Ravens Best Defensive Players Through the Decades

The Baltimore Ravens have a rich history of defensive players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise.

This article highlights some of the Ravens’ best defensive players who have donned the famous jersey over the years, often followed closely by users of the Betus football sportsbook.

Ray Lewis – Inside Linebacker

Ray Lewis is arguably the best player in the history of the franchise. He leads the team in career tackles and was selected to 10 All-Pro teams in his 17-year career. He was a two-time defensive player of the year and led the team to a Super Bowl. 

Michael McCrary – Defensive End

Michael McCrary stands out as an exception in a team where most premier pass rushers have been linebackers. McCrary ranks third all-time in career sacks for the Ravens and earned a first-team All-Pro in 1998, making him arguably the best defensive end in franchise history.

Chris McAlister – Cornerback

Chris McAlister is far and away the best cornerback in the history of the franchise. In his nine-year career with the Ravens, McAlister earned two first-team All-Pro appearances and was the closest thing this team has ever had to an absolute shutdown corner.

Peter Boulware – Outside Linebacker

Peter Boulware, one of the best pass rushers of the late 90s and early 2000s Ravens, was a key member of the Ravens defense in 2000. He earned a second-team All-Pro spot in 1999 and has the 2nd most sacks in Ravens history with 70.

Rod Woodson – Safety

Rod Woodson, a Hall of Fame player, was a very good contributor to the Ravens. He led the secondary during the Ravens 2000 Super Bowl run and earned a pick on the second All-Pro team.

Bart Scott – Inside Linebacker

Bart Scott is a testament to the Ravens’ ability to mould defensive players into some of the best in the league. Scott, an undrafted free agent who joined the Ravens in 2002, eventually became a Pro Bowler. He was a core part of the mid-2000s defensive identity.

Adalius Thomas – Defensive End

Adalius Thomas, who played some defensive end early in his career, ranks 8th in most career tackles and 5th in most sacks in Ravens history. He also had two first-team All-Pro seasons and one of the finest seasons by a Ravens defender ever in 2006.

Duane Starks – Cornerback

Duane Starks, while not a terrific player by any means, racked up the interceptions during his stint on the early 2000s teams and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

Terrell Suggs – Outside Linebacker

Terrell Suggs, likely a top-five player in franchise history, leads the Ravens in career sacks and is the only player on the team in the 100 sack club. He was also strong against the run and great at sniffing out screen passes.

Ed Reed – Safety

Ed Reed was definitely the most exciting player in the history of the franchise. The eight-time All-Pro player and 2004 defensive player of the year was electrifying to watch. A transcendent talent, Reed’s ability to goad opposing quarterbacks into throwing downfield, ball hawk the interception, and return it downfield throughout his whole career was unparalleled.

These players have not only contributed to the success of the Baltimore Ravens but have also left a lasting legacy in the franchise’s history. Their exceptional skills and dedication to the game have set a high standard for future generations of Ravens players.

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