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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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7 Oct 2001: Michael McCrary #99 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles Steve McNair #9 of the Tennessee Titans during the game at the PSINET Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Titans 26-7.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
7 Oct 2001: Michael McCrary #99 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles Steve McNair #9 of the Tennessee Titans during the game at the PSINET Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Titans 26-7.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport /

2. Michael McCrary

McCrary had 403 total tackles and 71 sacks in his career. He had a 10 year NFL run that got him in the Ravens ring of honor and won him a Super Bowl ring. He was part of the 2000 Ravens defense, which was perhaps the most special defensive unit in NFL history.

He had three seasons with double digit sacks. In his first three seasons he only had six sacks. Then in 1996 he put up 13.5 sacks for the Seahawks. From 1996 to 1999 he had 48.5 sacks. McCrary came to Baltimore in 1999. It took McCrary time to build up to being the player we remember him as. When the lights came on he was incredibly productive.

McCrary was one of the best defensive ends the NFL has ever seen. He was incredible against the run. McCrary was one of the toughest NFL players ever and he was a signature part of the 2000 defense.

1. Haloti Ngata:

The most exciting defensive lineman in Ravens history is Haloti Ngata. He was absolutely incredible for the Ravens. His career numbers were very impressive. He had 517 total tackles, 32.5 sacks, five interceptions, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and a touchdown. In an NFL before Aaron Donald, Ngata was the prototypical do it all defensive lineman. He was huge, he was a smooth moving athlete and he was one heck of a space eater. The best way to think of Ngata is that he was basically a blend of Brandon Williams and Trevor Pryce. Ngata will go down as one of the most unique defensive linemen in NFL history.

With Ngata there are a ton of great Ravens memories. Here are a few that immediately come to mind. Breaking Ben Roethlisberger’s nose is something Ravens fans will certainly forgive him for. Other than maybe Terrell Suggs, nobody has given Roethlisberger more bruises than Ngata.

The most underrated Ravens of all time by position. dark. Next

Ngata intercepted a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He sprinted down the field and was running out of gas, Ray Lewis stole the ball for him and scored a touchdown. That play was unforgettable. The most ferocious sack I have ever seen though, was him bulldozing through Mark Sanchez to open the 2010 season. That’s one of those plays I could watch on a loop. Ngata knocked an offensive lineman down almost instantly and ran full speed into Sanchez. It was reminiscent of Tony Siragusa’s sack against Rich Gannon in the AFC Championship game.

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