggest Defensive Impact Players

When deciding who the biggest defensive impact players in the NFL are, it's important to understand what qualifies as truly making an impact.

A juggernaut defense could have multiple Pro Bowl caliber players on the team, and even if one of those individual players outplays most of the other players in the league, his impact isn't as substantial because the other great players around him can still carry the defense in his absence.

Though he may be one of the best in the NFL at his position, that doesn't necessarily mean that he has the greatest impact, but it's certainly possible.

For example, Steelers linebacker James Farrior is an overall more productive linebacker than James Laurinaitis of the St. Louis Rams, at least at this point in their careers.

But Laurinaitis makes a bigger impact for his team, because if Farrior went down with an injury, then the Pittsburgh linebackers would still survive with LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons, whereas St. Louis would be left with nothing if Laurinaitis was absent from a game.

So now that the criteria is clear, let's take a look at the biggest defensive impact players in the NFL. The list is organized by selecting the best impact players from each division.   

Jarius Byrd: Safety (Buffalo Bills, AFC East)

Free safety Jarius Byrd was the Buffalo Bills' second-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, and he has been an impact player since day one. 

Byrd started off his career by intercepting nine passes as a rookie in 2009, and he earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl as well. 

Not too bad for a rookie that plays on a horrendous defense. 

But things slowed down for him in 2010, as he only had one interception (which he took back for a touchdown), but he still had three forced fumbles and 89 tackles (nearly doubling his 2009 total of 45).

The significant drop in interceptions between 2009 and 2010 should not be a cause for concern, as it's pretty easy for opposing quarterbacks to avoid one single defender on a team as bad as the Bills.

Buffalo finished 2010 as the second-worst team in the NFL, so they're attempting to rebuild their roster and they'll certainly factor Byrd into the mix as a long term asset.

He's the biggest impact player on the Buffalo defense, and that will remain true for a long time.  

Vince Wilfork: Nose Tackle (New England Patriots, AFC East)

You can replace outside linebackers, inside linebackers and even defensive backs, but something that's very difficult to replace is one of the best nose tackles in the NFL. 

At first sight, you may see that Jerod Mayo led the NFL with 175 tackles and that could lead you believe that he's the biggest impact player in the NFL. 

But when you peel away the blinding layers of statistics, it's not surprising that Mayo had those stats, given he was play behind possibly the best nose tackle in the game in Vince Wilfork. 

The real question is—would Mayo have 175 tackles without the big man up front? The answer is likely "No." 

Football is typically won and lost in the trenches, and the production of an offense or defense depends on the linemen. 

Therefore, it's hard to make a list of the biggest impact players without including Wilfork. 

Although a guy like Wilfork doesn't get the flashy stats (two sacks, 57 tackles in 2010), he allows the defense to do a lot of things that they wouldn't be able to do otherwise. 

Darrelle Revis: Cornerback (New York Jets, AFC East)

An offense is very limited in what they can do when they can't even throw the ball to a certain side of the field. 

You can look at the fact that Darrelle Revis didn't have a single interception all season, but the lack of stats are flattering, because that means quarterbacks didn't even give him the opportunity to make plays. 

The New York Jets have other talented defensive backs, such as Antonio Cromartie and Brodney Pool, but those two aren't even on the same planet as Revis impact wise. 

Revis is irreplaceable, and that was made evident after the Jets caved during a contract dispute, which resulted in them offering Revis a four-year contract with $32 million guaranteed. 

Cameron Wake: Linebacker (Miami Dolphins, AFC East)

Linebacker Cameron Wake was cut by the New York Giants in 2005 before the season even began and he bounced around the Canadian Football League throughout the following years. 

As a 27-year-old rookie, the Miami Dolphins gave Wake a chance to play in 2009 and he didn't disappoint, as he recorded a respectable 5.5 sacks. 

Wake must really not want to play Canadian football again, because in 2010 he led the team in sacks with 14 and made a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Not only did he lead the team in sacks, the team member that came closest to his sack total was linebacker Koa Misi, who only had 4.5, which makes it painfully clear that Wake is a vital member of the Miami defense. 

He'll be entering his third season in 2011 at the age of 29, so even though he has missed most of his prime, it's still encouraging to see someone succeed after never giving up on their desire to play the game.  

Troy Polamalu: Safety (Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC North)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have four linebackers that they've turned into great players through coaching (LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons), but the player that they'd find most difficult to replace is their safety, Troy Polamalu. 

The elite safeties of recent years (Ed Reed, Adrian Wilson, Sean Taylor, Bob Sanders) single-handedly elevate the entire defense. 

But they are not a dime in a dozen. It's actually very difficult to find an elite safety and it often requires a high draft pick. 

The Steelers ranked sixteenth in pass defense in 2009 when Polamalu was injured for 11 games, but they improved to ninth after having in healthy for 14 games in 2010. 

It's doubtful that the defense would experience a similar drop in standings if just one of the four linebackers were to be injured for 11 games. 

Ray Lewis: Linebacker (Baltimore Ravens, AFC North)

As the 32-year-old safety Ed Reed has struggled to stay on the field the last two years due to injury, the 36-year-old Ray Lewis played all 16 games, for the third straight season. 

Not only was he on the field, but he led the team in tackles once again with 136. 

Lewis might not be the same difference maker he was the first half of his career, but the guy still makes a major impact, whether it's his physical contributions or his leadership. 

The Ravens have boasted an elite defense for practically every season that Lewis has been a member of the team. 

It's very rare to ever witness a player that is so vital that he keeps his team in the upper echelon for nearly a decade. 

Haloti Ngata: Defensive Tackle (Baltimore Ravens, AFC North)

Ray Lewis is still making a difference at the age of 36, but there's a chance that he might be getting a little bit of help. 

Just like Jerod Mayo of the Patriots, who has help up front from Vince Wilfork, Lewis has help from Haloit Ngata. 

At a whopping 350 pounds, Ngata is quite a work assignment for offensive linemen. 

He takes up plenty of space and can cover multiple gaps against the run, or he can muscle his way through the offensive line for a sack, which he was able to do 5.5 times in 2010. 

Just like Wilfork, Ngata isn't going to obtain overly gaudy stats, but his importance can not be measured. 

Jason Babin: Defensive End (Tennessee Titans, AFC South)

If Jason Babin wasn't on the Tennessee Titans, then the Titans would not have a defense at all. 

It's bad enough that the team was No. 26 in overall defense (yards per game), but if Babin was absent, then teams probably could have walked 50 yards into the end zone. 

Babin had 12.5 sacks in 2010 and was elected to the Pro Bowl. 

The person with the second highest sack total on the Titans was defensive end Dave Bell, who had an admirable seven sacks, but Bell still did not have nearly the same impact.

Babin turned 31 in May, so he is not a long term solution, but he should not have any problems making a similar impact in 2011.  

Dwight Freeney: Defensive End (Indianapolis Colts, AFC South)

Dwight Freeney had 10 sacks in 2010, while his counterpart Robert Mathis led the Colts with 11, but it should be clear that Freeney is more of an impact player. 

Mathis faces off against the weaker right offensive tackles, while Freeney faces the challenge of conquering the more talented left-tackles. 

Freeney had recorded double-digit sacks in seven out of his nine career NFL seasons, and he's also been to six Pro Bowls. 

Now that safety Bob Sanders is no longer a capable player and no longer on the Colts, it's pretty clear that Freeney is the one running the show. 

Since the Colts' overall defense ranked No. 20 in the NFL in yards per game, it would be devastating if the defense lost Freeney. 

Mario Williams: Defensive End (Houston Texans, AFC South)

The Texans' defense ranked 30th in the NFL, so they didn't have a lot of good things going for them on that side of the ball. 

Mario Williams had 8.5 sacks in 2010 despite missing three games due to injury. 

Though Dwight Freeney plays on a bad defense and still produces double-digit sacks, he still has the luxury of Robert Mathis playing on the other side, whereas Williams has no such luxuries. 

Despite the slight down year for Williams, he still has the ability to play at an elite level, and outside of Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans, there is practically no help for him on defense. 

Nnamdi Asomugha: Cornerback (Oakland Raiders, AFC West)

Nnamdi Asomugha has been a premiere corner ever since becoming the starter for the Oakland Raiders in 2005. 

So much, in fact, that the opposing teams don't even try to throw the ball his direction. 

Isn't it funny how the only two shutdown corners in the NFL, Asomugha and Darrelle Revis, had a combined zero interceptions in 2010?  

Just like with Revis, the lack of stats for Asomugha is a compliment. Someone forgot to tell Al Davis that this is the case, as he made Asomugha's contract require him to reach certain stats. Asomugha did not reach those stats, so now the contract dictates that he's a free agent.   

It's uncertain where the free agent will end up in 2011, but he'll be dominate for whichever team signs him.

Tamba Hali: Defensive End (Kansas City Chiefs, AFC West)

Defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey are able to occupy blockers and make the occasional play, and that's exactly what their job is.

But all that goes to waste if the Kansas City Chiefs lack a dominate rush linebacker, such as Tamba Hali.

Hali led the team in sacks with 14.5 and earned himself a trip the the Pro Bowl.

He is set to become a free agent as soon as the lockout ends, but if the Chiefs and Hali can't agree on a long term contract then the team will use their franchise tag on him.

In other words, there's no way they're letting a play maker like Hali get away, even if they can't figure out a contract right away.

Hali will be back, which is great news for the Chiefs, because their defense would be lacking some of it's thunder without the designated quarterback killer.    

Trent Cole: Defensive End (Philadelphia Eagles, NFC East)

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that's basically dominated by offense. 

That's not to say they have a terrible defense, which ranked No.12 in 2010, but their offense is what wins games for them when it's said and done. 

But even though the offense steals the thunder, one guy on defense that has made a name for himself in Trent Cole. 

Cole has posted double-digit sacks in three out his last four seasons, including 10 sacks in 2010. 

Cole will continue to make an impact for the Eagles in 2011 as the team's primary pass rusher. 

Justin Tuck: Defensive End (New York Giants, NFC East)

Defensive ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were tied for most sacks for the New Giants with 11.5 each. 

However, unlike his whiny counterpart, Tuck does not run his mouth, and he doesn't plan on leaving the team whenever he's slightly unhappy. 

Since Tuck has more dedication, he clearly is more valuable. 

The team could really live without Osi. They have Jason Pierre-Paul entering his second season, and they could possibly even re-sign free agent Mathias Kiwanuka.

But the team would be devastated if they lost Tuck, who is the true gem of the defense.  

DeMarcus Ware- Outside Linebacker (Dallas Cowboys, NFC East)

The Dallas Cowboys are powered by offense, but they have some promising defensive players, such as Jay Ratliff and Terence Newman. 

But no one on that defense even makes half the impact that DeMarcus Ware does, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. 

Despite a down year for the Cowboys, where their defense modestly ranked 23rd in the NFL, Ware still put up a monster season with 15.5 sacks

In fact, Ware has had ten or more sacks every season of his career outside of his rookie year in 2005, but he still had eight sacks as a rookie. 

Expect Ware to once again be the dominating force of the Cowboys' defense in 2011. 

Brian Orakpo- Defensive End (Washington Redskins, NFC East)

While linebacker London Fletcher provides veteran leadership and is capable of leading the team in tackles, Brian Orakpo is the team's sack artist, which is an extremely important role. 

Orakpo had 11 sacks as a rookie in 2009, and he continued his success with a respectable 8.5 sacks in 2010, which is not bad considering the Redskins has the second worst defense in the NFL (beating only the Denver Broncos).

While Fletcher's play may decline at anytime due to his age (36), Orakpo still has his youth. 

If not for Orakpo, then Washington may have been dead last in defense. 

Brian Urlacher- Linebacker (Chicago Bears, NFC North)

While Brian Urlacher is getting up there in years (33), the Chicago Bears' defense is just not the same without him.

In 2009 Urlacher played only one game due to injury and the Bears defense ranked 17th, but when he returned for 16 games in 2010 the ranking shot up to No.9 overall. 

Even though the Bears have talented players on defense, such as Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers, it's still clear after all these years that Urlacher remains the centerpiece.    

Clay Matthews- Outside Linebacker (Green Bay Packers, NFC North)

Even though the Green Bay Packers have a very capable defense that ranked No.5 overall in 2010, it doesn't change the fact that linebacker Clay Matthews is possibly the biggest defensive impact player in the NFL. 

Sure, you could take away Matthews and still have a group of talented defenders, but his ability to constantly be in the quarterbacks face is what really put their defense over the edge in 2010. 

His 13.5 sacks last season led the team by 6.5, so the Packers would not get to the quarterback efficiently without Matthews. 

Expect Matthews, who is entering only the third season of his young career, to put on another show in 2011 and possibly win the Defensive Player of the Year award. 

Ndamukong Suh- Defensive Tackle (Detroit Lions, NFC North)

When Ndamukong Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the No.2 overall draft pick in 2010, analysts all around suspected that defensive end Kyle Vanden-Bosch (who the team had recently signed in free agency) would help make things easier for Suh. 

But as it turns out, Suh was the one who made things easier for Vanden-Bosch. 

Suh led the Lions in sacks with ten, and he was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also made the Pro Bowl and was elected to the All Pro team. 

Suh is the most talented defensive tackle to enter the league since Warren Sapp, and he could possibly end up having a better career that Sapp (he certainly has the talent), so he'll be the impact player for the Lions for a long time. 

Jared Allen- Defensive End (Minnesota Vikings, NFC North)

The Minnesota Vikings are in trouble on defense with both Chad Greenway and Ray Edwards entering fee agency, but they still have their best defender returning in 2011, so all is not lost. 

Jared Allen has 25.5 sacks between the last two seasons combined, including 11 in 2010. 

The Vikings are a team that's going downhill quickly, mainly due to a void at the quarterback position. But one thing they can depend on in 2011 is the pressure Allen will produce on defense. 

John Abraham- Defensive End (Atlanta Falcons, NFC South)

The Atlanta Falcons are famous for their offense led by quarterback Matt Ryan, and executed by wide receiver Roddy White and running back Michael Turner. 

However, they have some talent on defense as well. 

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon had a promising rookie season, safety William Moore has developed into one of the better NFL safeties, and Curtis Lofton led the team in tackles (118). 

But none of those players made the same impact that defensive end John Abraham was able to make in 2010. 

He led the team with 13 sacks and was elected to his fourth career Pro Bowl.

He stood out so much that the person with the second most sacks on the team was Jonathan Babineaux, who only had four.

Abraham will be 33 years old as he enters the 2011 season, but no other pass rusher on the team comes close to his overall talent.  

Jonathan Vilma- Linebacker (New Orleans Saints, NFC South)

The New Orleans Saints acquired Jonathan Vilma in free agency prior to the 2008 season, and he really became the centerpiece of the defense.

If not for him, then the Saints' defense would not have been complete enough to win the Super Bowl in 2009.

Vilma led the Saints in tackles with 105, and he had four sacks as well.

He was always one of the more underrated linebackers in the NFL prior to becoming a Super Bowl champ, but his status is well-known by now, and he should continue to produce at a high level.  

Chris Long- Defensive End (St. Louis Rams, NFC West)

James Laurinaitis and Chris Long go hand-in-hand. You really can't have one without the other, but in this case Long might have a slight edge given the importance of his position.  

Chris Long is the most underrated defensive lineman in football, and if anyone says otherwise then they have been mislead. 

His 8.5 sacks in 2010 doesn't make anyone's jaws drop at first sight, but he was the center of focus for every offensive line coach that faced him. 

His high powered, nonstop motor kept him charging at the quarterback all day, which opened things up for other linemen to make plays, such as defensive tackle Fred Robbins and defensive end James Hall (who actually led the team in sacks with 10.5).

Patrick Willis: Linebacker (San Francisco 49er's, NFC West)

Patrick Willis just wrapped up his fourth NFL season with 128 tackles and six sacks. 

He has had over 100 every season of his career, in fact his 128 in 2010 is a career low, but his six sacks is a career high. 

Willis is not a player that needed time to develop. 

He entered the league in 2007 and immediately had 174 tackles as a rookie, and he immediately made the Pro Bowl as well. 

He actually hasn't missed a Pro Bowl yet in his career. 

It's clear that Willis is an elite middle linebacker, perhaps the most elite in the NFL, so whatever the 49ers want to accomplish on defense, they won't be able to do it without Willis. 

Adrian Wilson- Safety (Arizona Cardinals, NFC West)

The Arizona Cardinals may have lost some talented defenders here and there, such as defensive back Antrel Rolle, or linebacker Karlos Dansby.

But one constants that remains, and has remained for over ten years, is their hard hitting safety Adrian Wilson.

The Cardinals have been so bad for the better part of the last ten years that Wilson has been overlooked, and instead the Ed Reeds and the Troy Polamalus of the world have been stealing his thunder.

But Wilson is truthfully one of the elite safeties in the NFL.

He's a member of the 20/20 Club with 22.5 sacks and 25 interceptions, and he had 88 tackles in 2010.

Even though the Cardinals have other talented defenders, such as cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, safety Kerry Rhodes and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, Wilson has proven to be the most talented and the most consistent over the years, and the same will be true in 2011.