Storyline: Here’s my All-Time NFL Defensive team.
There are two interesting things about my picks. First, no currently active players are on my team. Second, all the players picked are in the NFL Hall of Fame.
While many great players aren’t on my list, exclusion doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving. My picks are simply an expression of my opinion, nothing more. If you have a player that you think should be on the list, let me know who I should take off my list to make room for your player. I say that because I’d like to keep this list to no more than 100 players.
Rams’ great, Deacon Jones (photo, ESPN.com)
Defensive End: As starters I have David “Deacon” Jones (1961-1974) and Reggie White (1985-2000). Those players are followed by Gino Marchetti (1952-1964, 1966), Bruce Smith (1985-2003), and Andy Robustelli (1951-1964).
Defensive Tackle: My starters are Bob Lilly (1961-1974) and Merlin Olsen (1962-1976). I have them followed by “Mean” Joe Greene (1969-1981), Alan Page (1967-1981), Randy White (1975-1988), Leo Nomellini (1950-1963), and Ernie Stautner (1951-1965).
Outside Linebacker: I have my starters as Lawrence Taylor (1981-1993) and Jack Ham (1971-1982). Others on my list are Ted Hendricks (1969-1983), Bobby Bell (1963-1974), and Derrick Thomas (1989-1999).
Middle Linebacker: I have my starter as Dick Butkus (1965-1973) followed by Ray Nitschke (1958-1972), Willie Lanier (1967-1977), Chuck Bednarik (1949-1962), Jack Lambert (1974-1984), and Junior Seau (1990-2009).
Cornerback: My starters are Herb Adderly (1961-1972) and Mel Blount (1970-1983). Others at that position are Deion Sanders (1989-2005), Dick “Night Train” Lane (1952-1965), Darrell Green (1983-2002), Rod Woodson (1987-2003), and Willie Brown (1963-1978).
Safety: I have my starters as Ronnie Lott (1981-1994) and Larry Wilson (1960-1972). They’re followed by Ken Houston (1967-1980) and Emlen Tunnell (1948-1961).
