NFL All Quarter Century team: Best 53-man roster, coaches

At this level of the NFL offseason, entrance places of work are beginning to consider their remaining 53-man rosters for the upcoming season. Powerful selections are on deck for all 32 groups. However let’s develop the scope a little bit: How would a full All-NFL roster for the previous 25 years look? To have a good time the quarter-century mark, we picked out the perfect NFL gamers since 2000 and crammed out a whole lineup.

We could not consider two folks higher capable of pull off this job than our stat-loving NFL analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder. They served as de facto basic managers for this All Quarter Century staff, constructing the 53-man roster via a couple of easy guidelines and strategies:

Gamers are nonetheless eligible in the event that they started their profession within the Nineteen Nineties, however solely manufacturing starting within the 2000 season was thought of.

These selections had been made totally on statistical output, specializing in peak seasons whereas nonetheless rewarding longevity. We relied closely on FTN’s DYAR metric (defense-adjusted yards above alternative), which calculates a participant’s worth over the course of the season in comparison with a replacement-level baseline. Different superior statistics had been additionally taken into consideration.

This staff consists of 25 offensive gamers, 23 defensive gamers and 5 particular groups gamers. For one more wrinkle, we crammed out a full “follow squad” with the gamers who simply missed the reduce and listed them of their respective place teams. We adopted present NFL follow squad guidelines, which incorporates 17 gamers if one was introduced in from the Worldwide Participant Pathway Program. Lastly, we additionally wanted an elite teaching workers to get probably the most out of this quarter-century staff, so we picked a head coach and three coordinators.

Let’s bounce into the All Quarter Century lineup picks, beginning with a very powerful place in sports activities. Gamers are listed by place group and so as of how they’d land on the depth chart.

Leap to a place:QB | RB | FB | WRTE | OL | DL | LBDB | ST | Coaches

Quarterbacks (3)

Groups: Patriots (2000-19), Buccaneers (2020-22)Résumé since 2000: 89,214 passing yards, 649 passing TDs, seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion, three-time MVP, six-time All-Professional

Editor’s Picks

2 Associated

The perfect proof of Brady’s greatness is his all-time excessive in Tremendous Bowl rings, after all, however he exemplified each staff and particular person success all through his profession. His 2007 season is the perfect in NFL historical past utilizing each FTN’s DYAR metric and ESPN’s Complete QBR. He was nearly nearly as good in 2010 regardless of taking part in in a totally totally different offense structured round two rookie tight ends.

For a very long time, there was a fantastic debate about who was higher: Brady or Peyton Manning. However whereas Manning referred to as it a profession after his age-39 season, Brady gained two Tremendous Bowls in his 40s. No one has ever performed so nicely for therefore lengthy. — Schatz

Groups: Colts (1998-2011), Broncos (2012-15)Résumé since 2000: 64,066 passing yards, 487 passing TDs, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time MVP, nine-time All-Professional

Manning ranks second behind Brady in DYAR since 2000. He has three of the highest 5 seasons for complete passing worth — 2013, 2004 and 2006. His 2004 season has the best passing DVOA (worth per play) of any season since 1978. And whereas QBR would not return as far, Manning’s 2006 season is the second-highest QBR behind Brady’s 2007 season. Shut your eyes, and you’ll nonetheless image Manning audibling behind the road of scrimmage, shifting his gamers round earlier than the snap to reap the benefits of his unbelievable capability to learn defenses. — Schatz

Groups: Chiefs (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 32,352 passing yards, 245 passing TDs, three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, two-time MVP, three-time All-Professional

There are arguments for Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees right here, however we consider Mahomes deserves a spot on this staff regardless of his relative “lack” of MVPs or first-team All-Professional alternatives (two) via eight seasons.

His QBR for his profession (postseason included) is 75.0, which trails Manning (75.6) however is forward of Brady (71.0), Brees (70.9) and Rodgers (66.9). And from the unbelievable throws to the error avoidance to the postseason heroics, we’re selecting peak Mahomes over peak Rodgers or Brees. — Walder

Observe squad: Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees

Operating backs (3)

Groups: Ravens (1997-2000), Chiefs (2001-07)Résumé since 2000: 9,256 all-purpose yards, 85 all-purpose TDs, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, one-time OPOY, three-time All-Professional

Sure, Holmes is our RB1 over anybody else. Suppose again to the flip of the century, when Holmes emerged from the Baltimore bench to drive the highly effective offense of the Dick Vermeil Chiefs, utilizing a dynamic mixture of speeding and receiving expertise.

Different operating backs might need had longer peaks, however none of them can match the three-year interval that Holmes had from 2001 to 2003. Within the superior DYAR metrics for complete worth, these seasons rank fifteenth, second and third amongst all operating again seasons since 1978, respectively. — Schatz

Groups: Panthers (2017-22), 49ers (2022-present)Résumé since 2000: 10,853 all-purpose yards, 81 all-purpose TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Professional

As the perfect receiving again of the previous 25 years, McCaffrey must be included on this roster. He averages 47 receiving yards per recreation, which is greater than anybody else with at the very least 500 carries throughout that span.

However he is not solely a receiving again. What makes McCaffrey particular is that he has maintained 4.7 yards per carry over his profession, 14th-best amongst operating backs this quarter century. — Walder

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Groups: Titans (2016-23), Ravens (2024-present)Résumé since 2000: 13,074 all-purpose yards, 111 all-purpose TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Professional

King Henry offers this staff an influence rusher within the floor recreation. However model apart, Henry’s manufacturing actually earns him his spot on this checklist. His 4.9 yards per carry places him nicely forward of Adrian Peterson (4.6) and LaDainian Tomlinson (4.3), whom we additionally thought of on this spot. His 2.4 yards after contact per carry make him No. 1 amongst all operating backs with at the very least 500 rushes since 2000, and he has a really low 0.6% fumble price. — Walder

Observe squad: LaDainian Tomlinson

Fullbacks (1)

Groups: Ravens (2013-16), 49ers (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 2,901 all-purpose yards, 24 all-purpose TDs, two-time All-Professional

Juszczyk’s 9 Professional Bowl alternatives are 4 greater than the Ravens’ Patrick Ricard and 5 greater than former Charger Lorenzo Neal. He is a novel playmaker as a fullback within the passing recreation, with the power to maneuver round and run all types of various routes. — Schatz

Extensive receivers (6)

Groups: Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Raiders (2005-06), Patriots (2007-10), Titans (2010), 49ers (2012)Résumé since 2000: 12,566 receiving yards, 128 receiving TDs, three-time All-Professional

The best receiver of the twenty first century based mostly on the attention check, Moss additionally dominated in superior metrics. He set the NFL document with 23 receiving touchdowns in 2007, a season that ranks third all-time in DYAR.

Moss ranked No. 1 in receiving DYAR thrice: 2000, 2003 and 2007. In every of these seasons, he had at the very least 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s additionally the chief in complete receiving worth by DYAR whether or not you add collectively a participant’s prime 5 seasons or prime 10 seasons since 2000. Plus, he is a legend of the rostrum interview. — Schatz

Groups: Lions (2007-15)Résumé since 2000: 11,619 receiving yards, 83 receiving TDs, four-time All-Professional

Johnson leaped over defenders en route to 2 1,600-plus-yard seasons and the all-time single-season receiving yards document (1,964) in 2012. He ranks fourth since 2000 in yards per recreation behind solely three present gamers with far fewer video games performed (Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua and Ja’Marr Chase).

What’s most superb about Johnson is what he did with out Matthew Stafford as his QB. Throughout Detroit’s notorious 0-16 season in 2008, Johnson managed 1,331 yards with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna at quarterback. — Walder

Groups: Falcons (2011-20), Titans (2021), Buccaneers (2022), Eagles (2023)Résumé since 2000: 13,703 receiving yards, 66 receiving TDs, five-time All-Professional

If we take a look at each participant’s three greatest seasons by receiving yards this quarter century, no wideout’s prime three years matched Jones’ complete of 5,141 — 4 yards forward of Johnson. If we do the identical train for every participant’s 5 greatest seasons, Jones once more sits on the prime. Finest seven? Nonetheless Jones.

Additionally, with all due respect to Matt Ryan, Jones didn’t have a Corridor of Fame quarterback throwing to him the way in which different receivers on this checklist did. Although he by no means gained a hoop, Jones’ miraculous sideline seize in Tremendous Bowl LI helped the Falcons get awfully shut to 1. — Walder

Groups: 49ers (1996-2003), Eagles (2004-05), Cowboys (2006-08), Payments (2009), Bengals (2010)Résumé since 2000: 12,627 receiving yards, 123 receiving TDs, five-time All-Professional

Within the 11 seasons Owens performed on this quarter century, he recorded three second-place finishes in DYAR and one notorious driveway information convention. He led the league in receiving touchdowns thrice, and his 80.3 receiving yards per recreation ranks sixth amongst WRs with at the very least 50 video games performed since 2000.

Owens would play via any harm for this staff, as evidenced by his miraculous 122-yard efficiency in Tremendous Bowl XXXIX after breaking his leg seven weeks earlier. — Walder

Groups: Colts (1996-2008)Résumé since 2000: 10,439 receiving yards, 95 receiving TDs, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, seven-time All-Professional

Harrison did not miss a first- or second-team All-Professional choice from 1999 to 2006. Though he led the NFL just one time every in receiving yards (2002) and receiving touchdowns (2005), he led the NFL in receiving DYAR thrice: 2001, 2002 and 2006.

Harrison had 205 targets in 2002, the third-highest complete in NFL historical past, and he caught 70% of these passes. We selected Harrison for this spot over different choices as a result of he had a stronger peak. — Schatz

Groups: Vikings (2020-present)Résumé since 2000: 7,432 receiving yards, 40 receiving TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Professional

Jefferson has performed solely 5 NFL seasons, however what superb seasons they’ve been. When he gained the Offensive Participant of the 12 months award in 2022, he was No. 1 in receptions, yards and DYAR. He ranked within the prime three for DYAR in three of his different seasons (2020, 2021 and 2024), with at the very least 1,400 receiving yards in every of them. The one exception is 2023, when he performed solely 10 video games due to harm however nonetheless managed to prime 1,000 yards. — Schatz

Observe squad: Antonio Brown, Andre Johnson

Tight ends (3)

Groups: Patriots (2010-18), Buccaneers (2020-21)Résumé since 2000: 9,286 receiving yards, 92 receiving TDs, four-time Tremendous Bowl champion, four-time All-Professional

Gronk’s 2011 season is the all-time biggest for a good finish in each commonplace stats (18 touchdowns) and superior stats (461 DYAR). He ranked first in DYAR amongst tight ends thrice and second one other thrice. Oh, and he was additionally a devastating blocker — he may mainly be used as one other offensive deal with throughout run performs. — Schatz

Groups: Chiefs (2013-current)Résumé since 2000: 12,151 receiving yards, 77 receiving TDs, three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, seven-time All-Professional

Kelce is just the perfect pure receiving tight finish on this quarter century. If we depend the postseason, Kelce recorded extra receiving yards (14,229) than another tight finish on this span. And on a per-game foundation, the one participant who comes near Kelce (71.1) is 2024 rookie Brock Bowers (70.2), who may very well be on the mid-century staff if he retains it up. Kelce ranked No. 1 amongst tight ends in DYAR thrice (2016, 2020 and 2022). — Walder

Groups: Chiefs (1997-2008), Falcons (2009-13)Résumé since 2000: 13,289 receiving yards, 96 receiving TDs, nine-time All-Professional

Gonzalez was nice 12 months after 12 months after 12 months in a profession that seemingly went on perpetually. He led all tight ends in receiving DYAR seven totally different occasions and ranked within the prime 5 in 12 out of the 14 seasons we’re contemplating for this train. His profession complete in receptions (1,325) remains to be an all-time excessive for tight ends and ranks third highest of any participant all time. — Schatz

Observe squad: Antonio Gates

Left tackles (2)

Groups: Browns (2007-17)Résumé since 2000: 167 begins, eight-time All-Professional

In his 11 professional seasons with the largely woebegone Browns, Thomas failed to succeed in the Professional Bowl just one time. That was in 2017, his remaining 12 months within the league. His six first-team All-Professional alternatives since 2000 are two greater than any deal with on this span (no matter aspect), making him a slam dunk selection for this staff. — Walder

Groups: Washington (2010-19), 49ers (2020-present)Résumé since 2000: 187 begins, four-time All-Professional

Williams was chosen for the Professional Bowl in 11 seasons from 2012 to 2023, probably the most by any offensive deal with since 2000. He was excellent in his 20s for Washington earlier than holding out the whole 2019 season over disagreements with the staff’s medical workers. He’s even higher in his 30s for San Francisco, main all tackles in cross block win price in 2023. — Schatz

Observe squad: Walter Jones, Jordan Mailata (Worldwide Participant Pathway)

Left guards (2)

Groups: Steelers (1998-2007), Jets (2008-09), Cardinals (2010)Résumé since 2000: 175 begins, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, eight-time All-Professional

A stalwart at left guard for the Steelers earlier than late-career spells with the Jets and Cardinals, Faneca missed just one recreation from 2000 on — and that was on account of relaxation in a meaningless Week 17 contest in 2001. His six first-team All-Professional alternatives are greater than another left guard this quarter century. — Walder

Groups: Seahawks (2001-05), Vikings (2006-11), Titans (2012)Résumé since 2000: 169 begins, seven-time All-Professional

Hutchinson made the Professional Bowl yearly from 2003 via 2009 and helped lead the 2005 Seahawks to Tremendous Bowl XL, together with Walter Jones. There have been a lot of comparatively equal, sturdy left guards to select from, however we went with Hutchinson over Joel Bitonio, Logan Mankins and Quenton Nelson. His impression on the NFL additionally stretches previous the sphere, as he was a part of a deal that led to a rule change about contracts after the “poison tablet” that stored Seattle from matching the contract he signed with Minnesota in 2006. — Schatz

Facilities (1)

Groups: Eagles (2011-23)Résumé since 2000: 193 begins, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, six-time All-Professional

Choosing our lone middle was a reasonably easy name. Whereas Maurkice Pouncey made the Professional Bowl 9 occasions (versus Kelce’s seven), Kelce’s six first-team All-Professional alternatives are by far probably the most of any middle — no different participant has had greater than two since 2000. Kelce helped lead the Eagles to 2 Tremendous Bowl appearances and revolutionized third- and fourth-and-1s leaguewide along with his vital function within the (nonetheless permitted!) tush push play. — Walder

Proper guards (2)

Groups: Cowboys (2014-24)Résumé since 2000: 162 begins, nine-time All-Professional

Martin’s variety of first-team All-Professional alternatives (seven) is the best complete for any guard since 2000. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo as soon as mentioned Martin did not have a weak point and had the whole lot required of an offensive lineman at an elite degree: footwork, base, punch, athleticism, energy and thoughts. — Schatz

Groups: Ravens (2007-19)Résumé since 2000: 166 begins, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, seven-time All-Professional

Yanda’s distinguished profession with the Ravens included two first-team All-Professional alternatives. Whereas we do not have superior blocking metrics for almost all of his profession, his numbers had been astounding close to the tail finish. He completed first amongst guards in run block win price in each 2018 and 2019 and first in cross block win price in 2019. — Walder

Observe squad: Jahri Evans

Proper tackles (2)

Groups: Eagles (2013-current)Résumé since 2000: 158 begins, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

Johnson leads all proper tackles in Professional Bowl alternatives since 2000 with six; no different participant who primarily performed proper deal with in that span has greater than 4. He has maybe been at his greatest over the previous couple of seasons. In 2023, he led all tackles in run block win price and was ninth in cross block win price. Final season, Johnson was fifth amongst tackles in each run block win price and cross block win price. — Schatz

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Groups: Bengals (1996-2007), Ravens (2008)Résumé since 2000: 138 begins, four-time All-Professional

Though our time span cuts off the primary 4 seasons of Anderson’s profession, what he did within the 9 years from 2000 on earns him a spot on this checklist. He performed in 16 regular-season video games yearly from 2000 to 2006 with the Bengals.

Not like at left deal with the place there have been fairly a couple of possible candidates, proper deal with was fairly clear-cut, with Johnson and Anderson being the 2 greatest choices. If sixth-year Bucs deal with Tristan Wirfs had extra seasons beneath his belt, he may have been a superb candidate. — Walder

Edge rushers (4)

Groups: Cowboys (2005-13), Broncos (2014-16)Résumé since 2000: 138.5 sacks, 35 pressured fumbles, one-time Tremendous Bowl Champion, seven-time All-Professional

There are such a lot of nice edge rushers to select from, however they typically are available two classes: nice profession totals or nice peaks with a excessive ratio of sacks to video games performed. Ware had the perfect stability between the 2. He had the third-most sacks out of all gamers since 2000, whereas his 0.78 sacks per recreation rank fourth amongst edge rushers. — Schatz

Groups: Chiefs (2004-07), Vikings (2008-13), Bears (2014-15), Panthers (2015)Résumé since 2000: 136 sacks, 32 pressured fumbles, four-time All-Professional

Allen’s peak was extremely sturdy, hitting 22.0 sacks (simply shy of the single-season document) in 2011. However he was not a one-hit marvel: Allen hit double-digit sacks eight occasions and tallied the fourth-most sacks in our time span. He additionally ranks fourth amongst edge gamers (if we embrace J.J. Watt) in complete plus-EPA since 2001 — a measure the place defenders who’re on the sphere for constructive defensive performs are credited with the ensuing EPA. — Walder

Groups: Browns (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 102.5 sacks, 20 pressured fumbles, one-time DPOY, six-time All-Professional

Since Garrett entered the league in 2017, no edge participant has gathered extra cross rush wins than his 522 — forward of T.J. Watt’s 467. And Garrett did that whereas sustaining the third-highest double-team price at edge (27%) of all qualifying edge rushers. He has made probably the most of his eight seasons within the league, with a first-team All-Professional nod in half of these seasons, making him lots worthy of choice. — Walder

Groups: Panthers (2002-09, 2017-18), Bears (2010-13), Packers (2014-16)Résumé since 2000: 159.5 sacks, 51 pressured fumbles, six-time All-Professional

No participant recorded extra sacks this quarter century than Peppers. There is a honest critique that his numbers are a product of longevity, however he additionally had nearly 20 extra sacks than anybody on this span and the next plus-EPA than another participant since 2001, interval. One motive he led that latter class over star linebackers — who’re favored within the stat — is as a result of Peppers’ 51 pressured fumbles had been probably the most since 2000. — Walder

Observe squad: T.J. Watt, Michael Strahan

Defensive tackles (3)

Groups: Rams (2014-23)Résumé since 2000: 111 sacks, 24 pressured fumbles, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, three-time DPOY, eight-time All-Professional

Donald is definitely the best defensive deal with of the previous 25 years and probably the best in NFL historical past. His 20.5 sacks in 2018 set a single-season document for a main defensive deal with, whereas his profession complete is second amongst defensive tackles (since 1982) behind John Randle’s 137.5.

Donald is one in all solely three gamers in NFL historical past to win three DPOY awards (together with J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor). Solely two different defensive linemen can match his variety of first-team All-Professional alternatives (Reggie White and Bruce Smith, eight). Donald even went out on prime, main all defensive tackles in cross rush win price in his remaining season. — Schatz

Groups: Cardinals (2008-16, 2025-present), Jaguars (2017-19), Ravens (2020-22), Falcons (2023), Dolphins (2024)Résumé since 2000: 110.5 sacks, 18 pressured fumbles, three-time All-Professional

Although Campbell has had the advantage of a 17-year (and counting!) profession, his numbers are really fairly exceptional. He is just one sack shy of passing Donald’s profession complete, whereas his complete plus-EPA ranks fourth amongst all gamers and first amongst inside defenders. Campbell has moved round loads over his profession, however he’d play the 3-technique for this staff (that is the place he has performed probably the most since NFL Subsequent Gen Stats monitoring information began in 2017). — Walder

Groups: Chiefs (2016-current)Résumé since 2000: 80.5 sacks, 13 pressured fumbles, three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, six-time All-Professional

There have been a lot of nice inside defensive linemen who we thought of for this staff, and a few of them had extra first-team All-Execs than Jones’ three. Kevin Williams had 5, Cameron Heyward 4 and Warren Sapp additionally three (not together with his profession earlier than 2000). Ultimately, we requested ourselves this: Who would we select if we wanted to win one massive recreation? So we went with the participant who anchored a protection for 3 championship groups.

If Donald did not exist, Jones would have ranked first in cross rush win price at defensive deal with for 5 consecutive seasons (2020-24). In two of these seasons, he additionally ranked first in double-team price at defensive deal with. — Schatz

Observe squad: Kevin Williams, Cameron Heyward

Nostril tackles (1)

Groups: Patriots (2004-14), Texans (2015-16)Résumé since 2000: 16 sacks, 5 pressured fumbles, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

Whereas there have been loads of different defensive tackles who may threaten the quarterback, we wished to ensure we put at the very least one nostril deal with on the squad. Wilfork hit 105 in approximate worth — a statistic by Professional Soccer Reference that attributes a single quantity on the seasonal worth of a participant. That is probably the most by any nostril deal with in our span and the fourth most amongst any defensive deal with no matter alignment, giving Wilfork an edge over five-time Professional Bowler and longtime Steeler Casey Hampton. — Walder

Versatile defensive linemen (1)

Groups: Texans (2011-20), Cardinals (2021-22)Résumé since 2000: 114.5 sacks, 27 pressured fumbles, three-time DPOY, seven-time All-Professional

We wished to save lots of a spot for Watt as a result of he can play as an edge rusher or inside lineman. He’s one in all solely three gamers in historical past to win Defensive Participant of the 12 months thrice, and he has the perfect plus-EPA of any participant since 2000 (minimal 50 video games).

One other solution to describe Watt’s greatness is with a take a look at defeats. That is a metric that provides collectively turnovers, tackles for loss and performs that forestall a conversion on third or fourth down. There have been solely a dozen seasons of greater than 40 defeats since 1991. Watt has three of them, together with a document 57 defeats in 2012. — Schatz

Linebackers (5)

Groups: Ravens (1996-2012)Résumé since 2000: 28.5 sacks, 15 pressured fumbles, 24 interceptions, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, two-time DPOY, seven-time All-Professional

The preeminent linebacker of this quarter century, Lewis’ numbers again up his repute. He led all linebackers in Professional Soccer Reference’s approximate worth metric over these 25 years, despite the fact that that point interval missed the primary 4 years of his profession. Lewis’ plus-EPA per recreation ranks second amongst all gamers since 2001, and that even omits one in all his DPOY seasons. And from 2001 to 2012 (the time when Lewis performed that we now have EPA information to measure), the Ravens ranked as the perfect protection within the NFL by way of EPA per play. — Walder

Groups: Seahawks (2012-21, 2023), Rams (2022), Commanders (2024-present)Résumé since 2000: 35 sacks, 7 pressured fumbles, 13 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, 11-time All-Professional

Wagner has the identical variety of first-team All-Professional alternatives as Lewis (seven), which is greater than another linebacker since 2000. His 10 Professional Bowl alternatives do not even embrace the 12 months he completed second within the Defensive Rookie of the 12 months balloting (2012) or the 12 months he helped lead the Seahawks to a Tremendous Bowl win (2013). Wagner additionally led the NFL in tackles thrice. Since 2000, solely London Fletcher has extra tackles than Wagner’s 1,838. — Schatz

Groups: Bears (2000-12)Résumé since 2000: 41.5 sacks, 11 pressured fumbles, 22 interceptions, one-time DPOY, five-time All-Professional

The Urlacher-led Bears had the third-best protection by way of EPA per play from 2001 to ’12. His 22 profession interceptions are the second most by any linebacker previously 25 years, behind solely Lewis’ 26. Urlacher ranks fourth amongst all gamers in plus-EPA per recreation at minus-3.59, too. — Walder

Groups: Buccaneers (2012-current)Résumé since 2000: 39 sacks, 31 pressured fumbles, 13 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, three-time All-Professional

No linebacker over the previous 25 years has dominated with splash performs fairly like David. His 415 defeats rank third amongst all gamers since 1991 (behind Lewis and Junior Seau), whereas his 31.9 defeats per season rank first. David additionally has 330 cross deal with stops (tackles after cross receptions that forestall the offense from having a profitable play). Derrick Brooks (275) is the one different participant since 1991 with greater than 240. It is ridiculous that David has solely two complete Professional Bowl (2015) or first-team All-Professional (2013) alternatives, however we’re not letting that maintain him off our staff. — Schatz

Groups: Panthers (2012-19)Résumé since 2000: 12.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, one-time DPOY, seven-time All-Professional

Kuechly’s profession burned so sizzling over its quick eight-year span. The one a kind of seasons wherein he didn’t attain the Professional Bowl and earn first- or second-team All-Professional honors was 2012 … when he gained Defensive Rookie of the 12 months. Kuechly’s 9.2 tackles per recreation and 0.15 interceptions per recreation are the second- and third-most of any linebacker on this century, respectively. — Walder

Observe squad: Derrick Brooks

Cornerbacks (5)

Groups: Jets (2007-12, 2015-16), Buccaneers (2013), Patriots (2014), Chiefs (2017)Résumé since 2000: 29 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, four-time All-Professional

Even the perfect receivers within the NFL disappeared on Revis Island. Within the star cornerback’s greatest season (2009), the Jets allowed a mean of 29 receiving yards per recreation to opposing WR1s. Revis’ 31 passes defensed that 12 months are nonetheless an NFL document, 4 greater than another cornerback has ever had in a single season. — Schatz

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Groups: Washington (1999-2003), Broncos (2004-13)Résumé since 2000: 5 pressured fumbles, 47 interceptions, seven-time All-Professional

Bailey amassed extra approximate worth (149), per Professional Soccer Reference, since 2000 than another cornerback by a wholesome margin (Patrick Peterson was second at 131). His variety of interceptions from 2000 rank third most on this span. Bailey qualifies for this staff on each peak and longevity; he’s tied with Ray Lewis for probably the most Professional Bowl nods (12) on this roster. — Walder

Groups: Buccaneers (1997-2012)Résumé since 2000: 24 sacks, 13 pressured fumbles, 43 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

Barber was one of many integral elements of the “Tampa 2” protection that dominated the NFL within the early 2000s. Loads of cornerbacks in that period performed near the road of scrimmage as a part of a Cowl 2 shell, however nobody matched Barber’s numbers towards the run and cross. He leads all defensive backs with 292 defeats since 2000; Charles Woodson is the one different defensive again above 220. Barber’s interceptions rank sixth in that span, and he additionally made probably the most tackles on operating performs (477). — Schatz

Groups: Seahawks (2011-17), 49ers (2018-20), Buccaneers (2021)Résumé since 2000: 5 pressured fumbles, 37 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

Sherman headlined the “Legion of Increase” secondary that took over the NFL within the 2010s, making the game-clinching deflection that despatched the Seahawks to their second Tremendous Bowl look of the twenty first century. And on reflection, it is a testomony to Sherman and Earl Thomas III (extra on him later) that the emulations by different groups of Seattle’s Cowl 3 protection by no means had as a lot success as the unique. From 2012 to 2014, Sherman earned three straight first-team All-Professional alternatives and recorded 20 interceptions. — Walder

Groups: Cardinals (2011-20), Vikings (2021-22), Steelers (2023)Résumé since 2000: 2 pressured fumbles, 36 interceptions, three-time All-Professional

Peterson’s profession had a protracted tail, however that should not overshadow his eight-year peak from 2011 to 2018. He was above common in yards allowed per goal in every season through the early a part of his profession, peaking when he allowed a league-leading 4.4 yards per goal in 2015. Peterson can also be ninth in complete interceptions through the previous 25 seasons. — Schatz

Observe squad: Jalen Ramsey

Safeties (4)

Groups: Ravens (2002-12), Texans (2013), Jets (2013)Résumé since 2000: 11 pressured fumbles, 64 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, one-time DPOY, eight-time All-Professional

The final word ball hawk, Reed picked off 15 extra passes than another defensive again on this quarter century. His 0.39 picks per recreation had been by far the best, amounting to nearly one interception per 10 quarters! Throughout his Defensive Participant of the 12 months season in 2004, he picked off 9 passes (the primary of two seasons he hit that quantity). — Walder

Groups: Steelers (2003-14)Résumé since 2000: 12 sacks, 14 pressured fumbles, 32 interceptions, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion, one-time DPOY, six-time All-Professional

Polamalu flying all around the subject epitomized what NFL groups started prioritizing with trendy safeties. He’s fifth amongst safeties with 103 passes defensed since 2000. He additionally had 80 run stops (tackles to cease runs wanting a profitable play), which is third amongst all defensive backs since 2000. — Schatz

Groups: Eagles (1996-2008), Broncos (2009-11)Résumé since 2000: 22.5 sacks, 29 pressured fumbles, 25 interceptions, five-time All-Professional

Dawkins delivered some large hits throughout his 12 seasons this quarter century, as evidenced by the truth that he pressured the second-most fumbles amongst DBs in our span and completed with the third-most sacks. When Dawkins was on the Eagles from 2000 to ’08, Philadelphia ranked third in EPA allowed per dropback on protection. — Walder

Groups: Seahawks (2010-18), Ravens (2019)Résumé since 2000: 12 pressured fumbles, 30 interceptions, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

Thomas would not have many spectacular numbers since you do not accumulate numbers when no one will throw close to you. He shut down the deep a part of the sphere for the Seahawks, incomes a Professional Bowl nod in 5 straight seasons (2011-15). At his peak in 2013, Seattle was the No. 1 protection towards each quick passes and deep passes on the way in which to a Tremendous Bowl XLVIII win. — Walder

Observe squad: Charles Woodson

Kickers (1)

Groups: Ravens (2012-24)Résumé since 2000: 1,775 factors scored, 89.1% subject objective proportion, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, eight-time All-Professional

The not too long ago launched Tucker is clearly the perfect kicker in these 25 years — and maybe ever. If we evaluate him to different prime contenders comparable to Adam Vinatieri, Sebastian Janikowski, Phil Dawson and Robbie Gould, Tucker recorded the next subject objective proportion from 40-44 yards, 45-49 yards and 50-54 yards. In accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, he additionally had probably the most subject objectives revamped expectation (24.5, with no different participant reaching 17) and probably the most win chance added amongst kickers (plus-78%) since 2017. — Walder

Punters (1)

Groups: Raiders (2000-12), Texans (2013-17)Résumé since 2000: 47.6 yards per punt, nine-time All-Professional

One of many biggest and longest-tenured punters in NFL historical past, Lechler was named a first-team All-Professional in his rookie season. All through his 18-year profession, he racked up extra first-team All-Professional alternatives (six) than another punter in NFL historical past (nobody has had greater than 4). Lechler led the league in gross punt common in 5 seasons, and his profession common in yards per punt is an NFL document for punters who’ve performed over 120 video games. — Schatz

Return specialists (1)

Groups: Bears (2006-13), Falcons (2014-15), Ravens (2016), Seahawks (2016)Résumé since 2000: 20 return touchdowns, 11,028 complete return yards, four-time All-Professional

Although Hester is remembered for scoring on the opening kickoff in Tremendous Bowl XLI, he was truly extra prolific as a punt returner. Fourteen of his return touchdowns got here off punts; no different participant recorded greater than 4 in that very same span. In 2024, he grew to become the primary return specialist to be inducted into the Corridor of Fame. — Walder

Observe squad: Cordarrelle Patterson

Particular teamers (1)

Groups: Patriots (2008-23)Résumé since 2000: 4,487 particular groups snaps, three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, five-time All-Professional

The Patriots had above-average particular groups DVOA each single season from 1996 via 2020, and Slater was an enormous issue within the second half of that streak as a gunner. Slater stayed within the NFL for 16 seasons regardless of having only one profession reception at vast receiver and just one season with greater than 20 defensive snaps at security (each in 2011). There is no approach we had been leaving him off this staff. — Schatz

Lengthy-snappers (1)

Groups: Ravens (2010-20), Titans (2021-present)Résumé since 2000: 233 begins, one-time Tremendous Bowl champion, one-time All-Professional

We’re not going to behave like long-snapper specialists, however Cox is a five-time Professional Bowler and earned his lone first-team All-Professional award in 2020 — the primary 12 months long-snappers had been added to the staff. He has performed 15 years within the league for the Ravens and Titans. — Walder

Teaching workers

Invoice Belichick, head coach

We wrestled backwards and forwards right here, contemplating each Belichick and Andy Reid. Reid has the benefit of sustained success with a number of quarterbacks and a number of franchises, however we went with Belichick due to his superior success within the postseason: 9 Tremendous Bowl appearances and 6 Tremendous Bowl championships.

Belichick additionally gained in numerous methods. His early Patriots groups had been extra in regards to the protection, highlighted by a recreation plan that slowed down the 2001 Rams’ dynamic offense. The midcareer Patriots had been offensive juggernauts. On the finish of his New England tenure, the staff went again to being defense-first, highlighted by a 13-3 victory in its remaining Tremendous Bowl. — Schatz

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Kyle Shanahan, offensive coordinator

Our standards for the coordinators was that head coaches had been allowed so long as they spent a while as a coordinator on this quarter century. Shanahan — together with Sean McVay and the ensuing teaching tree — proliferated a schematic shift throughout the league that occurred to be fairly profitable.

Groups coordinated or coached by Shanahan averaged 0.06 EPA per play (postseason included), together with three seasons the place they ranked prime two in DVOA and 6 seasons within the prime six. Shanahan’s statistical success is notable on condition that he normally hasn’t had elite quarterbacks taking part in for him — the quarterback with probably the most taking part in time beneath him is Jimmy Garoppolo. — Walder

Wade Phillips, defensive coordinator

Phillips not solely has a document of coordinating sturdy defenses at a number of stops; he additionally has a fantastic document of bettering these defenses. He took the Falcons’ protection from twenty fourth in DVOA in 2001 to tenth in 2002. He took the Chargers’ protection from twenty eighth in 2003 to ninth in 2004. He took the Texans’ protection — with some assist from rookie J.J. Watt, after all — from thirtieth in 2010 to eighth in 2011. Then he took the Broncos to No. 1 in defensive DVOA in each 2015 and 2016, with a Tremendous Bowl championship.

Together with Phillips’ stops as a head coach (Payments and Cowboys), his defenses have ranked within the prime half of the league in 15 of 18 seasons since 2000. — Schatz

Dave Toub, particular groups coordinator

Toub holds one of the spectacular streaks a coach can have. He coordinated a top-five particular groups unit in each season from 2006 (when ESPN’s effectivity scores started) to 2017, together with the postseason. That utterly absurd streak — nearly unimaginable contemplating the fickle nature of particular groups — was damaged in 2018 when Toub’s Chiefs completed … sixth within the class. — Walder