The greatest defensive players in Redskins history

11-15

15: Chuck Drazenovich (Linebacker, 1950-1959)

The four-time Pro Bowler was known as one of the hardest hitters in the game. And he may have been the first modern middle linebacker. Richman quotes NFL Films’ Steve Sabol, saying several years before Tom Landry began using the modern 4-3 defense with the Giants, Redskins’ coach Joe Kuharich was running it in Washington, with Drazenovich patrolling the middle. As soon as he took over the new position, the Pro Bowl appearances began.

14: Wilbur Moore (Defensive Back, 1939-1946)

Moore, who was known for having more broken bones than any other player in the league (the number I have read was fifteen distinct broken bone injuries), helped the Redskins to the championship in 1942. In that game, Moore intercepted Bears’ HOF quarterback Sid Luckman, and four plays later, made a leaping TD catch over Luckman and several other Bears to put the Redskins ahead for good.

13: Sean Taylor (Safety, 2004-2007)

It is impossible to rank Taylor. His short professional career ended with his tragic murder in November, 2007. He was just entering his prime, earning first-team All-Pro honors in his final season. A month before his final game, he intercepted Brett Favre twice and forced a fumble, while breaking up four other passes. Shortly after his death, coach Joe Gibbs retired from football for good. His loss continues to be felt both on and off the field.

12: Sam Huff (Linebacker, 1964-1967, 1969)

The first Hall of Famer on this list retired after the 1967 season, but then returned to play a final year for coach Vince Lombardi in 1969. Huff would go on to become a very popular radio announcer for decades after hanging up his cleats. The seasons that won him the reputation as the most violent man in the league and landed him in the Hall of Fame were played predominantly in New York for the Giants. But Huff was still a force, especially in his first couple seasons with the Skins.

11: London Fletcher (Linebacker, 2007-2013)

Fletcher, who never missed a game in his sixteen-year career, made the Pro Bowl as a member of the Redskins four consecutive years and was second-team All-Pro in two of them. He started every single game in his seven years with the Redskins and averaged more than 135 tackles a year, leading the league in 2011. At 5’10”, many considered him undersized, but he played with the heart of a giant.