Ranking the Top Five Defensive Line Classes NFL Draft History- Unearthing the Trench Warriors

1. The Trench Titans: The 1967 Defensive Line Class

The 1967 NFL Draft witnessed the emergence of an incredible group of defensive linemen who would go on to dominate the league for years to come. Here are some of the most notable defensive linemen from the 1967 class:

• Alan Page - Drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Vikings, Page is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history. Over his 15-year career, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1971. Page was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
• Bob Lilly - Selected 13th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Lilly became the cornerstone of the legendary "Doomsday Defense." During his 14-year career, he accumulated 11 Pro Bowl selections, seven First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship. Lilly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
• Gene Washington - Drafted 8th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, Washington made a significant impact on the league as a defensive end. Over his 11-year career, Washington earned four Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors, making him one of the standout players from the 1967 class.

2. Unstoppable Powerhouses: The 1975 Defensive Line Class

The 1975 NFL Draft brought forth a new wave of powerful defensive linemen, who went on to leave their mark on the league with their exceptional play. Some of the most prominent defensive linemen from the 1975 class include:

• Randy White - Selected 2nd overall by the Dallas Cowboys, White quickly became a force to be reckoned with as a defensive tackle. Over his 14-year career, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections, seven First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship, where he was named Super Bowl XII Co-MVP. White was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
• Fred Dean - Drafted in the 2nd round (33rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers, Dean emerged as one of the premier pass rushers of his era. During his 11-year career, Dean accumulated four Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers. Dean was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
• Gary Johnson - Chosen 8th overall by the San Diego Chargers, Johnson played a pivotal role on the Chargers' defensive line. Over his 10-year career, Johnson earned four Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors, making him one of the standout defensive linemen of the 1975 class.

3. Relentless Warriors: The 1985 Defensive Line Class

The 1985 NFL Draft produced a group of exceptional defensive linemen, who went on to enjoy successful and lengthy careers in the league. Some of the top defensive linemen from this class include:

• Richard Dent - Selected in the 8th round (203rd overall) by the Chicago Bears, Dent became a key component of the legendary "Monsters of the Midway" defense. Over his 15-year career, Dent earned four Pro Bowl selections, one First-Team All-Pro honor, and two Super Bowl championships. Dent was named Super Bowl XX MVP and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
• Chris Doleman - Drafted 4th overall by the Minnesota Vikings, Doleman quickly established himself as one of the NFL's premier pass rushers. During his 15-year career, Doleman accumulated eight Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and 150.5 career sacks. Doleman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
• William Perry - Chosen 22nd overall by the Chicago Bears, Perry became a fan favorite due to his size and versatility. Over his 10-year career, Perry earned a Pro Bowl selection, a First-Team All-Pro honor, and a Super Bowl championship with the iconic 1985 Chicago Bears team.

4. Quarterback Nightmares: The 2001 Defensive Line Class

The 2001 NFL Draft saw the arrival of another group of remarkable defensive linemen, who would go on to torment quarterbacks across the league. Here are some of the most notable defensive linemen from the 2001 class:

• Richard Seymour - Selected 6th overall by the New England Patriots, Seymour quickly became a key contributor to the Patriots' early 2000s dynasty. Over his 12-year career, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl championships.
• Casey Hampton - Drafted in the 1st round (19th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hampton anchored the Steelers' defensive line as a dominant nose tackle. During his 12-year career, Hampton accumulated five Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl championships, making him one of the standout defensive linemen of the 2001 class.
• Justin Smith - Chosen 4th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith played both defensive end and tackle during his 14-year career. Smith earned five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor, making him one of the most versatile and consistent defensive linemen of his era.

5. Modern-Day Destroyers: The 2011 Defensive Line Class

The 2011 NFL Draft ushered in a new generation of defensive line talent, with several players quickly establishing themselves as dominant forces on the field. Some of the top defensive linemen from this class include:

• J.J. Watt - Drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans, Watt has become one of the most dominant and recognizable defensive linemen in NFL history. Over his career thus far, Watt has earned five Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, and three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
• Marcell Dareus - Selected 3rd overall by the Buffalo Bills, Dareus made an immediate impact as a defensive tackle. Over his career, Dareus has accumulated two Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor, making him one of the premier defensive tackles in the league.
• Cameron Jordan - Chosen 24th overall by the New Orleans Saints, Jordan has consistently been a force to be reckoned with as a defensive end. Thus far in his career, Jordan has earned six Pro Bowl selections, one First-Team All-Pro honor, and has amassed over 100 career sacks.