King Arthur Movie Tristan

10. Brian Dawkins- He might go down as the greatest safety of all time, and even though Dawkins is 37, he still makes the list. Dawkins was drafted by the Eagles in 1996 and has been to eight Pro Bowls and has been an six time All-Pro selection. During his tenure with both Philly and Denver, Dawkins has recorded 1,041 tackles, 22 sacks, and 37 interceptions. Dawkins is one of the most passionate players in the NFL and I can't wait for his Hall of Fame speech.

9. Eric Berry- The safety position has been infused with talent and Berry is no exception. In just one season with the Chiefs, Berry has racked up 92 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions. Berry also went to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first KC rookie to go since Derrick Thomas. His contributions helped the Chiefs defense go from 29th best in 2009 to 11th last season. More importantly, Berry helped the Chiefs get their first division title since 2003.  

8. Earl Thomas- Another safety from the 2010 draft class makes the list and this guy is a ball hawk. Thomas was selected 14th overall and in his rookie season he had 76 tackles and five interceptions. Probably Thomas' biggest highlight from his rookie season came against the Chargers in Week 3 when he intercepted Phillip Rivers twice to help give the Seahawks a 27-20 victory.

7. Michael Huff- Teaming up with Nndami Asomugha, Huff has Raiders fans reminiscing about the old 1970's Raiders defenses. In his five year career with the Raiders, Huff has 344 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and seven interceptions. Last season was undoubtedly his best year as a member as the silver & black as he posted career highs in nearly every defensive category on his way to being a second team All-Pro selection. Much like Asomugha, the Raiders must re-sign Huff if they want to keep their defense alive.

6. O.J. Atogwe- The newly signed Redskin made his name with the Rams. Atogwe was drafted in the third round of the 2005 draft and has since put up big numbers with 390 tackles, five sacks, and 22 interceptions. Despite not making the Pro Bowl, Atogwe was the recipient of the 2008 Rams MVP award and continues to be one of the most under rated players in the NFL.

5. Nick Collins- Alongside Charles Woodson, Collins helped make the Packers defense one of the most feared in the league. In the 2005 draft, after Green Bay picked Aaron Rodgers, they selected Collins and he has since racked up 407 tackles and 21 interceptions. Collins has also been to three Pro Bowls and has been a three time All-Pro selection. In 2010, Collins became a hero among Packers fans when he intercepted Ben Roethilsberger and returned it for a 37 yard touchdowns in Super Bowl XLV.

4. Adrian Wilson- Due to the departure of Pro Bowlers Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle, the Cardinals defense has lost its edge. Thankfully, Wilson gives Arizona all the edge they need. In ten seasons with the Cardinals, Wilson has 774 tackles, 22.5 sacks, and 25 interceptions. Wilson has also been to four Pro Bowls and has been a time first team All-Pro. In 2005, Wilson set a NFL record for defensive backs with eight sacks in a season.

3. Jairus Byrd- Despite being the youngest player in the top five, Byrd has busted out on the scene to become one of the top safeties in the NFL. Byrd has had a great start to his career with 128 tackles and ten interceptions. In his rookie season, Byrd was a argument for defensive rookie of the year when he set the franchise record with most consecutive games with a interception at five. Even though last season was plagued with injuries, Byrd will become one of the best safeties in NFL history.

2. Ed Reed- If not for Ronnie Lott, Reed would be the best safety in NFL history. The reason he is not the top safety of 2011, the miles Reed has put on have translated to injuries. These injuries have not gotten in the way of Reed putting up big numbers; 495 tackles, five sacks, and 54 interceptions. Reed has also been to seven Pro Bowls and has been a five time first team All-Pro selection. Since the NFL merger, Lott and Paul Krause are the only other players with more game with at least two interceptions. He is a great safety for the 2011 season, but not better then our next guy.

1. Troy Polamalu- Like the debate between who is the best QB, the debate about who is the best safety comes down to two players. In 2011, Polamalu is the best safety and by the end of his career he will be better then Reed. In his eight year career, Polamalu has 515 tackles, eight sacks, and 27 interceptions. Forget about the sacks, it is what Polamalu means to the Steelers that makes him the best safety in the NFL. A year after winning Super Bowl XLIII, Polamalu was injured and the Steelers defense wasn't the same without him. That is what makes a great player, when a team hurts when you are not on the field.

Who did I miss? Tell me in the comment section below.