Reggie White (eight votes):Eagles reporter Tim McManus argues that White was the more consistently dominant player because 'he posted 12 double-digit-sack seasons over 15 years (seven over 13 years for Taylor).' He continues, 'You can argue that Taylor flashed the brightest, but White was a relentless, unstoppable force for the better part of two decades.' Fantasy writer Mike Clay points simply to '198.0 sacks (second most all time), a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards, 13 All-Pro appearances and a Super Bowl ring.'.His aggression, relentless nature and ability to take over games made him special. His 1986 season will forever be one of the most memorable seasons by a defensive player. Taylor is arguably the best defensive player in NFL history, and he redefined the outside linebacker position. Is it even debatable? LT once led the league in sacks, was named Defensive Player of the Year and MVP and won a Super Bowl - all in the same season. Plus, his nicknames included Godzilla and Superman. On the field, he was a game-defining edge rusher who was feared by opposing offenses for his reckless play and impeccable timing. How could I not vote for LT? Two Super Bowls, 10 straight All-Pro seasons and a league MVP more than backs it up. Even Patriots coach Bill Belichick considers LT the best player in the history of the game, and who am I to argue with that? - Dan Graziano, NFL reporter I've heard the Reggie White arguments, but they always strike me as parochial - Philadelphia fans who don't want to admit the guy from New York was better than their guy - and I just don't see where White was better outside of longevity. Taylor is the best football player I have ever seen, regardless of position. He had at least 12.0 sacks in each of those five seasons, the longest streak by any player since individual sacks became official in 1982. Stat to know:Taylor had 132.5 official sacks in his career - his 9.5 in 1981 were unofficial - and more than half of them (76.0) came in a five-season span from 1985 to '89. Taylor's best season came in 1986, when he led the league in sacks (20.5), won MVP and earned his third Defensive Player of the Year award. There are many around the league who say Taylor changed the way people thought pass-rushers could be used in a defense. Why he's the GOAT edge rusher:Taylor announced himself to the league as a rookie in 1981 with 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 pass knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles and an interception and won the league's Defensive Player of the Year award. Plus, Jeff Legwold broke down why each GOAT was chosen, and ESPN Stats & Information dove into the numbers to pick out key stats to know. We already named the best ever at every offensive position, and now we're continuing on with seven defense and special-teams positions.Īfter we tallied the ballots and crowned each defensive/special-teams position's best player of all time, our voters weighed in and explained their decisions. The goal was to narrow the field to just one GOAT at quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and even kicker. We asked 50 experts, reporters and analysts to name the NFL's greatest player of all time at every position. It all got us thinking about where these legends of the game stack up all time at their respective positions. Quarterback Tom Brady was retired during the 2022 NFL offseason for just 40 days before opting to return for a 23rd season that could (maybe?) be his last, tight end Rob Gronkowski recently decided to hang up his cleats and defensive tackle Aaron Donald inked a massive contract extension this summer to make him the game's highest-paid non-QB after considering retirement himself.

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