Michael Strahan
Strahan had a fluid frame that worked wonderfully for him. He wasn’t a big guy dragging around excess weight. Instead, he was quick on his feet, nimble, and explosive going off the edge. From a statistical standpoint, his career began slowly. However, the light bulb went out in Year 5 of his Giants career. It was here that he recorded his first double-digit sack total (14.0). This subsequently led to two monster seasons in which Strahan had 22.5 sacks and 18.5 sacks, respectively. During that historic season, the seven-time Pro Bowler was voted Defensive Player of the Year. Only Al Baker (23.0 sacks) has more sacks in a single season than Strahan.
DeMarcus Ware
Micah Parsons has the potential to be the best defense in Cowboys history. That would undoubtedly be a significant accomplishment. But, DeMarcus Ware is the most productive pass rusher coming out of Dallas right now. Ware, who attended Troy University, made an early impact, recording 8.0 sacks as a rookie. Following that, he went on to have at least 10.0 sacks in eight of his following nine seasons. Ware’s best season came in 2008, when he achieved career highs in sacks (20.0) and tackles-for-loss (20.0). (27.0). He was instrumental in redefining the rush end/stand up OLB role that we’ve become accustomed to seeing since he excelled in the 2000s.