28 June 2023 , 21:18
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Lane Johnson, star offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently unveiled his selection of the NFL's top five pass-rushers during an appearance on "The Richard Sherman Podcast."
Recognised for his success as an elite blocker, Johnson has engaged in battles between the NFL trenches against numerous elite defenders throughout his career. While some of the names on his list were expected, one player, in particular, captured widespread attention.
Leading Johnson's lineup is Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, widely regarded as one of the league's most dominant pass rushers. Garrett's imposing combination of size, speed, and technique has posed formidable challenges for elite offensive linemen, including Johnson.
The Browns star posted back-to-back seasons with 15 sacks or more, with a goal of hitting 20 this season.
Next on the list is Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has swiftly made a name for himself with his relentless motor and disruptive ability against opposing quarterbacks. Crosby was hand selected by Von Miller to overtake responsibilities of the Von Miller pass rush summit - a camp that Miller has run for seven years.
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Crosby had 12.5 sacks logged last season, adding to the total of 37.5 sacks so far in his first four NFL seasons.
Johnson also acknowledged the exceptional talents of TJ Watt from the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the younger brother of superstar J.J. Watt, TJ has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the defensive front.
Lane Johnson has given his verdict on pass rushers (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Rounding out Johnson's top five is Micah Parsons, an outstanding pass-rusher for the Dallas Cowboys. Renowned for his versatility and explosiveness, Parsons wasted no time leaving a lasting impact on the league.
Interestingly, Johnson also mentioned another standout player from the Cowboys, Demarcus Lawrence, with whom he has engaged in fierce battles. Lawrence, a veteran pass rusher known for disrupting opposing offenses, earned Johnson's recognition.
Johnson additionally highlighted Olivier Vernon, a former member of the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns. Although retired, Vernon's unique physique and relentless playing style have made him a formidable opponent throughout his career.
Johnson compared Vernon's build and Elvis Dumervil, a former NFL defensive end celebrated for his low centre of gravity and exceptional leverage. Nick Bosa, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for the San Francisco 49ers, was absent from Johnson's list, despite his standing as one of the league's premier defensive players since entering the NFL in 2019.
Drawing from his extensive experience facing talented pass rushers, Johnson's first-hand encounters and insights shed light on the extraordinary skills possessed by these top-tier defenders.