best nose tackles of all time

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. One of his best assets is his quick first step, giving him an excellent takeoff at the snap. John Banaszak: Born in rival city Cleveland, Ohio, John Banaszak played in Pittsburgh's final three Super Bowls of the 1970s starting in Super Bowls XIII and XIV. 17. 15 Greatest New England Patriots of All Time - Sportscasting Like all 4-3 nose tackles, Pekoregularly operates in a shaded alignment over the center. May 4, 2021 8:47 AM EDT. 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. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It seems unfair to rank him above more versatile players like Ratliff and Wilfork, but from a purist point of view, Casey Hampton is the finest nose tackle in the game. 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. His 10 kick blocks rank top 10 among all NFL players. His penetration causes havoc in the running game and makes hima credible danger to the quarterback. Bob Baumhower 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. The NFL's Top Ten Greatest Offensive Tackles of all Time 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. 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. Like Bill Wills, Pat Williams was also undrafted in 1997. Of course, thats not the case with any odd-numbered technique. Maryland totaled 279 tackles, with 25 for loss, and 20.5 sacks in his four dominant years for Miami. Fat Pat Williams is top 10 material bias aside. 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. link to 17+ Basketball Games for Kids The Ultimate List, link to What Is a Secondary in Football? Said Buchsbaum, "As good as Ball is, he'd be better if he controlled his weight. He ended his career with 1017 tackles, more than any other nose we can find and 34.5 sacks. Willis was a dynamic6-2, 213-pound middle guard for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-53. During his stay in Kansas, Culp shined as a defensive nose tackle. Top 10 Defensive Tackles in NFL 2021 Rankings 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Curly Clip is, undoubtedly, the flag bearer for the best nose tackles of all time. He got the do the grunt work for the guys that replaced John Randle and Warren Sapp. 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. started his career with the Detroit Lions in 1987 and later played in three more teams, including Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. He frequently drives blockers backwards and is a consistent threat to penetrate the line of scrimmage. 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. Carter was a dominant nose when motivated. NFL Media senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the best offensive tackles in NFL history. 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. There are always 22 football players on the field at once and they all have their own specialized roles. Along the way, Ill also answer general sports related questions. From 1980 through the first six games of 1990 he played in (and started) 149 consecutive games, remarkable given the duties of his position. I'm assuming that we're talking about a true NT as in 2 gap players. Clears the gap for the linebacker, works the left tackle, and forces the. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. WhenToeaina is over the center, the Bears run defense is more stout. Kendall Wright looked like the perfect slot receiver for a lot of the year. He did not focus on personal achievements, which is one of the reasons that his stats are not filled with rich numbers. I miss Jamal Williams so damn much. 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. He weighs 375 pounds and still ran so fast. Pat Williams is a perfect example that nose tackles are selfless and dedicated to the teams benefits. Well, first we need to understand the 4-technique. [Family Ethnicity & Religion], Bruce Wills And Demi Moores Divorce History & Their Kids. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - The 34 was very popular in the 70's and 80's. The top 25 NFL offensive tackles heading into the 2020 season Vea had four sacks last season playing out of the nose. The one season he filled in for an injured 3-tech (Keith Millard) he did will, recording 8.5 sacks and 7.5 stuffs and 82 tackles. Sopoaga is a disruptive force over the center. Great list -- Curley is indeed #1. Since the 5-technique features an odd number, that means the defensive lineman lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. He won the super bowl once and was named all-pro once in 2001. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Al Amin Sagor is simply a movie freak who is passionate about writing entertainment content. Whitworth has been one of the top NFL offensive tackles for the majority of his career and is a true model of consistency. Career stats: 106 games started, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 150 tackles, four-time Pro Bowler. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. Alexander Boris Johnsons Net Worth vs Jeremy Bernard Corbyns Net Worth: Who is richer? Like we mentioned above, the 0-technique (and any other even-numbered technique) is asked to line up head-to-head with the offensive line. 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. Corey Williams of the Detroit Lions performs an important function for Gunther Cunningham's defense. The number one requirement of a nose tackle is to take on and occupy blockers. Some of these men are considered to be the best nose tackles to ever play the game, and if you're looking for a specific football player you can look for them by using the "search" function on this list. Theyre usually the largest player and go head-to-head with the opposing center. 13. Its generally reserved for the defensive end and theyre responsible for both the B-gap (in-between the guard and tackle) and C-gap (on the outside of the tackle). one bid wonders has more information on college football bowl game. Is Pedro Pascal Related To Burt Reynolds? All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Best Defensive Tackles of All Time in the NFL - Ranker 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. Probably the most technically sound nose tackle on this list, Wilfork's leverage and footwork are outstanding. Despite being a 5-time pro bowler, he is still not in the hall of fame. I also thought Jamal Williams was excellent for a few years at his peak. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry. Maybe if he hadn't gone to USFL but really, except for 1983, he was a backup---someone who got to play when Carter was hurt, would play some 40 tackle in nickel/dimeHe was considered by the 36 starts was kind of a problem. Not only that, but theyre offensive linemans specifically the center and guards worst nightmare. But nose tackle still remains a key position and its distinctive skills perform a vital function for many defenses. Tier 2: Elite 2. For many defenses the nose tackle's performance is the most critical element of the scheme. Its where the defender lines up head-to-head with the offensive center. I like Davis' chances of having a productive rookie season behind Payne and the rest of this defensive line. He is one of the "Jewel" of The News Titan. Build your own custom leaderboards with Stathead Football. 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. 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. Sopoaga is such a powerful and active presence, that he demands a double team on almost every play. An odd-numbered technique must line up over the shoulder of the offensive line. Then he was signed by the Buffalo Bills, but it was with Minnesota Vikings where he shined and reached his full potential. However, we are going to keep it short. Tom LaMarre. All-Time Tackles Leaders. Top 10 Defensive Tackles in NFL 2022 Rankings Unlike a nose tackle, a defensive ends main responsibility is to control the outside of the line of scrimmage and get to the quarterback. 25. Thomas was great at tackling and arguably the best among all nose tackles. In fact, he ended his career with 53 sacks with highs in 9 in 1977, 8 in 1980 and 6 in 1976. There are players that play close to the ball and others that play further away. He can sometimes be a little inconsistent against the run and doesn't always bring the same fiery determination to disrupting the ground game. Take a look at the best portraits from the 2023 NFL Combine! 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 has been an all-pro or pro bowler more than any other nose tackle. He recorded 137.5 sacks over his 14-year career and was. Consistently an excellent player, he had a career year for Pittsburgh when they needed to lean on him more than usual with his running mate Stephon Tuitt going down hurt. 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 . Top 10 NFL Defensive Tackles of All Time Rankings Pouha is blessed with tremendous strengthand possesses deceptive speed when working down the line. 6'5" and around 375 pounds, he was literally an immovable object in the trenches. In the 1980 season, almost 3/4ths of teams were running one. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 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. Pro Football Hall of Fame/Associated Press, Al Messerschmidt Archive/Associated Press. Admittedly, in this period, it was less characterized by the dominating nose tackle and more by the fearsome outside linebacker, such as Lawrence Taylor. As they continue to learn the What Is a Secondary in Football? Take a look at the best portraits from the 2023 NFL Combine! Everything You Need to Know, What Is a Pick 6 in Football? 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. With that in mind, he shared some final thoughts on his playing career. Wilfork frequently drew. The Ultimate Guide, What Is the Neutral Zone in Football? Nose Tackle: A Comprehensive Guide to the Football Position 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He was a First-team All-Pro four times and voted to five Pro Bowls and was an alternate to a couple of others. 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. That fact that Bob Dee, who has No. Williams became a three times pro bowler in three consecutive seasons, from 2006 to 2008. Super Bowl champion: 2 times (XXXIX, XLIX). Super Bowl champion: 3 times (XIX, XXIII, XXIV), First-team All-Pro: 3 times (1986, 1987, 1988). Sione Pouha has quietly emerged as one of the most effective run defenders in the game. 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. Ted Washington always amazed me. 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. A 3-4 defensive scheme is more of a base defense that can be effective against the run and pass when performed correctly. Kyle Williams and Others Who Missed the Cut 1 of 11 A long injury layoff is the only reason that Buffalo Bills defensive. Career stats of Henry Thomas: 6. A long injury layoff is the only reason that Buffalo Bills defensive linchpin Kyle Williams didn't make the list. I think he was part of at least three of their championships, though undersized. 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 was not quite the size of Ted Washington, but he was more than the 315 pounds he was listed at, though. 89 retired in New England, is forming a one-two punch with Wilfork is simply lethal. This is where the defensive player lines up head-to-head with the offensive tackle. Jerry Ball was shaped like his name. Fronts are more complex now than there were "back in the day". 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. Enjoy! NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1968-1982 Voted to eight Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro two times Two-time Super Bowl champion Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns, 1946-1967 Voted to nine Pro Bowls; First Team All-Pro four times Four-time NFL champion Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Buffalo Bills 2004-2008; Philadelphia Eagles 2009-present One-time Super Bowl champion (LII) Voted to Pro Bowl nine times, First Team All-Pro twice Has started 166 of 176 career games Has two career receiving touchdowns, Dallas Cowboys 2011-present Voted to Pro Bowl five times, First Team All-Pro twice Voted No. His power and ferocity at the point of attack make him virtually impossible to handle one on one. And he deserved it due to what he meant to those Charger defenses. Check. Press J to jump to the feed. Another excellent piece of work by you Mr. Turney. Wilfork has seamlessly transitioned to a 4-3 front and has been by far the Patriots best defensive player this season. 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. The Broncos used some 3-4 for years prior to 1976 when they finally committed to it full time. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tackling the Defense - City of Champions 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. The defensive tackle is largely used in the 4-3 defensive scheme as well as the 5-2 defensive scheme. Again, these are two completely different positions in the game of football and have entirely different roles in defensive schemes. At the time he was drafted, he was the most athletic defensive tackle of all-time. The San Francisco 49ers signed him in the 1991 NFL draft, where he was overall 25th. He is one of few nose tackles that play on all three downs. When on form, Antonio Garay is capable of regularly collapsing the pocket. 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. Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings Super Bowl LVII: All You Need To Know About Its Results, Winner, Highlights and Half-Time Show !! 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. The next year, Taylor was released, and this became the season Wilfork made his name known by recording 54 tackles in only 16 games. This list includes some nose tackles who operate in versions of a 4-3 frontthatrely on a powerful presence over the center. Had he not been denied the opportunity to follow up his stellar 2010 season, Williams would certainly have merited inclusion. Pro Bowl: 4 times (1997, 1998, 2000, 2001). 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. But his lightning-quick first step, long arms and aggressive hands technique, allow Ratliff to challenge and overcome blockers. STEELERS' ALL-UNDRAFTED TEAM Quarterback: Devlin Hodges Running Back: Willie Parker Fullback: Dan Kreider Wide Receivers:. Regular five-on-five basketball is a fun game on its own, but its always nice to have some variety in the types of games that can be played, especially with kids. WATCH: Vince Wilfork just dropped the best retirement video ever He also covers media and entertainment news on various online platforms. Bullshitter. This type of scheme consists of five players on the defensive line a nose guard, two defensive tackles, and two defensive ends. The 3-4 had been around for years but no one committed to it on an every-down basis like the Patriots in 1974. Still, their role changes as a defensive tackle. He was also one of the best kick blockers ever and the best of the 2000s by far with 17 blocked place kicks. In this technique, the defensive player must line up over the outside shoulder of the offensive line. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But the starter at nose in the first game was Lyle Alzado, not Carter. But on a serious note I would say wilfork or Hampton, with big Ted slightly behind those guys. From there Peko is able to frequently split double teams and spearhead the Bengals run defense. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Pat Williams was a top nose for a long time, playing 14 seasons and was a starter in his last 10. Ratliff is one of the most dominant players in the league and is the key to the Cowboys multiple 3-4 scheme. One name that might get overlooked among some of the best defensive tackles all-time is the former Baltimore Ravens great Haloti Ngata. Plus he played the position until 39 years old; amazing longevity for a position where you're fighting off double teams from other 300 lb men your whole career. Now we are getting into the run-stopping specialists, though very good at that specialty. 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. Other than Polamalu there wasnt a better player on those defenses. Akiem Hicks, Chicago Bears. NFL players are large in size. But the tenacious and resourcefulfourth-year prois a significant member of the Bears defensive line rotation. Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. 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 . Klecko was a fan favorite and defensive stand out for the Jets through the 1980's. Arriving at the Jets after playing his college ball at Temple University, Klecko quickly had an impact on the . Nose tackle is an underappreciated and selfless position in American football. So I discount guys like Ngata who may have played in the middle of a 3 man line on occasions but were never 2 gap players. But Ball did it. 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. 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. Really, on a game-to-game basis, Hamilton was the NFL's first modern nose tackle. The more space they take up, the less of a hole the running back has to make it through the line of scrimmage. Players must meet the minimum requirements to show up on this leaderboard. With a little more experience at the position, Sopoaga could beexpected to top a similar list in the near future. Ostensibly a 2-gapper, Raji manages to make a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. 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 However, his play for the Titans down the stretch was .

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