Top 10 Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016: A Must-Read for Football Fans!

Discover the top NFL defensive tackles of 2016! From Aaron Donald to Geno Atkins, find out who made the cut and dominated on the field.

The defensive tackle position is one of the most important in the National Football League. They are the big men in the trenches who disrupt the opposing team's running game and pressure the quarterback up the middle. In 2016, several defensive tackles stood out for their playmaking abilities, leadership, and dominance on the field. From established veterans to rising stars, here are the best defensive tackles in the NFL in 2016.

First on the list is Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams. Donald is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named the 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He continued his dominance in 2016, leading all defensive tackles with eight sacks and 31 quarterback hits. Donald's quickness off the ball and strength at the point of attack make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.

Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is another standout defensive tackle in the NFL. McCoy has been named to the Pro Bowl six times and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2013. Despite playing through injuries in 2016, McCoy still managed to record seven sacks and 24 quarterback hits. His combination of power and athleticism make him a disruptive force in the middle of the defense.

Damon Harrison of the New York Giants may not put up flashy statistics, but he is one of the most reliable run-stuffers in the league. Harrison was a key addition to the Giants' defense in 2016, helping them improve from 24th against the run in 2015 to third in 2016. Harrison's ability to clog up running lanes and take on multiple blockers allows his teammates to make plays behind him.

Kawann Short of the Carolina Panthers may have had a down year statistically in 2016, but his impact on the defense cannot be overlooked. Short is a disruptive force in the middle, with a rare combination of power and quickness. He demands double teams from opposing offensive linemen, which opens up opportunities for his teammates to make plays.

Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the most consistent defensive tackles in the league. He has been named to the Pro Bowl five times and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2012 and 2015. In 2016, Atkins recorded nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits, continuing his streak of dominant play. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt the backfield makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles is another dominant force at the defensive tackle position. Cox has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2014. In 2016, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits, while also being a force against the run. Cox's combination of size, strength, and athleticism make him a versatile weapon on the defensive line.

Ndamukong Suh of the Miami Dolphins may be one of the most controversial players in the NFL, but there is no denying his talent. Suh has been named to the Pro Bowl five times and was named a First-Team All-Pro three times. In 2016, he recorded five sacks and 19 quarterback hits, while also being a force against the run. Suh's intensity and physicality make him a feared presence on the defensive line.

Michael Brockers of the Los Angeles Rams may not have the name recognition of some of his peers, but he is a crucial piece of the Rams' defense. Brockers is a powerful run-stuffer who also provides a push up the middle on passing downs. In 2016, he recorded five sacks and 16 quarterback hits, while also being a key part of the Rams' run defense.

Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets may have had a down year in 2016, but his potential is undeniable. Richardson is a versatile defender who can play both defensive tackle and defensive end. He has been named to the Pro Bowl once and was named the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year. When he is on his game, Richardson is a dominant force who can disrupt the opposing offense in multiple ways.

Finally, Jurrell Casey of the Tennessee Titans rounds out the list of the best defensive tackles in the NFL in 2016. Casey is a consistent performer who has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2013. In 2016, he recorded five sacks and 12 quarterback hits, while also being a force against the run. Casey's ability to generate pressure up the middle makes him a valuable asset to the Titans' defense.

Introduction

Aaron Donald

Ndamukong Suh

Fletcher Cox

Gerald McCoy

Damon Harrison

Geno Atkins

Kawann Short

Linval Joseph

Mike Daniels

Grady Jarrett

Conclusion

Aaron Donald: The Undisputed Best Defensive Tackle in NFL 2016

When it comes to the best defensive tackles in the NFL, one name stands above the rest: Aaron Donald. The Los Angeles Rams star has been a force on the interior defensive line since his rookie year in 2014, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Donald's combination of strength, quickness, and technique make him nearly impossible for offensive linemen to handle. He led all defensive tackles with 11 sacks in 2018, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro in each of the last four seasons. In fact, he's the only player in NFL history to be named First-Team All-Pro at two different positions in the same year (defensive tackle and defensive end in 2017).

But it's not just his pass-rushing ability that makes Donald so special. He's also a dominant run defender, using his strength and leverage to hold the point of attack and disrupt opposing offenses. His impact on the game is undeniable, and it's why he's considered by many to be the best defensive player in the NFL.

Ndamukong Suh: The Most Dominant Force in the Interior Defensive Line

While Donald may be the undisputed best defensive tackle in the NFL, Ndamukong Suh is certainly in the conversation. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star has been a dominant force on the interior defensive line for over a decade, using his size, strength, and athleticism to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Suh's ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback is second to none. He's recorded at least 4.5 sacks in every season of his career except for his rookie year, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro three times. He's also a tenacious run defender, using his strength and leverage to anchor the line of scrimmage and clog running lanes.

But what sets Suh apart from other defensive tackles is his durability and longevity. He's played in all 16 games in nine of his ten seasons, and he's missed just two games in his entire career. At 33 years old, he's still playing at an elite level and shows no signs of slowing down.

Fletcher Cox: The Game-Wrecking Defensive Tackle of Philadelphia Eagles

One of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the NFL is Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles. Since being drafted in the first round in 2012, Cox has established himself as one of the premier interior linemen in the game.

Cox's combination of size, strength, and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He's recorded at least 5 sacks in each of the last five seasons, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro once. He's also a dominant run defender, using his strength and leverage to hold the point of attack and disrupt opposing rushing attacks.

But it's not just his individual statistics that make Cox so valuable. He's a team player who consistently draws double teams, freeing up his teammates to make plays. His impact on the Eagles' defense cannot be overstated, and he's a key reason why they won the Super Bowl in 2017.

Gerald McCoy: The Consistent Performer for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Another standout defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Gerald McCoy. The former first-round pick has been a consistent performer for the Bucs since entering the league in 2010.

McCoy's ability to rush the passer is what sets him apart from other defensive tackles. He's recorded at least 6 sacks in six different seasons, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro once. He's also a solid run defender, using his quickness and technique to penetrate the backfield and disrupt opposing rushing attacks.

But what makes McCoy so valuable is his consistency. He's missed just 10 games in his nine-year career, and he's been a team leader both on and off the field. He may not have the flashiest statistics, but he's a reliable performer who consistently makes an impact.

Geno Atkins: The Versatile Defensive Tackle of Cincinnati Bengals

One of the most versatile defensive tackles in the NFL is Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals. The former fourth-round pick has been a dominant force on the interior defensive line since entering the league in 2010.

Atkins' ability to rush the passer is what sets him apart from other defensive tackles. He's recorded at least 9 sacks in four different seasons, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro twice. But what makes Atkins so valuable is his versatility. He can play multiple positions along the defensive line, and he's equally effective against the run and the pass.

Atkins' quickness and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. He's constantly penetrating the backfield and disrupting plays, and he's a key reason why the Bengals' defense has been consistently strong over the years.

Damon Harrison: The Run-Stopping Machine of New York Giants

While many defensive tackles are known for their ability to rush the passer, Damon Harrison of the New York Giants is a run-stopping machine. The former undrafted free agent has been a dominant force against the run since entering the league in 2012.

Harrison's size and strength make him nearly impossible to move at the line of scrimmage. He's consistently among the league leaders in tackles for loss and run stops, and he's been named First-Team All-Pro once. While he may not have flashy pass-rushing statistics, his impact on the Giants' defense is undeniable.

Harrison's ability to clog running lanes and disrupt opposing rushing attacks allows his teammates to make plays and get off the field on third down. He's a true team player who does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed.

Linval Joseph: The Unsung Hero of Minnesota Vikings Defense

Another defensive tackle who does the dirty work is Linval Joseph of the Minnesota Vikings. The former second-round pick has been a key contributor to the Vikings' dominant defense since joining the team in 2014.

Joseph's strength and athleticism make him a disruptive force on the interior defensive line. He's recorded at least 3 sacks in each of the last five seasons, and he's a dominant run defender who consistently holds the point of attack and disrupts opposing rushing attacks.

But what makes Joseph so valuable is his versatility and leadership. He can play multiple positions along the defensive line, and he's a team leader who sets the tone for the entire defense. He may not have the flashy statistics of other defensive tackles, but his impact on the Vikings' defense cannot be overstated.

Kawann Short: The Disruptive Pass-Rusher of Carolina Panthers

One of the most disruptive pass-rushers in the NFL is Kawann Short of the Carolina Panthers. The former second-round pick has been a dominant force on the interior defensive line since entering the league in 2013.

Short's ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback is what sets him apart from other defensive tackles. He's recorded at least 3 sacks in each of the last five seasons, and he's been named Second-Team All-Pro once. He's also a solid run defender who uses his strength and technique to hold the point of attack and disrupt opposing rushing attacks.

Short's quickness off the line of scrimmage and ability to penetrate the backfield make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. He consistently draws double teams, freeing up his teammates to make plays. He's a key reason why the Panthers' defense has been among the best in the NFL in recent years.

Michael Brockers: The Reliable Anchor of Los Angeles Rams Defense

The Los Angeles Rams have two of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and Michael Brockers is certainly one of them. The former first-round pick has been a reliable anchor on the interior defensive line since entering the league in 2012.

Brockers' size and strength make him a dominant run defender who consistently holds the point of attack and disrupts opposing rushing attacks. He's also a solid pass rusher, using his power and technique to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback.

But what makes Brockers so valuable is his reliability and consistency. He's missed just four games in his seven-year career, and he's a team leader who sets the tone for the entire defense. His impact on the Rams' defense cannot be overstated.

Brandon Williams: The Unheralded Defensive Tackle of Baltimore Ravens

Finally, we come to Brandon Williams of the Baltimore Ravens. The former third-round pick may not be a household name, but he's been a dominant force on the interior defensive line since entering the league in 2013.

Williams' size and strength make him a dominant run defender who consistently holds the point of attack and disrupts opposing rushing attacks. He's also a solid pass rusher, using his power and technique to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback.

While he may not have the flashy statistics or accolades of other defensive tackles, his impact on the Ravens' defense cannot be overstated. He's a team player who consistently draws double teams, freeing up his teammates to make plays. He's a key reason why the Ravens' defense has been among the best in the NFL in recent years.

Conclusion

There are many talented defensive tackles in the NFL, but these ten players stand out above the rest. From Aaron Donald's dominance as a pass rusher to Damon Harrison's ability to stop the run, each of these players brings something unique to their team's defense.

Whether they're disrupting the quarterback or clogging running lanes, these defensive tackles are essential to their team's success. They may not always get the recognition they deserve, but their impact on the game is undeniable.

Top Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016

Introduction

Best Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016

1. Aaron Donald - Los Angeles Rams

2. Ndamukong Suh - Miami Dolphins

3. Gerald McCoy - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4. Damon Harrison - New York Giants

5. Fletcher Cox - Philadelphia Eagles

Pros of Best Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016

• Strong Run Defense: All the players listed above are known for their ability to stop the run. They are great at clogging up the middle and making it difficult for opposing teams to gain yards on the ground.
• Pass Rushing Ability: In addition to their run defense, these players are also skilled at getting to the quarterback. They can create pressure up the middle and disrupt the passing game.
• Consistency: These players have proven themselves year after year as some of the best defensive tackles in the league. They are reliable and consistent performers.

Cons of Best Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016

• Expensive: These players command high salaries due to their skill level and importance to the team. It can be difficult for some teams to afford them.
• Injury Risk: As with any football player, there is always a risk of injury. These players are no exception and can miss games due to injuries.
• Age: Some of these players are getting older and may not be able to perform at the same level for much longer.

Comparison Table

In conclusion, the top defensive tackles in the NFL for 2016 were Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Damon Harrison, and Fletcher Cox. These players are known for their strong run defense, pass rushing ability, and consistency. However, they can be expensive, have a risk of injury, and some are getting older. The comparison table shows that they all had impressive stats for the season.

The Best Defensive Tackles in the NFL 2016

Greetings to all our visitors, and thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best defensive tackles in the NFL in 2016. We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the top players in this position, and that you have gained some valuable insight into their strengths and abilities. As we come to the end of this article, we would like to leave you with some final thoughts on what makes a great defensive tackle, and how these players have distinguished themselves among their peers.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the role of the defensive tackle in modern football. This position requires a player who is strong, athletic, and versatile, with the ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and disrupt opposing offenses in a variety of ways. A great defensive tackle must be able to read the game quickly, react decisively, and use his size and strength to dominate his opponents.

Among the many talented players who have excelled in this position, there are a few who stand out as the best of the best. One such player is Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, who has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice in the last three years. Donald is a force to be reckoned with on the field, with incredible speed, agility, and power that make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike.

Another standout player is Ndamukong Suh, who has played for several teams throughout his illustrious career, including the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams. Suh is known for his brute strength and tenacious playing style, which have earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors over the years.

Other notable players in this position include Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals, Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These players have all demonstrated exceptional skill and athleticism on the field, and have earned the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

Of course, it is important to remember that football is a team sport, and that no player can succeed without the support and cooperation of his teammates. The best defensive tackles are those who work closely with their fellow defenders to create a cohesive unit that can stop even the most talented offenses.

As we look ahead to the future of the NFL, it is clear that the position of defensive tackle will continue to be one of the most important and challenging roles on the field. With so many talented players vying for the top spot, it will be exciting to see who emerges as the next great star in this position.

In conclusion, we would like to thank you once again for reading our article on the best defensive tackles in the NFL in 2016. We hope that you have found this information to be helpful and informative, and that you will continue to follow the careers of these outstanding athletes in the years to come.

Remember, football is more than just a game – it is a test of strength, skill, and determination, and the best players are those who are able to rise to the challenge and inspire others with their performance. So let us celebrate the greatness of these top defensive tackles, and look forward to many more unforgettable moments on the gridiron!

People Also Ask About Best Defensive Tackles in NFL 2016

Who are the best defensive tackles in NFL 2016?

The following are considered to be the best defensive tackles in NFL 2016:

• Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams
• Ndamukong Suh – Miami Dolphins
• Fletcher Cox – Philadelphia Eagles
• Kawann Short – Carolina Panthers
• Gerald McCoy – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What makes a good defensive tackle in the NFL?

A good defensive tackle in the NFL should possess the following qualities:

1. Physical Strength: Defensive tackles need to have exceptional physical strength to overpower their opponents and tackle them effectively.
2. Quickness and Agility: Defensive tackles need to be quick and agile to move around the field and make tackles.
3. Technique: Defensive tackles need to have good technique to use their hands effectively and get off blocks.
4. Intelligence: Defensive tackles need to understand the opposing team's strategy and make quick decisions based on what they observe on the field.

Who is the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL 2016?

The highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL 2016 was Ndamukong Suh, who signed a six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $114 million.

What is the role of a defensive tackle in NFL?

The role of a defensive tackle in NFL is to stop the opposing team's running game and put pressure on the quarterback. They line up on the defensive line and are responsible for disrupting the offensive line and making tackles.