Top Five Most Feared Defensive Players in the NFL

Finding the top five most feared defensive players in the NFL isn't always an easy task. There are plenty of NFL players today that could be included in this list, but I have selected the ones that I truly believe are the most feared players in the NFL today. This list is comprised of the players that a receiver least wants to meet on a crossing route in the middle of the field. I am talking about a player that a running back does not want to see heading at them full speed when they hit the hole. These are the players I am talking about. These are my top five most feared defensive players in the NFL.

5. Patrick Willis - Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis is one of those players that just gets it. As a former first round pick out of Ole Miss, Willis is one of the best linebackers in the NFL today. He is the leader of the surging 49ers defense and is known as a brutal hitter.

[Image: The Commercial Appeal]

4. LaRon Landry - Safety, Washington Redskins

LaRon Landry is one of the hardest hitters in the NFL today. He feasts on destroying receivers crossing over the middle, but is a known run stopper. Having a safety like Landry in the secondary makes opposing offenses think twice about leaving their receivers hanging out in the middle of the field.

[Image: TBD.com]

3. James Harrison - Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison might be one of most scrutinized players in the NFL today. He is currently serving a one-game suspension for an illegal hit to Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Check out this video if you don't know what I'm talking about. Illegal hits and dirty player talk aside, Harrison is a hell of a linebacker. He is deserving as one of my top five players due to the intensity he plays the game with.

[Image: Sportschump.net]

2. Ndamukong Suh - Defensive Lineman, Detroit Lions

Whether you like him or not, Ndamukong Suh is one of the most feared players in the NFL today. He is a force on the defensive line and is currently serving a two game suspension for his illegal on the field actions against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving day. Suh is easily the most dominant defensive line force in the game today. The attention he warrants as a pass rusher is proof enough that he is feared. His ability to swallow up backs in the running game make Suh a dual threat to opposing offenses.

[Image: Oplions]

1. Ray Lewis - Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis has been the central point in the Ravens defense for 16 years. He is still the dominant force in the middle he was when he was a rookie out of the University of Miami in 1996. When you think of the Ravens defense, it's hard not to think about Lewis. He is one of purest tacklers in the NFL and his nose for the ball is unmatched. Certain players have a knack for making plays and Lewis is one of those players. He is a menace for opposing offenses and deserving of the title of being my most feared defensive player in the NFL.

[Image: Fourth and Fifty]