May 14, 2020. He was All-Pro in 1990 then made a Pro Bowl in 1995. He made an unusually high number of tackles for players in his position and at times could get some rush. Sometimes even experts fail to recognize talent. My name is Steven and I have a passion for sports and staying physically active. You simply cant run a 3-4 defensive scheme without one. In 1985 Pickel took over the nose tackle spot in the Raiders defense and he'd play the usual shade spot in passing downs. The ball was so dominant that the opposition had to make a change in their alignment to bring their best player in the middle to face the pressure Ball created. Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. He. Wilfork frequently drew. Theyre largely responsible for the C-gap, which is the space on the outside of the tackle, but they might try and confuse the tackle by starting outside and making a move inside. Some of these positions are universal to whatever scheme youre playing, while others are only specific to one scheme such as a nose tackle. And love seeing Smerlas getting recognized so high. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. As mentioned above, the best feature of a nose tackle is that he sacrifices himself for the greater good of the team. They rank up there with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Red Sox, and all the other teams to win several championships since the turn of the century. His 61 tackles for loss or no gain against the run over that span rank third among defensive linemen, behind only Brandon Graham and Jadeveon Clowney. Occupying multiple blockers and creating lanes of pursuit for fellow defenders is the weekly requirement of a nose tackle, regardless of system. If its a 2-technique, the player must line up head-to-head with the guard. 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 Williams became a three times pro bowler in three consecutive seasons, from 2006 to 2008. 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. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL tackles of all time NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the best offensive tackles in NFL history. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. Another excellent piece of work by you Mr. Turney. However, his play for the Titans down the stretch was . However, we are going to keep it short. Probably the most technically sound nose tackle on this list, Wilfork's leverage and footwork are outstanding. Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. But the tenacious and resourcefulfourth-year prois a significant member of the Bears defensive line rotation. 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 . Carter was the classic run-stopper at nose, not much of a rusher. Vince Wilfork is one of the smartest and most versatile defensive players in the game. Ted Washington was another great nose tackle, dude was massive! His professional football career began in 1977 when he was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles 1977. Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons. 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. The most common requirement of a nose tackle is to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the rest of the defense. 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. Jump Around This Article Click to show. With that said, the nose tackle position is highly respected by their teammates and is most likely going to be the defensive coordinators favorite player when things are going well. Dan Saleaumua was like a rolling ball of butcher knives, moving around all the time, always seemingly around the ball. While a 3-technique refers to the outside shoulder of the offensive guard, theres also something called the 2i-technique. This player is mostly responsible for filling the two gaps on either side of the center in-between each guard also known as the A-gaps. A couple of years ago, Jay Ratliff would have comfortably toppeda list of this kind. 11. An odd-numbered technique must line up over the shoulder of the offensive line. Jamal Williams was the monster in the middle. He's pure run-stopper, he's one of the few players to actually go to a Pro Bowl in a season when he had zero sacks. The likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamal William, Haloti Ngata, Ted Williams are some of the best ever. Dominant against the run, Wilfork commands attention from multiple blockers. Matt Toeainais the most unheralded member of the Chicago Bears tough defense. Really, on a game-to-game basis, Hamilton was the NFL's first modern nose tackle. Thomas was a solid defensive nose and could have been a terrific 3-technique. From 1980 through the first six games of 1990 he played in (and started) 149 consecutive games, remarkable given the duties of his position. 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. This list includes the tackle's accomplishments, honors, awards, records, & statistics. He loves to watch web series, and movies and write on celebrity gossip or trendy movie news. Any even-numbered technique (including the 0-technique) must line up head-to-head with the offensive line. 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. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans. This is where the defensive player lines up head-to-head with the offensive tackle. Ostensibly a 2-gapper, Raji manages to make a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are often referred to as the anchor of the defense because their sole responsibility is to limit the amount of space an offense has down the middle of the line of scrimmage. Smears was a very durable nose tackle and had played 149 consecutive matches. At the time he was drafted, he was the most athletic defensive tackle of all-time. Sione Pouha has quietly emerged as one of the most effective run defenders in the game. As with any list there is room for debate here and there but he's ranked about right.Let me guess, you are a Steeler's fan? Said Buchsbaum, "As good as Ball is, he'd be better if he controlled his weight. This is different from the 0-technique, which is responsible for the two gaps in between the center and both offensive guards. Take a look at the photographs that served as the artistic blueprint for Super Bowl LVII, and see how they were incorporated into the numerous event spaces throughout the state. Wilfork was drafted by the Patriots with the 21st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. We also mentioned how the 1-technique lines up on the outside shoulder of the center and the 3-technique lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard. Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. 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. What does that make the 5-technique? LOL, really curious where you got the film to do an in-depthanalysis of Les Bingaman. Since the 5-technique features an odd number, that means the defensive lineman lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. This is because the nose tackle position is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of football. He was First-team All-Pro once and a Second-team All-Pro twice and was a Pro Bowler all three of those seasons. Johnsons primary duty was to stop the run, and he did it so well. Obviously, times have changed since 1963, but Buck's legacy lives on as one of the greatest defensive tackles ever. This is about where we'd put Klecko if we had put him on this list, having been a guy who truly played three positions about equally in terms of years, we chose to put him with the 4-3 tackles even though his best two single seasons were as a 4-3 end and a 3-4 nose. 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. 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. Smears also played and started the most number of matches as a nose tackle. My name is Steven and I love everything sports! His 47.5 sacks and 779 tackles put him easily among the best who have ever played. Some NFL players are just physical freaks in terms of taking a pounding and lasting and lasting. Danny Jaillet. Nose Tackles typically don't stuff the stat sheet so it can be hard to measure their greatness unless you're watching tape but I would say that any 3-4 team with a great NT had good numbers v the run, I find your lack of Casey Hampton disturbing. Career stats: 106 games started, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 150 tackles, four-time Pro Bowler. Therefore, he does not have a lot of individual achievements to boast about. For the first half of his career, he played all downs, playing left tackle in the Bills sub defensive packages, something not all nose tackles could do. He has been an all-pro or pro bowler more than any other nose tackle. 4-3 duo Terrence Knighton and Brandon Mebane do not appear on the list due to the same inconsistency. Sometimes a nose tackle or defensive tackle will line up in a 1-technique. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry. Other than Polamalu there wasnt a better player on those defenses. Nobody is better at absorbing double teams than Hampton. He was drafted into the NFL in 1987 and remained active till 2000. Obviously, its popularity has recovered quite a bit to now when almost half the league is using one again. Equally comfortable operating as either a 1 or 2-gap defensive tackle, Wilfork possesses both the raw power and schematic versatility to disrupt any blocking scheme. 1 overall Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Seattle Seahawks, 1997-2009 Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Bengals, 1980-1992 Voted to 11 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro nine times Started 184 of 185 NFL games Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2007 One-time NFL champion Voted to 11 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Started 176 of 177 NFL games Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Colts, 1958, 1959 Two-time NFL champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times (five times at OT, three times at OG) Called by Woody Hayes "the best offensive lineman I've ever coached." To be the best in the league, one needs to be fast, athletic, dedicated, hard-working, and have exceptional talent. I would have thought Manu Tiuasosopo would have been in there as he was mixing it up well in the era with Sugar Bear Hamilton, Rubin Carter, Fred Smerlas, etc.And if Reggie Kinlaw makes the list then I would have put Dave Rowe in as well. In the game of football, every player is given a specific position both on offense and defense that determines their role when on the field. 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. The quintessential 2-gap artist, Hampton is the cornerstone of the Steelers ferocious run defense. Instead, they line up head-to-head with the offensive guards. Of course, it leaves some space right up the middle. The 3-4 had been around for years but no one committed to it on an every-down basis like the Patriots in 1974. Whitworth has been one of the top NFL offensive tackles for the majority of his career and is a true model of consistency. An extremely aggressive player, Garay is one of the few 3-4 nose tackles who is at his best when threatening the quarterback. Who is the best New York Jets defensive tackle ever? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Theyre usually the largest player and go head-to-head with the opposing center. 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. Rowe helped the Raiders to their first Super Bowl trophy (IMO) - I was at that Super Bowl. In the 1980 season, almost 3/4ths of teams were running one. Ratliff is one of the most dominant players in the league and is the key to the Cowboys multiple 3-4 scheme. profootballjournal@gmail.com. Wilfork has seamlessly transitioned to a 4-3 front and has been by far the Patriots best defensive player this season. 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. edit* Hampton was a beast don't know how I didn't think of him! This can either give them an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the play being called by the offense. Maas was "Big, mean, strong, and nasty" according to Buchsbaum who also though Maas would have been an excellent 4-3 tackle. This is different from defensive ends, which are usually taller (around 65) and slimmer (285 pounds) so they can keep up with offensive tackles. 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. 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. A high-motor, hustle type. However, until that time, he is without question the best nose tackle in the league. Yep, he arrived when those guys were on their way out of town. Build your own custom leaderboards with Stathead Football. Raji's versatility is the foundation of Green Bay's defensive scheme. 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. Fat Pat Williams is top 10 material bias aside. This is where the defensive player lines up on the inside shoulder of the offensive guard. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? One name that might get overlooked among some of the best defensive tackles all-time is the former Baltimore Ravens great Haloti Ngata. With that said, most nose tackles in the league are anywhere from 60 to 63 and weigh anywhere from 300-350 pounds. started his career with the Detroit Lions in 1987 and later played in three more teams, including Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. Packers stalwart B.J. With Hampton occluding the middle of an opposing blocking scheme, ball carriers are consistentlyforced sideways. Gilbert Brown was a big piece in that loaded Packer defense. The nose tackle is largely used in the 3-4 defensive scheme as well as a 5-2 defensive scheme. Taylor Lewan gets a lot of attention for his off-field attention-seeking antics. 13. He had the ability, strength, and quickness to be one of the top defensive backs in the tournament. 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. 8. He was a bit of a vagabond playing for seven different teams in his 17 years, with six for the Bills, the most of any of his stops. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Hopefully, Whitworth and the rest of Los Angeles can have a bounce-back year as they will look to contend in a very competitive NFC West. When done correctly, the nose tackle acts as a space-eater. A tall nose, like Bob Baumhower, at 6-5 and began his career as an inside designated pass rusher. Additionally, that year, he had 14.0 run stuffs(second in NFL behind Jerome Brown's 17.0). If you can do that, then your coach will always have a spot for you on the defense. Relying on awesome strength and excellent leverage, Garay is able to create a powerful forward push, few centers can deal with. 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! But Garay's brute force makes him formidable at the point of attack. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Not only is Art Shell at the top of this list, but he was also among the best tackles in NFL history, and there those who believe . 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. Had he not been denied the opportunity to follow up his stellar 2010 season, Williams would certainly have merited inclusion. It is not easy for the nose tackles to be the best defender, but Culp did it in 1975 after joining the Houston Oilers. Pro Bowl: 6 times (1969, 1971, 19751978), Defensive Player of the Year: 1 time (1975). Is Pedro Pascal Related To Burt Reynolds? Kendall Wright looked like the perfect slot receiver for a lot of the year. What does it need to be a good nose tackle? You can guess from his career highlights how much we could write about him. Tim Krumrie was a very active-type nose tackle, all hustle all the time. He played both ways early in his career but his primary position was right over the center in 5-man lines. 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. A Financial Overview, What Is a Cycle in Baseball? Where the 3-4 defense has two gaps in-between the nose tackle and defensive ends, those two gaps are completely covered by two defensive tackles in the 5-2 scheme, which makes it hard to run the ball. This site is owned and operated by Coaching Kidz. He is one of few nose tackles that play on all three downs. Check. Whether youre playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme or 4-3 defensive scheme, two defensive ends line up by the offensive tackle. I think he was part of at least three of their championships, though undersized. He could also expand his pass rush repertoire and become more of a rush threat for a Miami defensive line which struggles to support the efforts of Cameron Wake. 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. Tom LaMarre. The third-year pro has the power, leverage and quickness to threaten the pocket on every play. He was also part of the Dolphins pass rush packages for the first 2/3 of his career, totaling 9 sacks in 1981, 8 in 1978 and 1983 and 6 in 1979. Wills was exceptionally quick for his size, and so he was nicknamed The Cat.. By Matthew Valdovinos. CoachingKidz.comis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. From his 121 games, he recorded 121 sacks. With that in mind, he shared some final thoughts on his playing career. After getting drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1984, Michael Carter remained unmoved throughout his pro football career. Great list -- Curley is indeed #1. Pro Football Network analyst Matt Valdovinos ranks the top 25 offensive tackles in the NFL. And with Carter, he'd have his moments getting to the passer. Lets take a look at some of those specific nose tackles: Its unclear if well ever see any nose tackles in the future that live up to the names listed above, but theres no doubt that these players are some of the least-recognized superstars of their time. Another big man, around 330-350 (390?) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I created this website to share my passion with all of you. With Sopoaga over the center, Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis are always kept clean and remain free to chase plays down. The Dolphins defensive anchor is steadily building a reputation as one of the most difficult to handle nose tackles in the game. Johnson played just eight years but they were mostly good some, some even very great. Much like you have the 2i-technique, which lines up on the inside of the offensive guard, you also have the 4i-technique, which lines up on the inside of the offensive tackle opposed to the outside of the tackle. 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. He frequently drives blockers backwards and is a consistent threat to penetrate the line of scrimmage. as a nose tackle, mostly a backup or part-time player. The 0-technique is largely specific to the nose tackle but can be played by defensive tackles as well. Smerlas was among the first bigger nose tackles, weighing about 290 (though often listed as less) and he also was among the first to crowd the center. 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. He was active, fast, and really stood out on film. Players must meet the minimum requirements to show up on this leaderboard. 1. He was solid in all aspects and could have been a terrific 3-technique if asked. He's likely best known for a gruesome broken leg in the Super Bowl versus the 49ers but he came back from that in 1989 and had a couple solid seasons after that. So it's harder to peg players. First-team All-Pro: 5 times (1980, 1981, 82, 83, 88). NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history. As we learned above, the nose tackle lines up in the middle of the defensive line in a 3-4 defense which consists of one nose tackle and two defensive ends. In terms of pure 3-4 nose tackles, to this day no nose has played in and started more games at the position than Fred Smerlas. 17. He benefits from a strong and talented supporting cast, but everything the Steelers are able to do on defense, is determined by the play of Hampton.