His professional football career began in 1977 when he was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles 1977. Many people refer to a nose tackle as a nose guard, but theyre two completely different positions in football. Danny Jaillet. Team (s): Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions & Philadelphia Eagles. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. They need to have a big body, but they also need to have some speed and strength to make them quicker and stronger than a center and offensive guard. He did play some 3-4 end in his career and was always effective as a defensive tackle in the Chiefs 4-man lines when they went to nickel, he would routinely turn in 5, 6, or 7-sack seasons. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. John Randle Awards: 7 Pro Bowler, 6 All-Pro, 1997 NFL sacks leader, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and NFL 1990s All-Decade Team Championships: None Sometimes a nose tackle or defensive tackle will line up in a 1-technique. Top 10 Defensive Tackles of All Time | NFL Highlights NFL 11M subscribers Subscribe 269K views 5 years ago Former VP of Player Personnel Gil Brandt's Top 10 Defensive Tackles of All Time! While most nose tackles dont receive a lot of praise from the fans (largely due to their lack of stats), some nose tackles throughout history were so good that you had to recognize them no matter what. Like Bill Wills, Pat Williams was also undrafted in 1997. As Easley is often looked past due to his short career in the NFL, his play on the field was at a top level and one that had in the elite group . The way he singlehandedly collapsed the pocket and allows fellow Tampa pass rushers to torture Patrick Mahomes all day night long. They just don't. Obviously, its popularity has recovered quite a bit to now when almost half the league is using one again. Maas was "Big, mean, strong, and nasty" according to Buchsbaum who also though Maas would have been an excellent 4-3 tackle. No nose tackle has been First-team All-Pro more or gone to more Pro Bowls than Smerlas. So he ended up playing for three-techniques likeJovan Haye and Tony Williams, though he got to play some three-technique himself for a few years in the early 2000s when Fred Robbins manned the nose. He was a 'move' guy, not a power guy and he could rush the passer very well in addition to playing his two-gap responsibilities. In recent seasons the position has taken on greater significance thanks to the proliferation of 3-4 fronts. This can either give them an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the play being called by the offense. I think Wilfork has to be up there too but Wilfork has been used in more than 1 tech for a lot of his time on the Pats but that just shows what a good skill set he had. Instead, they line up head-to-head with the offensive guards. I created this website to share my passion with all of you. This list of the top nose tackles in American football includes all the greats from both the NFL and college football. He was drafted into the NFL in 1987 and remained active till 2000. Joe Nash is a glaring omission. These amazing nose tackles may currently be active while others have been retired for quite sometime. At 6'4" and287 pounds, Ratliff is taller and significantly lighter than the prototypical NFL nose tackle. Super Bowl champion: 2 times (XXXIX, XLIX). The Oilers were next who committed to it after getting Curley Culp at mid-season, though they used it some in previous games and years. However, the proliferation of 3-4 fronts in recent seasons has made the position more important. He has played a total of 200 games and recorded 29 sacks and two interceptions. But the tenacious and resourcefulfourth-year prois a significant member of the Bears defensive line rotation. He had unusually large legs and Dolphin locker room lore includes the fact that even the large socks would not fully cover Baumhower's calves when stretched all the way to the top. He was drafted into the NFL in 2004 by the New England Patriots. 17. Would have put Maas and Gilbert Brown much higher, but really enjoyed this list. He received a Hall of Fame induction from the New England Patriots soon after his retirement in 2017. Last year (1989) he was 20 points overweight and he was double-teamed on almost every play had nine sacks and 73 tackles". NFL, one of the most exciting sports leagues in the world, is the gathering place of all American football legends. Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons. 3-4 Defences have only become really popular around the nfl in the last 15 years so there hasn't been that many Nose Tackles in the last 40-50 years in comparison to other positions. Jamal Williams career seemed to be heading into obscurity as a very good shade (nose) tackle in a 4-3 defense for the Chargers from 1998 to 2004. You have entered an incorrect email address! Peko plays with intensity, but his technique is smart and precise. He loves to watch web series, and movies and write on celebrity gossip or trendy movie news. Chicago Bears, 1985-1993; Philadelphia Eagles, 1993-1994 One-time Super Bowl champion Recorded 29.5 sacks in 138 NFL games, Oakland Raiders, 1996; New Orleans Saints, 1997-2001; Dallas Cowboys, 2002-2005; St. Louis Rams 2006-2008 Voted to six Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time NFL 2000s All-Decade Team 2000 NFC Defensive Player of the Year 2000 NFL sacks leader (17.5) Finished career with 433 tackles, 83.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles, San Francisco 49ers, 1994-2007 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time NFL 1990s All-Decade Team Had 89.5 sacks and 618 tackles in 208 career games, Cleveland Browns, 1946-1953 One-time NFL champion Voted to three Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times NFL 1940s All-Decade Team Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Ravens, 2006-2014; Detroit Lions, 2015-Present One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro two times Started 160 of 162 NFL games Has 29.5 sacks, 491 tackles, 6 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions in 11 NFL seasons, Baltimore Ravens, 2013-Present One of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in NFL today Became highest-paid nose tackle in the NFl by signing a five-year, $54 million deal with Ravens in March Has 4.5 sacks and 101 tackles in 55 career games, Cincinnati Bengals, 1983-1994 Voted to two Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time Recorded 34.5 sacks and 1,017 career tackles Missed only four games (out of 192) in 12-year career, Detroit Lions, 1958-1970 Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times NFL 1960s All-Decade Team Missed only one game in 12-year career, New England Patriots, 2001-2008; Oakland Raiders, 2009-2012 Three-time Super Bowl champion Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Logged 57.5 sacks and recorded 496 career tackles, Minnesota Vikings, 1985-1990; Green Bay Packers, 1992; Seattle Seahawks, 1992; Philadelphia Eagles, 1993 Voted to two Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro two times 1989 NFL Defensive Player of the Year NFL 1980s All-Decade Team Holds NFL record for most sacks by DT in single season (18) Three double-digit sack seasons Recorded 58 career sacks, Houston Oilers, 1985-1995; Dallas Cowboys, 1996 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time NFL-record three fumble recoveries in single game Recorded 76.5 sacks, 861 tackles, and 19 forced fumbles in 12-year NFL career, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1950-1963 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls (1957 Pro Bowl MVP), First Team All-Pro once NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team Recorded 23 fumble recoveries and at time of retirement was the all-time career safeties leader with three Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, San Francisco 49ers, 1950-1963 Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times NFL 1950s All-Decade Team 49ers' first-ever draft pick Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Colts, 1950; New York Yanks, 1951; Dallas Texans, 1952; Baltimore Colts, 1953-1961 Two-time NFLchampion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times NFL 1950s All-Decade Team Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns, 1957-1958; Green Bay Packers, 1959-1969 Two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time NFL champion Voted to four Pro Bowls (1961 Pro Bowl MVP), First Team All-Pro five times 21 career fumble recoveries Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears 1979-1990 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times NFL 1980s All-Decade Team Made All-Pro as both defensive end and defensive tackle Officially credited with 57 career sacks Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Jets, 1977-1987; Indianapolis Colts, 1989 Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro two times 1981 AFC Player of the Year Started 145 of 155 NFL games 24 career sacks, 9 fumble recoveries in 10 NFL seasons Anthony Munoz called Klecko "the strongest guy I ever faced. Johnson played just eight years but they were mostly good some, some even very great. By Matthew Valdovinos. Pouha is the basis for the Jets swarming rush defense and his stout performances in the middle of the line ensures the schematic flexibilitycharacteristicof Rex Ryan's multiple system. This is because the nose tackle position is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of football. Thomas played in 213 games, started 199 of them, totaled 864 tackles including 93.5 sacks and 95.0 run stuffs, totals that rival players like Warren Sapp and Bryant Young, two of the 1990s All-Decade selections. Obviously, times have changed since 1963, but Buck's legacy lives on as one of the greatest defensive tackles ever. Again, these are two completely different positions in the game of football and have entirely different roles in defensive schemes. His pro career started as remaining undrafted and ended as one of the best nose tackles of all time! Many defenses are also choosing to play more nickel on first and second down. Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, Made the 2010 NFL All . To be fair, Williams was a Second-team All-Pro in 2004 and then First-team in 2005 and 2006. With 91 games played during his career, made . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Ngata, from 2008-14 received post-season honors every season, three of those years he was a First-team All-Pro and the others Second-team or Pro Bowl or All-AFC, showing remarkable consistency. Burt also helped the 49ers in their Super Bowl seasons as a rotation nose tackle. He is comfortable using his speed to shoot gaps or lining up directly over guards and centers and overpowering them. The Ultimate Guide, Volleyball Scoring 101: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Score. But Ball did it. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. Likely 1988, too, but it was a crowded field in the 1980s for nose tackles. He was First-team All-Pro twice and a Second-teamer three other seasons and went to five Pro Bowls as a nose tackle (tied with Fred Smerlas for the most-ever by a 3-4 nose). Hank Thomas is one of the more underrated players in recent NFL history in our view, right up there with Eugene Robinson, LeRoy Butler, Larry Brooks, and others. A 4-technique lines up head-to-head with the tackle. Dominant against the run, Wilfork commands attention from multiple blockers. He played a total of 200 games and recorded 20.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles. A NT will either be head on v a centre or on the strongside A gap, either way a NTs job is to absorb a double team and not allow either of the OL trying to move him to get downfield. And love seeing Smerlas getting recognized so high. Nose tackles are found in the middle of the defensive line when running a 3-4 defensive scheme. He was active, fast, and really stood out on film. Concerns about his every down durability have persisted in recent seasons, but Ratliff is still the best pure athlete to play nose tackle in the NFL. He did not focus on personal achievements, which is one of the reasons that his stats are not filled with rich numbers. Everything You Need to Know, What Is a Pick 6 in Football? There have been many legendary nose tackles in the NFL and NCAA, and you'll find all of them on this list below. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? Balls retired from the game in 1999, leaving behind a dominant legacy. These players are often the most recognized players in the locker room especially among the defensive coordinators for helping clear up space for the rest of the team. It's tough to find true nose tackles. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While many people often confuse a nose guard with a nose tackle, many fans also use the terms nose tackle and defensive tackle interchangeably. Vita Vea Tampa Bay Buccaneers Highlights " The Freak" Fletcher Cox Team: Philadelphia Eagles Wilfork has seamlessly transitioned to a 4-3 front and has been by far the Patriots best defensive player this season. But he got the opportunity to join the newly formed Cleveland Browns, and there he proved how good he was. View Current Leaderboard. Vince Wilfork is one of the smartest and most versatile defensive players in the game. He can sometimes be a little inconsistent against the run and doesn't always bring the same fiery determination to disrupting the ground game. 2022 The News Titan - All Rights Reserved, The 10 Best Nose Tackles of All Time in the NFL, The 10 Best Defensive Ends of All Time in the NFL. He was a three-time First-team All-Pro and three-time All-NFC/Pro Bowler and was part of those very good Eagles defenses from 1979-81. Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Pat Williams was a top nose for a long time, playing 14 seasons and was a starter in his last 10. Still, their role changes as a defensive tackle. His 10 kick blocks rank top 10 among all NFL players. Pouha is blessed with tremendous strengthand possesses deceptive speed when working down the line. An odd-numbered technique must line up over the shoulder of the offensive line. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. The over six ft tall was like a mad bull himself. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans. NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the best offensive tackles in NFL history. He debuted in 1968 with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 55 Best Movies and Series on HBO Max (Where You 1968 (Denver Broncos, Round: 2 / Pick: 31), Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions, 1979 (Buffalo Bills, Round: 2 / Pick: 32), Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers, 1991 (San Francisco 49ers, Round: 1 / Pick: 25), San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, 1987 (Minnesota Vikings, Round: 3 / Pick: 72), Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots andDetroit Lions, 1984 (San Francisco 49ers, Round: 5 / Pick: 121), 1977 (Philadelphia Eagles, Round: 7 / Pick: 175), Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, 2004 (New England Patriots, Round: 1 / Pick: 21), 1987 (Detroit Lions, Round: 3 / Pick: 63), Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings. This list includes the tackle's accomplishments, honors, awards, records, & statistics. But was a Pro Bowler in 1986, but was certainly worthy of selection in 1984 and 1985 as well. The likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamal William, Haloti Ngata, Ted Williams are some of the best ever. But nose tackle still remains a key position and its distinctive skills perform a vital function for many defenses. Fat Pat Williams is top 10 material bias aside. For the 3-technique, the defensive player is asked to line up on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard. Since the 5-technique features an odd number, that means the defensive lineman lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. From Culp to Jerry Ball, everyone featured in this article has played major roles in their teams success, which established them as the best defensive nose tackles of all time in the NFL. He is one of the "Jewel" of The News Titan. Rowe helped the Raiders to their first Super Bowl trophy (IMO) - I was at that Super Bowl. If youre interested in learning more about the nose tackle position in football, continue reading for a full breakdown of what a nose tackle does and what it takes to be a dominant nose tackle. Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 10 Most Famous NFL Players from Florida, The 10 Best Current NFL Players Without A Ring. We may reconsider in the future, but for now, we put him with the tackles. He spent the first 11 years of his career with the Patriots, a time during which he was one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL -- especially against the run. When done correctly, the nose tackle acts as a space-eater. He was All-Pro once and a Second-team All-Pro once and an All-AFC pick twice and voted to four Pro Bowls. Take a look at how they. Since nose tackles are largely responsible for clogging up the middle of the line of scrimmage, its almost required that they have a big body thats difficult to block. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. one bid wonders has more information on college football bowl game. Ostensibly a 2-gapper, Raji manages to make a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. This is different from defensive ends, which are usually taller (around 65) and slimmer (285 pounds) so they can keep up with offensive tackles. The players Hey there! They try to take up as much space as possible down the middle of the line of scrimmage, which often means taking on the center and one or both of the offensive guards. Check out the Top 10 photos from Super Bowl LVII! The change of league did not have much impact on the team as the team continued to dominate, and in 19450, they became the NFL champion. Here are the top 25 offensive tackles for the 2021 NFL season. That. Fronts are more complex now than there were "back in the day". I'll have to their cortez Kennedy into the mix for this one. A 3-4 defensive scheme is more of a base defense that can be effective against the run and pass when performed correctly. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Vita is one of the best nose tackles in the NFL because he has the ability at 345-pounds to rush the passer. Unlike a nose tackle, a defensive ends main responsibility is to control the outside of the line of scrimmage and get to the quarterback. What does that make the 5-technique? Art Shell, 1968-1982. He also forced 19 fumbles and recorded three defensive touchdowns. He ended his career with 1017 tackles, more than any other nose we can find and 34.5 sacks. A nose tackle, also known as the nose guard or middle guard, is a player that aligns themselves in the middle of the defensive line. His 47.5 sacks and 779 tackles put him easily among the best who have ever played. He ended his career with 32.5 sacks and 75.5 run stuffs. However, until that time, he is without question the best nose tackle in the league. They silently contribute and help their team to win. Stephon Tuitt, Pittsburgh Steelers Tuitt is the second Steelers player to find his way into the top 12, coming off another strong showing in 2020. So far, weve mentioned how the 0-technique lines up head-to-head with the center, and the 2-technique lines up head-to-head with the offensive guard. His penetration causes havoc in the running game and makes hima credible danger to the quarterback. Any even-numbered technique (including the 0-technique) must line up head-to-head with the offensive line. They line up with a defensive end on both sides of them, but theres a pretty large gap between them since the offensive line is made up of five players. When you line up in a 3-technique, youre only responsible for the gap between the offensive guard and offensive tackle also known as the B-gap. He played both ways early in his career but his primary position was right over the center in 5-man lines. This site is owned and operated by Coaching Kidz. But Ratliff is a very underrated force against the run. edit* Hampton was a beast don't know how I didn't think of him! They dont always receive large contracts, they generally dont run up the stat sheet, and theyre most likely not going to be a fans favorite player on the field at least not like a quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. He was also one of the best kick blockers ever and the best of the 2000s by far with 17 blocked place kicks. Most defensive tackles that line up in a 4-3 defensive scheme are lining up in a 3-technique. I'm assuming that we're talking about a true NT as in 2 gap players. Is Pedro Pascal Related To Burt Reynolds? If you can do that, then your coach will always have a spot for you on the defense. The last time Donald recorded a PFF run-defense or pass-rush grade lower than 85.0 was during his rookie season in 2014. The 3-4 had been around for years but no one committed to it on an every-down basis like the Patriots in 1974. 1 Joe Greene 3,939 votes Charles Edward Greene (born September 5, 1946), better known as "Mean" Joe Greene, is a former American football defensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football .more #1208 of 1,316 The Best Athletes Of All Time #11 of 25 Old Athletes You Didn't Realize Are Still Alive #1 of 146
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