NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
25. Mel Blount, CB
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-83)
- 1975 Defensive POY / 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979 Super Bowl Champion / 2-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Speaking of cover corners, Mel Blount was most definitely one of those guys. Although, he did it in a slightly different manner.
Blending in beautifully with the rest of the Steel Curtain, Blount brought the physical nature of the game to the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary which Chuck Noll reveled in.
In fact, Blount was so physical that he actually changed the rules of the game. It was mainly his play that led to the five-yard bump and run rule to be implemented. No longer could you hammer a receiver down the field.
Prior to 1978 – which is when the 5-yard no contact rule was implemented – Blount would destroy receivers as they made cuts in their routes.
Blount is still tied 13th in history with 57 career interceptions.
Next: Number 24