Defensive tackles are difficult to rank because they often do the “thankless job” along the defensive line and are underappreciated.
Today, nonetheless, I’ll try to throw light on the best defensive linemen of all time who worked for the Dolphins. Starting from Soliai Paul, the list below is the Miami Dolphins Greatest Defensive Tackles In History as at 2021
Soliai Paul
The fact that Soliai has spent so much time with the Dolphins has a lot to do with his inclusion on the list. It took him a few seasons to adjust to the NFL, but he spent 7 seasons with Miami as a defensive tackle before going on to Atlanta. He was born on December 30, 1983.
Zgonina Jeff
Despite the fact that he arrived in Miami in the setting sun of his career, Zgonina made an effect throughout his time there. During his four-year stint with the Dolphins, he racked up 10 sacks and created havoc on the defensive line. Jeff was born on May 24, 1970.
Klingbeil Chuck
The late Kligbeil Chuck was born on November 2, 1965, and died on June 19, 2018. He was a pass rusher who performed exactly what his name promised. Chuck “clung” to offensive linemen for five seasons, contributing to one of the league’s finest run defenses with 242 tackles.
Suh Ndamukong
Suh is just another great defensive tackle we can talk about. It is no doubt some people would want him to be on top of this list but the case is only his two seasons are considered. He could still climb through to the top though. Suh was born on January 6, 1987.
Sochia Brian
Born on July 21, 1961, Sochia was one of the best nose tackles in the game from 1987 through 1989, including a Pro Bowl selection in 1988.
Daryl Gardener
He ranks 6th on this list with 162 tackles and 15 sacks in six seasons as a starter with the Dolphins. He was born in 1973.
Starks Randy
The appraisal of Starks proved to be problematic. While he belongs on both the DE and DT lists, his numbers are exaggerated due to the fact that he played in both positions. In the end, it was found that Starks spent more of his time with the Dolphins as a defensive tackle, which led to his inclusion at number 5 on the list. Starks spent 7 seasons with the Dolphins and earned two Pro Bowl berths throughout that time, regardless of where you put him.
Bowens Tim
Bowens spent 11 seasons with the Dolphins, appearing in two Pro Bowls. He ended his career as the Dolphins’ unofficial leading tackler among defensive tackles (292). He was born on February 7, 1973.
Bob Baumhower
While official figures for Baumhower are difficult to come by (since sacks and tackles were not actually monitored prior to 1982), his 16 forced fumbles and five Pro Bowl appearances leave little doubt about his prowess throughout his 9-year Dolphins career. Bob was born on August 4, 1955.
Manny Fernandez
Fans of the Miami Dolphins know who the best defensive tackle/nose tackle in franchise history is. What’s unclear is how, despite three Super Bowl appearances in a row, Fernandez has received so little attention from the rest of the league (1971-73). Fernandez’s 9-year career with the Dolphins ended with ZERO Pro Bowl appearances and ZERO first-team All-Pro choices, yet any of his teammates (such as Nick Bouniconti) will tell you he was one of the best players they ever played with.
