Best Defensive Backs of All Time — Top NFL Defensive Backs Ranked

Who are the greatest defensive backs in football history? Here are the top 24, ranked by their rating in 17-0 — the free game where you draft an all-time roster and simulate whether it can go a perfect 17-0 season. Deion Sanders (Cowboys) tops the list at 97.

The ranking

Best defensive backs ever · rating out of 100

1Deion Sanders
Cowboys · 1990s97
2Ronnie Lott
49ers · 1980s96
3Ed Reed
Ravens · 2000s96
4Darrelle Revis
Jets · 2010s95
5Troy Polamalu
Steelers · 2000s94
6Rod Woodson
Steelers · 1990s93
7Sauce Gardner
Jets · 2020s93
8Mel Blount
Steelers · 1970s92
9Darrell Green
Commanders · 1980s92
10Champ Bailey
Broncos · 2000s92
11Richard Sherman
Seahawks · 2010s92
12Jalen Ramsey
Rams · 2020s92
13Patrick Surtain II
Broncos · 2020s92
14Charles Woodson
Packers · 2000s91
15Earl Thomas
Seahawks · 2010s91
16Kyle Hamilton
Ravens · 2020s91
17Herb Adderley
Packers · 1960s90
18Ken Houston
Commanders · 1970s90
19Aeneas Williams
Cardinals · 1990s90
20Brian Dawkins
Eagles · 2000s90
21Willie Brown
Raiders · 1970s90
22Johnny Robinson
Chiefs · 1960s90
23Jimmy Johnson
49ers · 1960s90
24Derek Stingley Jr.
Texans · 2020s90

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