Fansided

10 NFL players who would dominate in any era

By Russell S. Baxter

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images) /
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Hall of Fame cornerback Ronnie Lott (42) of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football after intercepting a pass during the 49ers 21-10 victory over the New York Giants in the 1984 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on December 29, 1984 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Rob Brown/Getty Images)
Hall of Fame cornerback Ronnie Lott (42) of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football after intercepting a pass during the 49ers 21-10 victory over the New York Giants in the 1984 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on December 29, 1984 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Rob Brown/Getty Images) /

5. DB Ronnie Lott

Some might forget that the future Hall of Famer actually began his career as a cornerback. In 1981, Bill Walsh of the San Francisco 49ers use the eighth overall pick in the draft to grab USC defensive back Ronnie Lott.

Lott would be part of an overhauled secondary that also included second-round cornerback Eric Wright and third-round safety Carlton Williamson. The team went from six wins in 1980 to 13-3 and a win in Super Bowl XVI. Those additions launched a dynasty and Lott and Wright were part of four NFL title teams.

Of course, Lott made a name for himself due to his incredible physical play. He would eventually transition to safety and in a total of 14 NFL seasons with the Niners, Raiders and Jets, the 10-time Pro Bowler picked off 63 passes and recovered 17 opponent’s fumbles. That nose for the football extended into the postseason as the hard-hitting defenders finished with nine interceptions and two more fumble recoveries.

Yes, Lott’s style may be frowned upon by some. But he was also a reliable tackler and that penchant for takeaways isn’t something you can easily teach. He would be a difference maker in a variety of ways and regardless of the era.

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