The guys I work with started this convo with me the other day, and I thought it got pretty interesting, so I thought I would bring it here and get ya'lls opinions. There are endless articles debating running backs, qbs, and wide receivers. Everybody has their opinions on these, some with more merit and facts than others... but some of the other positions don't receive the same attention, like the lines, ergo this discussion: Who do you feel is the best DT of all time, and why? Let's have your top 5 even. I will give mine in another post. If we have good responses to this thread, I would love to discuss TE, OG, OT, and DE also maybe further down the road. What say you?
For my list, I have excluded everyone that has not played in the NFL in the last 10 years, not because I am unaware of great players from the past, but because I believe the game has changed dramatically, and guys who could cause problems on the DL in the 70s or 80s would likely be swallowed whole by today's offensive lineman. Both offensive and defensive lines have gained in average weight, while gaining speed and athleticism, making me very skeptical of an old-school type player being able to compete in today's game. That said, here we go: 1: Warren Sapp
I have never been a big fan of Sapp, but in terms of production, his stats are unbelievable. Couple that with his longevity - at a high performance level- and he is the clear #1 to me. 16.5 sacks in 2000. Holy.
2: Ndamukong Suh
For my money, I have never seen anyone as disruptive and forceful on the line as donkey kong. 10 sacks in one season from a DT is impressive enough to speak for itself. Donkey Kong's freakish athletic ability requires game planning and double teams to keep him from impacting the game. He has been somewhat muted these past couple of seasons in Miami, not quite sure what is going on there. But his talent/ability puts him high on my list, but Sapp did it at a high level for longer.
3: Tommie Harris
Homer pick, kinda, but the stats back it up. I did say "best" which is subjective, but doesn't mean he had to be the best for 10 years or more. Harris was an absolute animal, until injuries derailed his promising career. Tommie wrecked shop in 2006 and 2007, and was a huge part of the Bears SuperBowl run.
4: Marcell Dareus
Stats pick. Dude has been super productive, 2011-2014 are as good stats wise as any I've seen. I don't see him as much b/c I don't watch much Bills football, but his numbers are impressive
5: Geno Atkins
Forced fumbles, sacks, consistent over decently long career so far, 6-time All-Pro first team, dude's got to be on my list.
Not a top 5, not a greatest of all-time, just a list of guys who I saw play & who stood out to me over the years.
Steve McMichael, Bears Bears have never had better in the 31 years I've been watching. Imo, he should be in the HOF.
Keith Millard, Minnesota In '88-'89 this guy played the most distruptive and destructive DT I've ever seen. He was an absolute beast. I believe he injured a knee after this period and was never the same player.
Guy I liked to watch the most was early Tommie Harris. Suh would be no.2, although I never liked watching him play Randle and Sapp round my 4 aces. Im sure there were better before my time though
Post by dachuckster on Mar 28, 2017 19:10:14 GMT -6
Man you guys are young, there are several guys who played before 2000 who need to be in the mix.
Alan Page. The man was a beast. He had the quickest move to he QB I have ever seen. In many respects he was the prototype 4-3 3 technique DT. He was so disruptive, so dominant and so impossible to block, he was named the NFL's MVP in 1971. Not the best defensive player but the league's MVP.
Joe Green. Another incredibly disruptive player. In an 12 year career, he was all pro 10 consecutive times, first team all pro 5 times.
Merlin Olsen. In a 14 year career, 14 consecutive pro bowls. Six time first team all pro.
Personally, I would include Dan Hampton in the mix too. But as a Bear fan, I am obviously biased.
I'd throw JJ Watt's name down. Even though his listed position is a DE, he plays in many different positions on the defensive line. He is one of (if not the most) the most disruptive defensive linemen I've ever watched play the game.