Top defensive ends in the nfl

Defensive End Average Rankings ;Carter II. Andre Carter II. MIN. DE, $, ;Johnson. Patrick Johnson. PHI. DE, $, Famous defensive ends like Reggie White, Michael Strahan and Jack Youngblood are some of the toughest and menacing players in the league. Top defensive ends in the nfl and Strahan were. Top NFL Defensive Tackles · 1: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams · 2: Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs · Chris Jones, Chiefs agree to terms on Shaquil Barrett ; 9. Maxx Crosby ; 8. Trey Hendrickson ; 7. Von Miller ; 6. Khalil Mack.

2024 NFL free agency: Best D-ends, tackles, edge rushers

Who has most sacks in NFL history? Bruce Smith DT pass rush win rate rankings

Who is the most feared NFL player? Who was the most feared NFL player of all time? Many will say he was a dirty player. However, he was selected by his peers to five Pro Bowls. His name was Jack Tatum, aka “The Assasin.”

Who leads the NFL in pass rushing? 2023 10 Best defensive ends in NFL: Nick Bosa leads pass rusher rankings | FOX Sports.

Who is the best NFL defensive end? 1) Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Who is the best NFL pass rusher? Aaron Donald NFL History - Sack Leaders

Who has the top ranked defense in the NFL? Total Defense

Who is the strongest player in the NFL? Larry Allen, often hailed as the strongest player in NFL history, entered the league with an already awe-inspiring display of superhuman strength. Reports circulated that he was benching over 500 pounds while still at Sonoma State University in 1994.

NFL Scouting Combine: Top Results From Defensive Line, Linebacker Workouts

Their overall level of play and underlying performance, though, suggest they can both continue to contribute. They should sign one-year deals for eight figures. Greenard and Huff, on the other hand, are about to get paid after posting career seasons. Greenard followed a 1. Greenard played about more defensive snaps than his New York counterpart, so Huff was more efficient as a pass-rusher on a snap-by-snap basis.

Huff also had three sacks where he went essentially unblocked, though. Greenard had an eight-sack season in , but neither of these guys has a track record as his team's top pass-rusher. Should that be a warning sign for teams. In the past, I wrote that it was, but recent results have argued in the other direction. Smith was a great signing for the Packers. Trey Hendrickson signed with the Bengals and transformed their defensive line after one impactful season in four years with the Saints.

Paying for an outlier season is a good way to make mistakes in free agency, but the reward might be more likely to pay out than it has seemed in previous years. Wonnum , Vikings; Chase Young , 49ers. Possible cap casualties: Charles Omenihu , Chiefs. There's a game that will take place with the younger players in this tier. We know they can play in situational roles, but will a team that sees one of them as something closer to an every-down player pay them like one?

Armstrong has Wonnum has eight sacks in each of his two seasons as a starter. Danna has been a valuable two-way end for the Chiefs and played something close to a full-time role for the first time in Young has the pedigree as the No. Top defensive ends in the nfl He is also still only The veterans are a little easier to figure. Dupree had a bounce-back season for the Falcons after failing to impress on a bigger deal in Tennessee.

Gregory didn't show much after being bounced out of Denver, though, and Ngakoue had his worst season. They're each probably looking at one-year pacts. The guy in the middle is Davenport, whom the Saints once traded two first-round picks to acquire in the draft.

He is still only 27 and is two seasons removed from a nine-sack, knockdown campaign, but it's tough to see him landing a deal close to what he got from the Vikings a year ago. There is a wider salary range for this tier than most others because of that uncertainty about the role. Everyone above Tier 4 is going to be a starter.

Just about everybody below is going to be a backup. Here, it only takes one team with a dramatically different opinion about a player to change his market. Possible cap casualties: Lorenzo Carter , Falcons. The players in this section are generally going to be pass-rush fliers, many of whom didn't do much while buried on deep depth charts last season.

Lawson never seemed to recover in the eyes of the Jets organization after tearing his left Achilles in , while Ogbah was Miami's fourth-choice edge rusher before everybody in front of him got injured. Graham is another one of the longtime Eagles players who are likely to either retire or return to the only organization they've ever known.

Barnett was cut by the Eagles and flashed in a late-season cameo with the Texans; I'd love to see a desperate team finally give him the chance to play regularly after he was caught up in the Philly rotation for so long. Ward finally got the chance to start with the Giants over the past two years and was a solid-if-unspectacular edge defender. I would say I'm most interested in Uche, who had Many of these players have at least one big season in their past, but Uche's was just a year ago and he's still only These guys are looking at fourth defensive end jobs in training camp or serving as injury fill-ins when players go down in camp.

There are a couple former first-round picks: Chaisson never developed after being drafted two picks ahead of Justin Jefferson in the draft, while Ferrell didn't show much in San Francisco after leaving the Raiders and then missed the postseason with a knee injury. Houston, who had eight sacks as a rookie in before missing most of with a broken ankle, is an exclusive rights free agent and will be back with Detroit.

The most notable name here is Taylor, the second-rounder who missed all of his rookie season after undergoing surgery on his shin for a college injury. He has Free agent: Chris Jones , Chiefs. I mean, you saw the postseason right. The Chiefs don't win the Super Bowl without Jones , who hurried Bills' Josh Allen into an incompletion on what could have been a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the divisional round , then blew up two should-be touchdown passes with Brock Purdy pressures in the Super Bowl.

Jones dropped from There were criticisms early in his career that he had a habit of taking snaps off, but those have faded as his time in the league has gone along. And frankly, if taking snaps off means he is as dominant in the postseason as he has been in big moments, other players should follow in his footsteps.

Simmons wasn't an unrestricted free agent, though, and Jones will be able to point toward his impact in back-to-back Super Bowl championships as proof he should be considered a Donald-esque talent. Could he be the big signing the Texans make as they leverage C. Stroud 's and Will Anderson Jr.

Free agent: Christian Wilkins , Dolphins. Wilkins didn't have the sort of season Justin Madubuike enjoyed in Baltimore -- Madubuike would have made this tier if he wasn't tagged earlier this week -- but with nine sacks and 23 knockdowns, he also had a career year. Wilkins' tape was ahead of his numbers in prior seasons, so felt like a case where the numbers were more aligned with his already established reputation.

Doing that in a Vic Fangio scheme where interior defensive linemen are asked to take on gap-and-a-half responsibilities to help make the numbers work speaks to Wilkins' skill. The Dolphins decided against franchising him; perhaps they believe his market won't be as robust as the year-old hopes.

Possible cap casualty: John Franklin-Myers , Jets. All of these guys are more valuable than their numbers would suggest. Campbell is somehow still playing at a high level at 37 years old; the Falcons' pressure rate jumped from Williams' contract was too generous and his season Reader was an essential part of Cincinnati's turnaround before tearing a quad in December, which could slow his market.

Rankins might be the lone exception here as more of a traditional one-gap pass-rusher on the interior, where he racked up six sacks and 10 knockdowns for the Texans last season. He was a better fit there than during his time on the Jets. They are very different sorts of defensive linemen, but replacing Huff might be harder than replacing the more expensive Franklin-Myers.

Possible cap casualties: Larry Ogunjobi , Steelers. Unlike the Tier 4 edge rushers, this group is more locked into situational roles, but that doesn't mean these players can't make an impact. Jefferson had his best season with the Jets. Cox, who is likely to either stay with the Eagles or retire, managed 17 quarterback knockdowns at age Kinlaw was replaced in the starting lineup by Javon Hargrave and apparently took the benching to heart, as he produced his best tape as a pro.

I wonder if he ends up with one of the former 49ers outposts around the NFL. Ogunjobi was an underrated player with the Browns and had an impressive lone season with the Bengals in , but I'm not sure his two-year run with the Steelers has worked out.

Possible cap casualties: Dean Lowry , Vikings. Many of the players here are nose tackles or run-stuffing defensive linemen who don't offer anything in terms of rushing the passer. Every team needs a guy or two like that on its roster, but there are a lot of big bodies to go around. Robinson played a huge role for the Rams as they played light boxes in a Fangio-style defense and won the Super Bowl in Peppers' sustained excellence throughout his career serves as a testament to his undeniable skill and determination, making him a true legend of the game.

For over a decade, Howie Long stood as a beacon of consistency and excellence at the defensive end position, earning the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. His signature blend of power, quickness, and relentless effort allowed him to dominate the line of scrimmage, greatly influencing the outcome of many games.

Today, Long's lasting impact on the sport can be seen through the countless defensive ends who strive to emulate his style of play and indomitable presence on the field. Instantly recognizable for his trademark gap-toothed smile, Michael Strahan proved to be much more than just a fascinating personality during his time in the NFL. Opposing offenses were forced to game plan around his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the run game, a testament to his extraordinary combination of power and agility.

Strahan's unwavering pursuit of greatness left an indelible mark on the sport, serving as a shining example for all future defensive ends. One of the toughest and most respected players of his era, Jack Youngblood played with a ferocity that few could match. Inoue tapales odds His seemingly limitless reservoir of energy allowed him to dominate the line of scrimmage, earning the admiration of teammates and opponents alike.

Even today, Youngblood's legendary endurance and blue-collar work ethic serve as a shining example for aspiring defensive ends everywhere. Standing at an imposing 6'9", Ed "Too Tall" Jones towered over his competition, both literally and figuratively. His incredible wingspan, coupled with his strength and agility, made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike.

Jones' unique combination of size and skillset redefined the mold for the prototypical defensive end, inspiring future generations of players to hone their craft with the same dedication and passion. A true student of the game, Jason Taylor approached his role as a defensive end with an unparalleled level of preparation and football IQ.

This cerebral approach, combined with his lightning-fast speed off the edge, made him a menace to opposing quarterbacks and an integral part of the Miami Dolphins' defensive unit. Taylor's consistent excellence throughout his career serves as a shining example to the next generation of defenders striving to emulate his on-field prowess.

With a devastating spin move that left offensive linemen grasping at air, Dwight Freeney revolutionized the art of pass rushing during his impressive career. His unique blend of speed, power, and technique allowed him to disrupt countless plays in the backfield, earning accolades from both teammates and opponents alike.

To this day, Freeney's raw athleticism and innate understanding of the game continue to inspire future defensive ends to develop their own unique styles and methods for attacking opposing offenses. A versatile and dominant force on the field, Charles Haley's ability to seamlessly transition between defensive end and linebacker positions made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

His relentless pursuit of the quarterback, coupled with his incredible strength and agility, made Haley a game-changer in every sense of the word. Embodying the quintessential "team player", Haley's impact on multiple championship-winning squads continues to inspire future generations of defensive ends to put the team's success above all else.

An unrelenting force on the field, Jared Allen's relentless motor and bull-rush style endeared him to fans and teammates alike throughout his career. He attacked opponents with a ferocity that was truly awe-inspiring, consistently disrupting plays and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Allen's tenacious approach to the game and larger-than-life personality make him a true icon for future generations of pass rushers to look up to.

A testament to hard work and determination, DeMarcus Ware developed into one of the league's most feared pass rushers during his successful career. His exceptional speed off the line, combined with a relentless motor, made him a constant force to be reckoned with at the defensive end position. Aspiring defenders can look to Ware as the embodiment of what it means to persevere and continuously refine one's craft in the pursuit of greatness.

A key figure in the Chicago Bears' legendary "46" defense, Richard Dent terrorized NFL quarterbacks with his relentless pursuit and ability to close in on targets with incredible speed. His sheer determination and unwavering commitment to the game earned him the respect of his peers, creating a legacy that still resonates today.

Dent's impact on the sport transcends individual accomplishments, as his ferocious style of play left an indelible mark on the league and those who strive to replicate his success. With an imposing presence that demanded respect, Merlin Olsen became a cornerstone of the fearsome "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line during his time with the Los Angeles Rams. His incredible strength and power allowed him to dominate the trenches and consistently affect the outcome of games.

Olsen's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the game of football continue to inspire those who strive to make a lasting impact on the sport. Standing at 6'7", Bubba Smith loomed large over the field, bringing a rare combination of size, speed, and power that proved nearly impossible for opponents to contain.

As a key figure in shaping the concept of the modern-day defensive end, Smith left a legacy that still resonates today, as players strive to emulate his dominating presence on the gridiron. His unmatched intensity and commitment to excellence make him an enduring figure in the storied history of the NFL. Greenwood was the epitome of consistency and dedication at the defensive end position.

His incredible reach and impressive strength allowed him to effectively shut down opposing offenses, creating a lasting impact on the game. By exemplifying excellence both on and off the field, Greenwood's enduring legacy continues to inspire those who seek greatness on the gridiron.

Few players embodied the sheer intensity and ferocity of the sport of football quite like Lyle Alzado. With his passionate approach to the game and never-say-die attitude, Alzado became a symbol of what it meant to play with heart and leave everything on the field. Top defensive ends in the nfl His relentless pursuit of success and unwavering commitment to the sport remain shining examples for aspiring defensive ends hoping to leave a similar mark on the NFL.

In his young career, Nick Bosa has already established himself as one of the most promising talents at the defensive end position. His explosive power off the line and uncanny ability to shed blockers make him a nightmare for opposing offenses, with many expecting him to continue making significant strides in the years to come.

As Bosa hones his craft and develops his unique style, the sky's the limit for what he can achieve on the gridiron. A towering presence with exceptional athleticism, Carl Eller redefined the defensive end position during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his incredible strength and agility, Eller became an integral part of the team's "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, terrorizing opposing offenses to great effect.

His undeniable impact on the game continues to inspire future generations, who strive to emulate Eller's tenacity and grit on the field. With an unparalleled ironman streak of consecutive games, Jim Marshall brought an incredible level of durability and consistency to the defensive end position.

Anchoring the Minnesota Vikings' "Purple People Eaters" defensive line alongside Carl Eller, Marshall became synonymous with resiliency and excellence throughout his career. His steadfast dedication to the game serves as a shining example for aspiring defenders looking to make their mark on the sport.

Widely regarded as a pioneer for the defensive end position, Gino Marchetti's unique combination of size, speed, and agility made him a force to be reckoned with during his time in the NFL. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and innate ability to disrupt plays on the field earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

As future generations of defensive ends continue to chase greatness, they can look to Marchetti's storied career as a benchmark for success. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, Willie Davis forged a legacy as a leader and dominant force at the defensive end position.

His incredible stamina and unwavering drive to succeed made him a key figure in Vince Lombardi's legendary squads, earning accolades from coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. Today, Davis remains an enduring symbol of what it means to achieve greatness through hard work and determination. With power and grace that belied his size, Lee Roy Selmon left an indelible mark on the sport of football during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His ferocious pass-rushing skills and disciplined approach to the game made Selmon a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' defense, garnering praise and respect from all who had the privilege to play alongside or against him. Today, Selmon's legacy of excellence continues to resonate with those striving to achieve their own greatness on the field.

Versatility and exceptional technique were hallmarks of Dan Hampton's formidable career as a defensive end. His ability to adapt to various positions on the defensive line, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, made Hampton an integral part of the vaunted Chicago Bears defense throughout the s. Aspiring defenders can look to Hampton's example as a testament to the importance of mastering one's craft and being a true team player.

Standing at 6'8", Doug Atkins towered over his competition and proved to be a relentless force on the field. His incredible size, coupled with his strength and agility, allowed him to dominate opposing linemen, effectively shutting down running lanes and pressuring quarterbacks with ease.

Atkins' unique blend of physical gifts and sheer determination created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire defensive ends today. Boasting a combination of quickness, power, and an uncanny ability to read opposing offenses, Chris Doleman carved out a storied career as a premier pass-rusher in the NFL. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and prowess at disrupting plays made him a feared presence on the field, solidifying his status as a true legend at the defensive end position.