5 greatest NFL defensive players of the 21st century feat. J.J. Watt

The greatest defensive players in NFL history have an elite ability to change the course of a game with their dominance on the field. They recorded sacks and interceptions while pressuring quarterbacks and shutting down opposing rushing attacks, among many other tasks.

While offensive players, and more specifically quarterbacks, often receive most of the public credit for an NFL team's success, the top defensive players make as much of a difference to the outcome of a game, if not more. The best in NFL history have often received Defensive Player of the Year awards at some point in their careers, the highest individual honor for defensive players.

Since the turn of the 21st century, many legendary defensive players have come through the NFL and left their mark. Here are the five best defensive players from the last 20-plus years of football.

#5 - Troy Polamalu

Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu played as a strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers for his entire 12-year career. He was much more of a defensive weapon than any positional designation could suggest. He was all over the field and excellent in all aspects defensively. He was an excellent playmaker and was reportedly given free range by the coaching staff to intinctually play outside of their usual scheme and play calls.

Polamalu was selected as an All-Pro seven times in an eight-year span. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2010 NFL season. He has also been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

#4 - J.J. Watt

Arizona Cardinals DE J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt may have been on his way to becoming the best defensive player in NFL history if injuries hadn't cut his prime a bit short. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year three times in four years with the Houston Texans. He is tied for the most DPOY awards of all time. He was also selected as a first-team All-Pro four consecutive times during the same stretch of four years.

Following his insane peak stretch of four seasons, injuries limited Watt to just eight combined games over the next two years. He earned another first-team All-Pro selection with the Texans before finishing out his legendary NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals.

#3 - Ed Reed

Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed

Ed Reed is one of the greatest ball hawks in NFL history. His elite skills from the free safety position are one of the biggest reasons why the Baltimore Ravens early-2000's defense is considered one of the best overall units of all time. This was demonstrated by leading the league in interceptions during three separate seasons.

Reed helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl ring before ending his career for one season with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. He was selected as an All-Pro eight times during his 12-year career on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

#2 - Aaron Donald

Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald is one of the most dominant defensive forces that has ever stepped on a football field. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, tied for most of all time, and he's still actively playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He's still one of the best players in the NFL, so he could realistically still win more.

Donald also won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and has finished inside the top five for the Defensive Player of the Year award in every other season of his career. He has also been selected as a first-team All-Pro for seven consecutive seasons.

#1 - Ray Lewis

Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He was also one of the most feared and respected players in the league during his career, as he consistently dominated opposing offenses. He has recorded more total career tackles than any other player in NFL history, while being selected to ten All-Pro teams during his incredible 17-year career.

Lewis was always one of the leaders of the Baltimore Ravens during his career and was often the face of the entire franchise. He helped the team win two Super Bowl rings and was named the MVP of one of them. He collected two Defensive Player of the Year awards on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.