EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 5: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Houston Oilers during an NFL football game December 5, 1982 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
These are the best defensive players in NFL history at their position:
Left Defensive End: Reggie White
Nov 30, 1986; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Reggie White (92) in action against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
The Minister of Defense
Defensive Tackle: John Randle
Sep 3, 1995; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle John Randle (83) on the sidelines against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
He was a Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro for 5 consecutive seasons.
Defensive Tackle: Joe Greene
Hall of Fame defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene (75) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Steelers 35-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII on January 21, 1979 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
He was arguably the best player during the Steelers dynasty.
Right Defensive End: Bruce Smith
Aug, 1986; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Bruce Smith (78) in action during the preseason against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Caused havoc to opposing quarterbacks
Left Outside Linebacker: Jack Ham
Nov 1972; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker (59) Jack Ham on the sidelines during the 1972 season at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Helped anchor the Steel Curtain defense
Middle Linebacker: Ray Lewis
Oct. 23, 2005; Chicago, IL, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) runs onto the field before the start of the Ravens’ game against the Chicago Bears Sunday Oct. 23 at Soldier Field. Chicago won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Matt Cashore
Played his best in the biggest spots
Right Outside Linebacker: Lawrence Taylor
Oct 1984; Unknown Location; FILE PHOTO; Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action during the 1984 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) Malcolm Emmons
The greatest defensive player of all-time
Cornerback: Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders #21, Wide Receiver for the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touch down in the end zone during their National Football Conference East Division game against the New York Giants on 21st September 1998 at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. The Dallas Cowboys won the game 31 – 7.(Photo by Al Bello/Allsport/Getty Images)
Not the greatest tackler, but no one had better instincts
Cornerback: Rod Woodson
Jan 23, 1996; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson addresses the media as he is interviewed at media day prior to Super Bowl XXX. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
The toughest matchup for any NFL receiver
Free Safety: Ed Reed
Sept 21, 2008; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed (20) carries the ball after an interception in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
The smartest free safety to ever play
Strong Safety: Ronnie Lott
Jan 24, 1982; Pontiac, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers players Ronnie Lott (42) and Jack Reynolds (64) embrace after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 to win Super Bowl XVI at the Pontiac Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
