The most intimidating players in the NFL

To think Khalil Mack had to go to Buffalo for college. He turned himself into a beast there, and he’s turned the Chicago Bears defense into one of the best in the NFL, almost single-handedly. From the moment he terrorized Aaron Rodgers and DeShone Kizer in the season opener vs. the Packers, Mack has been striking fear into the hearts of opponents.

Now that J.J. Watt is healthy again, we have gotten a sterling reminder of what a wrecking ball he is. The Texan has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times and almost won an MVP. If you are an offensive lineman, you better not take your eye off Watt, and even that may not be enough.

Defensive tackles aren’t always the best pass rushers. Then there’s Aaron Donald. He’s recorded 11 sacks twice in a season. It’s so hard for defenses to match the stretch and quick-twitch reflexes of the Rams lineman. He’s only a little over 6 feet, but that makes him not unlike a bowling ball of destruction.

Todd Gurley is bigger than a lot of running backs, making him physically imposing. On top of that, he has plenty of speed, not to mention prodigious talent. He can run through you or run past you, and he’s also great in the passing game. Gurley is such a weapon that he gives opposing defenses nightmares, especially defensive backs trying to tackle him in the open field.

Just Rob Gronkowski’s mighty spike is possibly intimidating. Gronk has used his size to box out many a defender over the years, but he’s got a physical streak to his game as well. When he’s blocking, he seems to relish in throwing his opponents around, and he often does. Gronk’s body has betrayed him at times, but when he’s healthy, he’s as intimidating a tight end as has ever played.

Thomas Davis seems like a nice guy off the field. He won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award once. On the field, he’s as imposing of a 4-3 linebacker as you will find, even this late into his career. He’s built like a bowling ball, and he once played in the Super Bowl two weeks after breaking his arm.

Two words: Beast mode. There are a litany of defenders out there who surely have nightmares about getting trucked by Lynch. You are also probably intimidated by the current Raider if you are a Skittle, because you’re going down if you’re in his presence.

Mike Evans has rare size for a wide receiver, as he stands over 6-foot-five and weighs over 230 pounds. Despite that, he ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. When you’re that big, you can body out wide receivers with ease and deliver punishing stiff arms with gusto — that is, if your defender is able to keep up with your speed.

When you have been arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL for several seasons, you are going to make offensive linemen and quarterbacks worry. He once recorded 18.5 sacks in a year, and he’s been All-Pro six times. Miller has a knack for getting to the quarterback, and that’s when things get scary for signal-callers.

Hunt has always been physically imposing. He stands 6-foot-8 and is strong as all get out, but he also has decent speed and can jump like a cornerback. However, for a lot of his NFL career, he mostly just intimidated kickers given his propensity to get a hand on kicks and punts. Now, though, he’s finally coming into his own, and he’s more than just scary looking.

The Florida State product was a beast in college, able to impact the game in so many ways. He’s brought that ability to the pros as a rookie for the Chargers as well. Though he’s technically a safety, he’s been lined up all over the field and actually has three sacks to go with his one interception. When James is on the opposing defense, you have to be sure to keep an eye on him.

Saquon Barkley was the most intimidating player in college football last year, and now he’s having a similar impact in the pros. He’s incredibly muscular, particularly in his notable quads that have gotten some to call him “Saquads Barkley.” Tackling Barkley is tough, but it can be hard to even catch him in the open field.

Despite being 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds at the Combine, Julio Jones ran a 4.39 in the 40. He’s a mismatch against almost any cornerback. He can overpower you, body you out with his size or just straight up run past you. He’s been one of the top receivers in the league pretty much since he was a rookie, and he once caught 136 passes in a season.

In terms of pure physical intimidation, Calais Campbell may take the cake. All you have to know is that he’s a staggering 6-foot-8. Imagine lining up against him as an offensive lineman. He took his game to a new level last year, notching 14.5 sacks in his first season with the Jaguars. Somehow, he’s gotten even scarier.

Taylor Lewan is 6-foot-7, 309 pounds and covered in tattoos. He’s got a real nasty streak at offensive tackle as well. Lewan likes to mix it up and toss people around when he gets the chance. It works, though, as he’s made two Pro Bowls already.

When Lane Johnson first went to college, he was a quarterback and a tight end. He also did time at defensive end at Oklahoma. Then the Sooners made him an offensive tackle as a junior, and the rest was history. For a guy who is 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, he’s incredibly athletic. Johnson was All-Pro last season — and probably not for the last time.

Ndamukong Suh was the quintessential “man against boys” in college, but he didn’t exactly slow down in the NFL. He’s been a beast at defensive tackle, and we all know that he has a nasty streak. Oftentimes, it has gone over the line, and Suh has been penalized on several occasions for being overly aggressive. However, that just plays into his intimidating aura.

It’s easy to overlook Marshal Yanda, as he plays offensive guard. However, anybody who has gone up against him certainly won’t. He’s made six Pro Bowls, and he’s known for keeping defensive linemen in check with his combination of strength and skill.

You remember “The Hit,” right? When Jadeveon Clowney completely destroyed Vincent Smith of the Michigan Wolverines? Clowney’s mix of size, strength and speed made him the first-overall pick in the 2014 draft. Quenton Nelson of the Colts was a prospect so vaunted that he was drafted sixth overall as a guard. When Clowney faced him, he tossed Nelson aside like he was made of paper.

A lot of quarterbacks who have made an impact running the ball have ended up slowing down. That hasn’t been the case for Newton. The difference is that Newton is 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. He’s built like a linebacker, but he plays quarterback. Good luck stopping him in short-yardage situations.