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Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 defensive linemen in franchise history

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Cory Redding #93 of the Baltimore Ravens holds onto the ball after an interception with 1 minute, 56 seconds to go in the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Cory Redding #93 of the Baltimore Ravens holds onto the ball after an interception with 1 minute, 56 seconds to go in the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens’ defensive end Rob Bunett (90) celebrates tackling New York Giants’ quarterback Kerry Collins (5) during first half action in Super Bowl XXXV 28 January, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens are playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the NFL championship. AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens’ defensive end Rob Bunett (90) celebrates tackling New York Giants’ quarterback Kerry Collins (5) during first half action in Super Bowl XXXV 28 January, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens are playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the NFL championship. AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images) /

6. Rob Burnett

If you haven’t guessed it by now, the entire starting defensive line from the Super Bowl XXXV team is on this list. Burnett is one of those players who I hope people don’t forget about. He was one of the players who moved over from the original Cleveland franchise to the inaugural Baltimore Ravens team. Burnett was the leading sack artist for the 2000 Ravens. He had 10.5 sacks in the 2000 regular season. He also chipped in two postseason sacks, including one in the Super Bowl. Here’s a fun fact for you, he also had five fumble recoveries and an interception that season. Burnett had a great 14 year career but the 2000 season was his absolute masterpiece.

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You could make the argument that Burnett and Michael McCrary were the best combination of defensive ends a 4-3 defense ever had. Burnett was so quick off the edge but it was his power that made his game so good.

5. Sam Adams

Adams only played for the Ravens for two seasons and he made the Pro Bowl in both years. His impact was felt greater than you would think if you just looked at his statistics. Adams had 50 total tackles and four sacks in his time with the Ravens. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but he was a run stopping powerhouse. Adams was truly one of the main ingredients to the 2000 defense. You couldn’t have taken him off that defense and had the same success.

Adams was the biggest reason the Ravens were so stingy against the run. He was like a brick wall against the run. Not only did he close doors for the running back, but he consistently took up a couple blockers. Adams was basically the same kind of player as Brandon Williams, but better. That is how good he was at what he did.

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