AngusMcFife Posted March 24 Share Posted March 24 (edited) Who was considered the best defensive player over a span of years? This doesn't mean who won DPOY, as for instance Gilmore won DPOY in 2019 but folks generally acknowledge that A. Donald was the best defensive player of the late 2010s. Here is my list, I am having trouble identifying the best candidate for the early 1990s and late 1970s. mid-1950s to late 1950s: Night Train Lane Early 1960s: Night Train Lane/M. Olsen? Mid-1960s: **** Butkus Late 1960s: Deacon Jones Early-mid 1970s: Joe Greene/Alan Page Late 1970s: ?? Jack Lambert/Randy White 1981-1986: L. Taylor 1987-1991: R. White 1992-1993: ?? Bruce Smith 1994-1998: D. Sanders 1999-2003: R. Lewis 2004-2008: E. Reed 2009-2011: D. Revis 2012-2015: JJ Watt 2016-2021: A. Donald Maybe Reggie White's reign should be extended to Deion Sanders, but I feel like there were a couple years there where White dipped a bit and Deion had not ascended yet. Not sure if 1992-3 years are Bruce Smith's best, though. My knowledge prior to LT drops off a bit, so my 1950s to 1970s choices could be revised for sure. Edited March 24 by AngusMcFife formatting problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWil23 Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 Some omissions IMO: Ronnie Lott Derrick Thomas Derek Brooks Junior Seau Brian Urlacher Patrick Willis Charles Woodson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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