Over the years, the league has seen some absolute monsters at the position. From dominant run-stuffers to disruptive pass rushers, this list ranks the 14 best defensive tackles of all time.

Aaron Donald's best moments as LA Rams great announces his retirement

14 Best Defensive Tackles in NFL History: Aaron Donald Unable to Dethrone #1

A cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers' legendary defense, Henry Jordan was a relentless force in the trenches. Known for his quick first step and non-stop motor, he thrived in Vince Lombardi's dominant defensive schemes. His presence on the defensive line helped set the tone for one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.

14. Henry Jordan

Arnie Weinmeister was a dominant defensive tackle in the early years of professional football, making his mark with the New York Giants. Despite playing in an era with limited stats, his impact on the field was undeniable, as he consistently overwhelmed offensive linemen with his size and strength.

13. Arnie Weinmeister

Curley Culp was a force in the trenches, redefining the nose tackle position with his blend of strength and quickness. A former collegiate wrestling champion, Culp used his elite leverage and hand technique to shed blockers and disrupt plays.

12. Curley Culp

Dan Hampton was the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears' defensive front, bringing relentless power and intensity to the trenches. A key piece of the legendary 1985 Bears defense, Hampton's versatility allowed him to excel both as a defensive tackle and defensive end.

11. Dan Hampton

A towering force in the trenches, Buck Buchanan was the backbone of the Kansas City Chiefs' rise to dominance in the AFL and early AFC. Over 13 dominant seasons, Buchanan racked up 70.5 sacks (unofficial), leaving a legacy as one of the most feared defensive tackles to ever play the game.

10. Buck Buchanan

While the Seattle Seahawks struggled for much of the 1990s, Kennedy was a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive line. The eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer was a nightmare for offensive linemen, using his blend of strength and quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. His dominance peaked in 1992, when he racked up 14 sacks and four forced fumbles, earning him NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors—despite Seattle finishing 2-14.

9. Cortez Kennedy

Some might remember Merlin Olsen as a commentator and actor, but before the cameras, he was a force of nature on the football field. For nearly 15 seasons, he was the anchor of the Los Angeles Rams' legendary "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, dominating offensive linemen with a rare mix of power and intelligence.

8. Merlin Olsen

A key force behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' legendary defense, Warren Sapp lived up to his self-given nickname, "QB Killa." From 1999-2000, he racked up 29 sacks, winning Defensive Player of the Year in '99 and nearly repeating the feat the next season. In 2002, Sapp helped power the Bucs to their first Super Bowl title, recording a sack in the dominant win over Oakland.

7. Warren Sapp

The Dallas Cowboys struck gold when they drafted Randy White, seamlessly transitioning from one defensive legend to another. A nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, White anchored the Cowboys' defensive front for over a decade. With 111 unofficial sacks, White's relentless motor and power made him one of the most feared interior linemen of his era.

6. Randy White

Before the rise of Greene and Page, Bob Lilly set the standard for dominant defensive tackles. A mainstay in the Pro Bowl, he helped shape the early success of the Dallas Cowboys. His signature moment came in Super Bowl VI when he sacked Miami's Bob Griese for a 29-yard loss, the longest in Super Bowl history at the time. The first-ever inductee into the Cowboys' Ring of Honor, Lilly's legacy as "Mr. Cowboy" remains untouchable.

5. Bob Lilly

A cornerstone of the Purple People Eaters, Alan Page was one of the most disruptive defensive tackles of his era. He battled Joe Greene for dominance throughout the 1970s, racking up nine Pro Bowl selections and eight All-Pro honors. In 1971, Page became the first defensive player to win NFL MVP, a rare feat in league history. His 148.5 unofficial sacks and knack for making game-changing plays solidified his spot among the greatest defenders ever.

4. Alan Page

"Mean" Joe Greene was the heart and soul of the Steel Curtain, leading Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. A dominant force, he racked up 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight All-Pro honors while winning Defensive Player of the Year twice. Despite playing in an era before official sack stats, Greene still posted 77.5 unofficial sacks over 13 seasons. His combination of strength, speed, and leadership made him one of the most feared defensive tackles in NFL history.

3. Joe Greene

A once-in-a-generation talent, Aaron Donald dominated the trenches for a full decade, redefining what it meant to play defensive tackle. With 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight All-Pro nods, and a record-tying three Defensive Player of the Year awards, his resume speaks for itself. Donald's 20.5-sack season in 2018 was unheard of for an interior lineman, but his clutch play in Super Bowl LVI—including the game-sealing pressure—cemented his legacy.

2. Aaron Donald

Randle embodied intensity, anchoring the Vikings' defense with an unstoppable motor and relentless trash talk. From 1993-98, he dominated, racking up double-digit sacks in each season, including a league-best 15.5 in 1997. Randle's impact was unmatched, earning him a spot among the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history.