Ranking the top 10 defensive players in NFL history…
1. Lawrence Taylor
Drafted second overall by the New York Giants in the 1981 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina, Taylor quickly established himself as a revolutionary outside linebacker, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his debut season.
Over his entire 13-season career with the Giants, Taylor anchored the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” defense, leading to two Super Bowl wins (XXI, XXV).
He recorded double-digit sacks annually from 1984 to 1990, peaking at 20.5 in 1986, when he became the first defensive player since 1971 to win NFL MVP.
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Taylor won three Defensive Player of the Year awards (1981, 1982, 1986) and forced offenses to adapt with extra blockers and new schemes. Notable plays include a 97-yard interception return touchdown in 1982 and a career-ending sack on Joe Theismann in 1985.
Taylor’s career totals include 142 sacks, 1,088 tackles, nine interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and two touchdowns across 184 games. He ranks among all-time sack leaders and was a 10-time Pro Bowler with eight First-team All-Pro selections.
Taylor’s standout attributes were his explosive speed, power and athleticism, allowing him to dominate from the edge. His playing style was disruptive and aggressive: a relentless pass-rusher who blitzed unpredictably, tackled viciously and redefined the linebacker position with his versatility.
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Retiring in 1993, Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He’s often ranked as the greatest defensive player ever.
Taylor is the king, but what does the rest of the NFL All-Time Defense Rank look like? Count down from the Top 10, starting here.