He ended his career with 510 tackles and 35.5 sacks and 57.5 run stuffs. 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. They silently contribute and help their team to win. Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, the proliferation of 3-4 fronts in recent seasons has made the position more important. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - Best Nose Tackles in NFL History Throughout history, there have been several players that have revolutionized what it means to be a nose tackle. Two slots for the Pro Bowl and at times 25 of the teams in the NFL playing a 3-4 defense. This can either give them an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the play being called by the offense. Sopoaga is such a powerful and active presence, that he demands a double team on almost every play. Balls retired from the game in 1999, leaving behind a dominant legacy. NY Jets: Selecting the greatest all-time defensive line - The Jet Press as a nose tackle, mostly a backup or part-time player. STEELERS' ALL-UNDRAFTED TEAM Quarterback: Devlin Hodges Running Back: Willie Parker Fullback: Dan Kreider Wide Receivers:. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Smears also played and started the most number of matches as a nose tackle. Pro Football Journal: The Best Nose Tackles in NFL History - Blogger Gil Brandt's greatest NFL defensive tackles of all time The players Hey there! Coming out of Georgia, Wynn was clearly a great athlete and an accomplished player, but he was far from the prototype in terms of height and length for offensive tackles in the NFL. he was a good player, but didn't play enough to really fit in. 18 in NFL Network's Top 100 Players list in 2017 Has started all 105 career games played, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, 1960-1969; Oakland Raiders 1971 Voted to eight AFL all-star games, First Team All-AFL eight times Appeared in five AFL title games Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Minnesota Vikings, 1986-1992; Denver Broncos, 1993-1997 Voted to nine Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro three times One-time Super Bowl champion Made 169 consecutive starts Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jacksonville Jaguars, 1995-2001 Voted to five Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro three times Drafted with the Jaguars' first-ever pick, New Orleans Saints, 1993-2001; Kansas City Chiefs 2002-2005 Voted to 11 Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro three times One of 13 players to be named to multiple all-decades team (90s and 2000s) Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1953-1965 Voted to nine Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro six times One-time NFL champion Named NFL's Lineman of Year, 1956 Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Eagles, 1964-1968; Los Angeles Rams, 1969-1970; Oakland Raiders, 1971-1973 Voted to six Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro five times Selected to All-Decade Team of the 1960s Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Los Angeles/St. He played both ways early in his career but his primary position was right over the center in 5-man lines. He was a true 2 gap run stuffer. I created this website to share my passion with all of you. Again, these are two completely different positions in the game of football and have entirely different roles in defensive schemes. The number one requirement of a nose tackle is to take on and occupy blockers. With that in mind, he shared some final thoughts on his playing career. Whether youre playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme or 4-3 defensive scheme, two defensive ends line up by the offensive tackle. No nose tackle has been First-team All-Pro more or gone to more Pro Bowls than Smerlas. Joe Klecko (89%, 59 Votes) Kris Jenkins (8%, 5 Votes) Jason Ferguson (3%, 2 Votes) Sione Pouha (0%, 0 Votes) Abdul Salaam (0%, 0 Votes). However, his play for the Titans down the stretch was . 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. His tremendous upper body strength and relentless motor help Sopoaga to constantly move the pocket. This is due mainly to the fact that most of the standout nose tackles in the league play for 3-4 teams. Obviously, times have changed since 1963, but Buck's legacy lives on as one of the greatest defensive tackles ever. He was active, fast, and really stood out on film. This makes it hard for the running back to find a hole through either of the two B-gaps (in-between the guard and tackle). 1. 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. A 4-technique lines up head-to-head with the tackle. Another excellent piece of work by you Mr. Turney. Some of these positions are universal to whatever scheme youre playing, while others are only specific to one scheme such as a nose tackle. 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 article features the ten best nose tackles of all time in the NFL who set examples of how to contribute from the back. 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. We think he would have been a fine left 3-4 defensive end and inside rusher in nickel but the Raiders already had that guyHowie Long. The likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamal William, Haloti Ngata, Ted Williams are some of the best ever. Of course, it leaves some space right up the middle. Johnson played just eight years but they were mostly good some, some even very great. In the Bears under front,Toeaina is required to take on the center and occupy the interior, creating one on one matchups for pass rushing defensive ends and the 3-technique tackle. With Hampton occluding the middle of an opposing blocking scheme, ball carriers are consistentlyforced sideways. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Being five times first-pro and the five-times pro bowler is a rare achievement in the NFL for a nose tackle. Burt also helped the 49ers in their Super Bowl seasons as a rotation nose tackle. Soliai excels at drawing and occupying double teams. Ted Washington is another. That. The Steelers have had some of the best nose tackles of all time and when that position is thought of, often the Steelers come to mind. 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. Players must meet the minimum requirements to show up on this leaderboard. Theyre usually the largest player and go head-to-head with the opposing center. Nose Tackle: A Comprehensive Guide to the Football Position Instead, they line up head-to-head with the offensive guards. Ranking of the NFL's top ten greatest offensive tackles of all time. Here is a ranking ofthe 10 best nose tackles in the game today. Top 25 offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL season - Pro Football Network New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Super Bowl champion: 3 times (XIX, XXIII, XXIV), First-team All-Pro: 3 times (1986, 1987, 1988). Vince Wilfork was born in 1981 in Florida. He is comfortable using his speed to shoot gaps or lining up directly over guards and centers and overpowering them. Randle signed with the Vikings and went on to become one of the best defensive tackles of the 1990s and definitely the mouthiest. Alexander Boris Johnsons Net Worth vs Jeremy Bernard Corbyns Net Worth: Who is richer? "Snacks", in our view is the top nose/shade tackle in the game today and if he continues his career arc he could move up this list quickly. To be the best in the league, one needs to be fast, athletic, dedicated, hard-working, and have exceptional talent. 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? Washington had played for several teams in his 17-year-long career. But he got the opportunity to join the newly formed Cleveland Browns, and there he proved how good he was. A high-motor, hustle type. As you learn more about football, you start to hear the term defensive technique. Its not something a normal fan has to be concerned about, but its something that gets mentioned by the announcers and commentators regularly. Casey Hampton is criminally low on this list. They line up in front of the offensive center and are responsible for clogging up the two gaps on both sides of the center in-between the center and two offensive guards. In the 1980 season, almost 3/4ths of teams were running one. Most defensive tackles that line up in a 4-3 defensive scheme are lining up in a 3-technique. When you think of the Steelers' 3-4, you think of a couple names: it starts with Casey Hampton, the best true nose tackle the team has ever had. Smears was a very durable nose tackle and had played 149 consecutive matches. But the tenacious and resourcefulfourth-year prois a significant member of the Bears defensive line rotation. 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. Willis was a dynamic6-2, 213-pound middle guard for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-53. Wilfork played more than 100 games for the Patriots and is considered the best player in the nose tackle position for the Patriots. They just don't. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans. 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. Louis Rams, 1976-1995 Voted to seven Pro Bowls First player to play 20 seasons for one team Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, St. Louis Rams, 1997-2008; Chicago Bears, 2009 Voted to seven Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro three times One-time Super Bowl champion Started 154 consecutive games Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys, 1967-1979 Voted to six Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro three times Two-time Super Bowl champion Started in six NFC Championship Games Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1936-1946 Three-time NFL champion Voted to four Pro Bowls, First-Team All-Pro four times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Yanks, 1951; Cleveland Browns, 1954-1962 Voted to six Pro Bowls Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns, 2007-2016 Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Has started all 160 games he has played in the NFL, Green Bay Packers, 1956-1970; Dallas Cowboys, 1971 Started on eight NFL championship teams Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Minnesota Vikings, 1968-1981; Los Angeles Rams, 1982 Voted to seven Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro six times First O-lineman to be selected No. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? As it turned out, Carter found his position and Alzado went on to be an excellent 3-4 end. Ranking the NFL's 10 Best Nose Tackles - Bleacher Report Well.it's more that it goes through cycles. He has played a total of 200 games and recorded 29 sacks and two interceptions. Likely 1988, too, but it was a crowded field in the 1980s for nose tackles. The same argument applies to Barry Cofield of the Washington Redskins. 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List. He frequently drives blockers backwards and is a consistent threat to penetrate the line of scrimmage. 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. An odd-numbered technique must line up over the shoulder of the offensive line. There are players that play close to the ball and others that play further away. Then in 1986-87 he was still the starter but played less in passing situations and recorded just one sack in 1987 and five in 1988. It all depends on the game situation. 10. 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. Now we are getting into the run-stopping specialists, though very good at that specialty. And in that role, he recorded 24 sacks in 1985-86. There are always 22 football players on the field at once and they all have their own specialized roles. A 3-4 defensive scheme is more of a base defense that can be effective against the run and pass when performed correctly. See leaders through past seasons 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). He was also one of the best kick blockers ever and the best of the 2000s by far with 17 blocked place kicks. Ted Washington's the best I've seen play. Highest single-season PFF grades since 2017 Donald's peers are the NFL's all-time greats on defense the Reggie Whites and Lawrence Taylors of the world rather than anyone else currently playing. Moving former defensive end Isaac Sopoaga to nose tackle has made an already stout 49ers run defense even more formidable. The defensive tackle is largely used in the 4-3 defensive scheme as well as the 5-2 defensive scheme. List of the most famous (American) football nose tackles in the history of the sport, listed by popularity with photos of the players when available. He recorded 137.5 sacks over his 14-year career and was. 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. By this time, he played over 200 games to record 93.3 sacks, 1007 tackles, and four touchdowns, so many for a defensive nose tackle. This type of scheme consists of five players on the defensive line a nose guard, two defensive tackles, and two defensive ends. This is where the defensive player lines up head-to-head with the offensive tackle. However, his contribution to the teams victories earned him four all-pro awards. started his career with the Detroit Lions in 1987 and later played in three more teams, including Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. 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. He did that while ascending as one of the greatest nose tackles of all time. Sugar Bear Hamilton began his career as a defensive end in 1973 but when the Patriots moved to a 3-4 defensive full-time in 1974 he was the middle guard. This is because the nose tackle position is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of football. The top 25 NFL offensive tackles heading into the 2020 season Baumhower was a unique player, tall (6-5) for a nose tackle and may have been better suited as a 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end. Obviously, its popularity has recovered quite a bit to now when almost half the league is using one again. He is one of few nose tackles that play on all three downs. He loves to watch web series, and movies and write on celebrity gossip or trendy movie news. 2022 NFL interior defender rankings and tiers - PFF 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. 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. Bills, in his career, became a total of a three-time pro bowler and a four times all-pro. 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. Therefore, he does not have a lot of individual achievements to boast about. Check out the Top 10 photos from Super Bowl LVII! And he deserved it due to what he meant to those Charger defenses. The Ultimate Guide, Volleyball Scoring 101: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Score. Defensive nose tackles do not have flashy statistics or bouquets of trophies on their accolades; rather, they silently distribute for the teams wins. One of his best assets is his quick first step, giving him an excellent takeoff at the snap. Many defenses are also choosing to play more nickel on first and second down. But nose tackle still remains a key position and its distinctive skills perform a vital function for many defenses. Sometimes a nose tackle or defensive tackle will line up in a 1-technique. Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings The likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamal William, Haloti Ngata, Ted Williams are some of the best ever. Besides, he had been a part of the 49ers three super bowl winning teams and a three-time first-team all-pro and three-time pro bowler. Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. He ended his career with just 20.5 sacks but the main reason he was on the field was to stop the run and that he did, evidenced by his 90 run stuffs in his career (five times he had 9.0 or more). In his first four years he was a top backup for Ted Washington forming an amazing 1-2 punch. Carter was the classic run-stopper at nose, not much of a rusher. Everything You Need to Know, What Is a Pick 6 in Football? 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. Ted Washington was another great nose tackle, dude was massive! Take a look at the best portraits from the 2023 NFL Combine! Clears the gap for the linebacker, works the left tackle, and forces the. Wills was exceptionally quick for his size, and so he was nicknamed The Cat.. Wills played a key role in the defense and was all-pro once and a pro bowler. Tier 2: Elite 2. Many people refer to a nose tackle as a nose guard, but theyre two completely different positions in football. 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. profootballjournal@gmail.com. The next time you see a nose tackle playing well, make sure you tip your hat to them! Patriots' All-Time Team: Defense - Sports Illustrated New England The next year, Taylor was released, and this became the season Wilfork made his name known by recording 54 tackles in only 16 games. Pat Williams was a top nose for a long time, playing 14 seasons and was a starter in his last 10. 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. 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. 15 Greatest New England Patriots of All Time - Sportscasting Fat Pat Williams is top 10 material bias aside. edit* Hampton was a beast don't know how I didn't think of him! It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. May 18, 2022 9:45 am ET. Check. Isaiah Wynn, New England Patriots. 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. Interior Defender Rankings: The 32 best DIs entering the 2021 NFL - PFF Take a look at how they stack. The way he singlehandedly collapsed the pocket and allows fellow Tampa pass rushers to torture Patrick Mahomes all day night long. 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. one bid wonders has more information on college football bowl game. But the starter at nose in the first game was Lyle Alzado, not Carter. With a little more experience at the position, Sopoaga could beexpected to top a similar list in the near future. 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. He made an unusually high number of tackles for players in his position and at times could get some rush. Additionally, that year, he had 14.0 run stuffs(second in NFL behind Jerome Brown's 17.0). This comment has been removed by the author. Vince Wilfork is one of the smartest and most versatile defensive players in the game. 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 . And love seeing Smerlas getting recognized so high. NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the best offensive tackles in NFL history. Nose tackles dont receive a lot of glamour in modern football. Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. 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. Instead of going head-to-head with the center, theyll line up on the outside shoulder of the center, either on the left or right. But his lightning-quick first step, long arms and aggressive hands technique, allow Ratliff to challenge and overcome blockers. He was part of the good, innovative defenses of Bill Arnsbarger with the Dolphins, the 'Killer Bs' if you will. The top 25 NFL offensive tackles heading into the 2020 season The quintessential 2-gap artist, Hampton is the cornerstone of the Steelers ferocious run defense. These amazing nose tackles may currently be active while others have been retired for quite sometime. Most of Ratliff's reputation is built on his pass rushing ability. 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. Gilbert Brown was a big piece in that loaded Packer defense. He was a Second-team All-Pro in 1977 and that was the only season he received post-season honors. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. He ended his career with 1017 tackles, more than any other nose we can find and 34.5 sacks. Sione Pouha has quietly emerged as one of the most effective run defenders in the game. Vita is one of the best nose tackles in the NFL because he has the ability at 345-pounds to rush the passer. He won the super bowl once and was named all-pro once in 2001. The 10 Most Famous NFL Players from Florida, The 10 Best Current NFL Players Without A Ring. Press J to jump to the feed. Its where the defender lines up head-to-head with the offensive center. Bullshitter. Bill Pickel in an interesting player. 4-3 duo Terrence Knighton and Brandon Mebane do not appear on the list due to the same inconsistency. This is different from the 0-technique, which is responsible for the two gaps in between the center and both offensive guards. These Are Unarguably The 10 Greatest Defensive Tackles Of All Time It reached peak popularity with the Bill Parcells style in the mid 80's. He would also play left end on occasion, usually when Lyle Alzado was taking a series off or if he missed a game or two. NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history. The best I have personally seen is Casey Hampton. Well, first we need to understand the 4-technique. We may reconsider in the future, but for now, we put him with the tackles. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 interior defensive linemen ahead of the If youre a football player, you must understand what a defensive technique is. He has been an all-pro or pro bowler more than any other nose tackle. Whitworth has been one of the top NFL offensive tackles for the majority of his career and is a true model of consistency. In recent seasons the position has taken on greater significance thanks to the proliferation of 3-4 fronts. [Family Ethnicity & Religion], Bruce Wills And Demi Moores Divorce History & Their Kids. Best Defensive Tackles of All Time in the NFL - Ranker Art Shell, 1968-1982. The NFL's Top Ten Greatest Offensive Tackles of all Time Rowe helped the Raiders to their first Super Bowl trophy (IMO) - I was at that Super Bowl. This is a subreddit for the NFL community. Sometimes even experts fail to recognize talent. With Sopoaga over the center, Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis are always kept clean and remain free to chase plays down.
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