View topic - Top 5 most indispensible defenders

[DirtDawson Profile]

I was just bored and decided to spark up some debate with my personal ranking.



5. Ike Taylor - Even though his performance has been slacking in the latter part of his career, I've always felt that he was one of the most consistent cover-men we've had at cornerback in a while. Keep in mind where this position was before Ike. (Dwayne Washington, Chad Scott anyone?). His speed keeps him able to lock in coverage, and to a large extent he's done well against stronger recievers. People can knock on him for his poor hands, inability to grab picks, etc. But I really dont know of any better cornerbacks we've had in the past decade honestly.


4. Casey Hampton - Again, another player who gets criticized for his occasional lackluster performances. But when he does show up, he's been huge. We have to look at where this position was before we drafted him in the 1st. He's been a solid starter at a position for many years. People have to remember just how short of a career lifespan most Nose Tackles have, let alone their "peaking" years. I give him alot of credit for being the best, most consistently performing and longest lasting nose tackle we've ever had in modern franchise history.

3. James Harrison - This is more like "tied for 2nd", but i'm putting him slightly behind just to make the rankings more appropriate. Defensive MVP, amazing pass rusher, yet can still hold his own in coverage. One of the best outside linebackers we've ever had, easily. Just imagine if he had started alongside Joey Porter...

2. Troy Polamalu - Not only the backbone of the passing defense, but also a huge blanket on rushing defense. Everyone knows just how much it hurt the team to lose him. Stupid Madden Curse... Debatably the best safety in the league, and in MY opinion, the best safety to ever play in this franchise.


and finally...


*drumroll*










1. Aaron Smith - Show me a top caliber 3-4 defensive end, and i'll show you a unicorn with an extra horn coming out of its ass.

Drafted back in 1999. During the "dark ages" of our team. This is a classic example of a player who is often misjudged based on his statistics. Even if you look through his career record, its pretty astounding for him to accomplish what he did as a 3-4 end. He is the backbone of the pass rush for the longest time, either drawing double teams, or just managing to gain significant penetration more consistently than any other defensive end we've seen in this system. And as a run stopper, his efforts are invaluable. Sports Illustrated 2000 all Decade Team despite only making 1 pro bowl in his career.

This is the SECOND TIME we've seen the impact of his absence to the defense. 2007, and again in 2009. In a way it shows our need for depth at the D-line. I guess that's why we drafted Ziggy.


I believe Aaron Smith will go down on the list along with guys like Dermontti Dawson, Louis Lipps as the most under-appreciated players in team history.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

I imagine you will be called an idiot, a moron, and a hundred other derogatory names from posters for adding Casey Hampton but I agree with you. Steelers have been tough against the run every year and Hampton is a major part of that reason.

[StillDodger Profile]

If you took the playoff teams, Ike wouldn't make any of those teams' top ten, let alone top five............

I personally would have had Lamarr W. on the list.............

[blackngoldB Profile]

Drop Ike Taylor and get a time machine for Casey. I know you don't hear a lot about Clark, but the guy knocks the snot out of receivers. For a WR to know a hitter like him is lurking in the secondary can put some fear into receivers causing nervous hands and looking before catching. I say he's probably the hardest hitting DB on our squad. Not indispensable though.