NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
15. Bruce Smith, DE
- Buffalo Bills (1985-99), Washington Redskins (2000-03)
- 1990 and 1996 Defensive POY / 8-Time 1st Team All-Pro
If there was ever a chance an offensive tackle would be allowed to wet himself, it would be on the Sunday he faces Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith.
Not only was Smith one of the more dominating defensive players in the history of the league, those scary pair of eyes of his used intimidation to its fullest effect.
Skills and intimidation worked to the tune of 200 career sacks, good enough for the most sacks in NFL history.
Because Smith played 19 seasons and ultimately became a “compiler,” he finds himself out of the top 10. No question he was one of the best pure pass rushers ever – with two Defensive Player of the Year honors to boot – but there’s a few lineman who deserve a higher ranking.
Smith helped Buffalo win four straight AFC Championships – an accomplishment that has always remained very underrated and under-appreciated.
Next: Number 14