Randle signed with the Vikings and went on to become one of the best defensive tackles of the 1990s and definitely the mouthiest. James P. Burt (born June 7, 1959 in Orchard Park, New York) is a former American football player who played for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). . A Financial Overview, What Is a Cycle in Baseball? When done correctly, the nose tackle acts as a space-eater. From 1980 through the first six games of 1990 he played in (and started) 149 consecutive games, remarkable given the duties of his position. 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. The likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamal William, Haloti Ngata, Ted Williams are some of the best ever. Casey Hampton is criminally low on this list. Pouha has gone from a deputy to the oft-injured Kris Jenkins, to becoming a significant force at the heart of the Jets opportunistic defense. Pro Bowl: 6 times (1969, 1971, 19751978), Defensive Player of the Year: 1 time (1975). This list of the top nose tackles in American football includes all the greats from both the NFL and college football. He was a Second-team All-Pro in 1987 and a consensus First-team All-Pro in 1988 and was picked to Paul Zimmerman's (. With that in mind, he shared some final thoughts on his playing career. all the guys ahead of him were better than he was. He was a Second-team All-Pro in 1977 and that was the only season he received post-season honors. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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! This is different from the 0-technique, which is responsible for the two gaps in between the center and both offensive guards. There are players that play close to the ball and others that play further away. Ratliff is one of the most dominant players in the league and is the key to the Cowboys multiple 3-4 scheme. 25. They have a similar role, but the defensive schemes are very different. His role into 2021 as a top defensive tackle will be to keep rookie linebacker Jamin Davis free to attack downhill. Wilfork has seamlessly transitioned to a 4-3 front and has been by far the Patriots best defensive player this season. pounds, Wilfork was the anchor of the Patriots defensive line for more than a decade making First-team All-Pro once and second-team All-Pro four times and five Pro Bowls in his 13 seasons and earned himself two rings. edit* Hampton was a beast don't know how I didn't think of him! He ended his career with 1017 tackles, more than any other nose we can find and 34.5 sacks. Enjoy! Throughout history, there have been several players that have revolutionized what it means to be a nose tackle. The next time you see a nose tackle playing well, make sure you tip your hat to them! What does that make the 5-technique? He debuted in 1968 with the Kansas City Chiefs. His power and quick takeoff enables him to drive blockers backwards and his speed and range allow him to disengage and envelope a ball carrier. Nose tackles are found in the middle of the defensive line when running a 3-4 defensive scheme. Here is a ranking of the 10 best nose tackles in the game today. He toiled in obscurity in Seattle at a time when the league wanted to forget Seattle existed & still was a 1st team AP & Pro Bowler in 1984, and could easily have been a Pro Bowl player in 2 other seasons. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Akiem Hicks, Chicago Bears. Defensive techniques serve two major purposes they tell the defenders where they need to line up for that specific play and they tell the defenders what their role is when on the field. Of course, it leaves some space right up the middle. A high-motor, hustle type. Raji possesses a more diverse and dynamic skill set than Pouha. Wilfork played more than 100 games for the Patriots and is considered the best player in the nose tackle position for the Patriots. Enter Wade Phillips who installed a 3-4 and Williams as the nose andvoila, he's in the Pro Bowl for the next three years. Team (s): Seattle Seahawks. 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. Joel Steed will come . But Ratliff is a very underrated force against the run. 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. An odd-numbered technique must line up over the shoulder of the offensive line. This allows the safeties to stay deep and maintain the integrity of Chicago's preferred Tampa-2 coverage scheme. Washington has four first-round picks on its defensive line, and Jonathan Allen might have been the best in 2020. Pat Williams was a top nose for a long time, playing 14 seasons and was a starter in his last 10. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - 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. 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. He frequently drives blockers backwards and is a consistent threat to penetrate the line of scrimmage. Carter was the classic run-stopper at nose, not much of a rusher. It's tough to find true nose tackles. He played a total of 200 games and recorded 20.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles. 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. While Ngata fell to the shadows behind the likes of Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis, the former Oregon Ducks star was a force to be reckoned . 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. One name that is well worth mentioning among the Top 10 Strong Safety All-Time list is the former Seattle Seahawks and Pro Football Hall of Famer strong safety Kenny Easley. Curly Clip is, undoubtedly, the flag bearer for the best nose tackles of all time. The Pittsburgh run defense has been at or near the top of the league standings throughout Hamton's decade long tenure over the center. He was a First-team All-Pro in 1986-88 and was Second-team in 1985 when he had 7 sacks (he had 6.5 in 1988) and was a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion. Defensive tackles are mostly the silent killer of a team. His penetration causes havoc in the running game and makes hima credible danger to the quarterback. I swear every time there is a discussion about nose tackles Ngata is mentioned, and Ravens fans go berserk because he doesn't play nose tackle. Still, their role changes as a defensive tackle. He recorded 137.5 sacks over his 14-year career and was. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Being five times first-pro and the five-times pro bowler is a rare achievement in the NFL for a nose tackle. In recent seasons the position has taken on greater significance thanks to the proliferation of 3-4 fronts. The creative direction of Super Bowl LVII was inspired by the beauty of Arizona's natural landscapes - from its grand rock formations to its vast rainbow skies. New England is one of the greatest sports franchises of the last 20 years. But he did the dirty work of a shade tackle in a 4-3 under defense. Just because a NT doesn't 2 gap doesn't mean he's not a true NT, that's all down to preference of scheme by the coach. The 6"1' 325 pound Hamptonis an immovable force in the middle of Pittsburgh's front seven. If youre a football player, you must understand what a defensive technique is. Some NFL players are just physical freaks in terms of taking a pounding and lasting and lasting. He is one of the "Jewel" of The News Titan. However, his play for the Titans down the stretch was . The quintessential 2-gap artist, Hampton is the cornerstone of the Steelers ferocious run defense. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. The next year, Taylor was released, and this became the season Wilfork made his name known by recording 54 tackles in only 16 games. Check out the Top 10 photos from Super Bowl LVII! 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. Fronts are more complex now than there were "back in the day". This is because the 4-3 defensive scheme has two inside linebackers that can fill those two gaps if needed. Also, played some DE. Email us at: Here are the top 25 offensive tackles for the 2021 NFL season. Williams became a three times pro bowler in three consecutive seasons, from 2006 to 2008. And in that role, he recorded 24 sacks in 1985-86. Isaiah Wynn is an interesting player. This is because four linebackers can either drop back and guard the middle of the field or play at the line of scrimmage against the run. One of the least glamorous positions in the NFL is Nose Tackle, but they are still a critical position in the NFL so who are the greats? Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots with the 21st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. You simply cant run a 3-4 defensive scheme without one. Another big man, around 330-350 (390?) An excellent run defender, Soliai needs to refine his technique in order to make more plays behind the line of scrimmage. As they continue to learn the What Is a Secondary in Football? Matt Toeainais the most unheralded member of the Chicago Bears tough defense. He could even muster some pass rushfrom 2010-2012 he had a total over 15.5 sacks, averaging just over 5 a season which is very good considering his positional responsibilities. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Smears also played and started the most number of matches as a nose tackle. Fat Pat Williams is top 10 material bias aside. These savvy veterans and youngsters such as Knighton, Cleveland Browns rookie Phillip Taylor and Arizona Cardinals youth Dan Williams, are collectively ensuring the nose tackle remains very relevant. Dominant against the run, Wilfork commands attention from multiple blockers. It is not easy for the nose tackles to be the best defender, but Culp did it in 1975 after joining the Houston Oilers. John, in your opinion, and others on this site, would you put Smerlas, Krumrie or Henry Thomas in the HOF ? He'd done yeoman's work, playing the run, coming out of the game on likely passing downs, but never getting a sniff of Hawaii and the Pro Bowl. Peko plays with intensity, but his technique is smart and precise. Theyre responsible for taking up space and making it hard for the center and guards to make room for the running back. Soliai excels at drawing and occupying double teams. He was drafted into the NFL in 1987 and remained active till 2000. He did not focus on personal achievements, which is one of the reasons that his stats are not filled with rich numbers. Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, Made the 2010 NFL All . 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