Ranking the 15 greatest Commanders players ever, from Sean Taylor to Darrell Green

The Washington Commanders, named so in 2022, have been around for a near-century in the NFL, playing their first season in 1932. They started as the Boston Braves and soon after moved to the nation's capital with a different nickname for 73 years. 

Along the way, they have won plenty of games, adding up to multiple championship before the merger and during the Super Bowl era. They have add many star contributors help make them one of the league's proudest franchises.

The Sporting News ranks the 15 best players in Commanders history, from one great defensive back whose career was tragically cut short to a top cornerback who played more games for Washington than anyone else:

Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player's strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.

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15. Sean Taylor (2004-2007)

Accolades: 4 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN's list: Sean Taylor was dubbed as a can't-miss top playmaking NFL safety when taken No. 5 overall from reigning national champion Miami in the 2004 draft. He had an awesome style of play, from his hard hitting to his smooth ball-hawking coverage. Taylor seemed to be everywhere on the back of Washington's defense, hinting what should have been an all-time special Hall of Fame career.

Place in Commanders history: Sadly, Taylor was unable to give his team and family more than four seasons as he was shot and killed by a home intruder. The great promise he had shown before his passing at 24 hasn't been forgotten with his No. 21 now retired by the team.

MORE: Best Pro Bowl moments, from Sean Taylor hit on punter to Peyton Manning 'idiot kicker' interview

14. Charles Mann (1983-1993)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Charles Mann, a third-rounder from Nevada in 1983, was an integral part of the defensive as a durable and consistent left end. He had four double-digit sack seasons on his way to 78 in his career. At 6-foot-6, 268 pounds, he also was a stout imposing presence vs. the run, working well off fellow disruptive end Dexter Manley.

Place in Commanders history: Mann is revered for his stately presence on Joe Gibbs' Super Bowl dynasty defenses. He also is respected for his leadership on the field and his class off the field.

MORE: Revisiting Washington's last Super Bowl win in 1991

13. Joe Theismann (1974-1985)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Man of the Year, Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Joe Theismann went from third-round pick of the Dolphins to starting his stellar career with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts. Washington saw he could be a top-flight veteran quarterback in the NFL after his initial work as a punt returner. Theismann was a tough, strong downfield thrower playing well off his blocking and running game, also lifting a receiving corps led by Hall of Famer Art Monk. He came through in the clutch plenty, raising his play to win Super Bowl 17 and league MVP the following season in 1983.

Place in Commanders history: Theismann's career was cut short in 1985 by the painful broken-leg injury he suffered after being sacked by Lawrence Taylor in a Monday night game against the NFC East rival New York Giants. Before then, however, he had established himself as their first ace modern QB, helping to kick off their run of three Super Bowls. He remains the team's all-time leader with his 25,206 passing yards.

MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Giants players of all time

12. Joe Jacoby (1981-1993)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: An undrafted steal from Louisville, Joe Jacoby ended up being a rock of left tackle for Washington's Super Bowl dynasty, dominating outside for "The Hogs" to boost one of the league's most dangerous balanced offenses for more than a decade. Jacoby isn't in the Hall of Fame, but he has a strong case to join fellow Hog leader Russ Grimm.

Place in Commanders history: Washington doesn't have those rings without Jacoby bridging the gap to help a variety of quarterbacks and running backs succeed with his protection and blocking. He goes down so far as the second-best lineman for his Washington tenure.

MORE: Joe Jacoby on how he hopes NFL career lands him in the Hall of Fame

11. Turk Edwards (1932-1940)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL All-Star, 1-time NFL champion

Why he made SN's list: Turk Edwards was the first notable superstar for the franchise, starting his career in Boston and moving to Washington. The Hall of Fame offensive tackle was a nasty blocker in his era with his 6-foot-2, 255-pound frame. 

Place in Commanders history: Edwards was instrumental in Washington's first NFL championship in 1937. He also continued to contribute well to the team as an assistant head coach.

MORE: Most Super Bowl wins in history by player

10. Bobby Mitchell (1962-1968)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL receiving yards leader, 1-time NFL receptions leader, 1-time NFL receiving TDs co-leader

Why he made SN's list: Bobby Mitchell was a versatile weapon, starting his career as a halfback with the Browns before exploding as a Hall of Fame wide receiver playing flanker, first as the go-to guy for Norm Snead and then Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen. Mitchell could take over games as a big-time downfield and open-field threat.

Place in Commanders history: Despite his short time with Washington, Michell ranks fifth for the franchise with his 6,942 receiving yards and sixth with his 49 receiving TDs. He later served the team as director of scouting and assistant, earning three rings while helping Joe Gibbs build a Super Bowl dynasty.

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9. Sonny Jurgensen (1964-1974)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time NFL passing yards leader, 1-time NFL passer rating leader, 1-time NFL completion percentage leader.

Why he made SN's list: Sonny Jurgensen had starred at quarterback for the NFC East rival Eagles until he was acquired in a rare intra-division trade to replace Norm Snead. Jurgensen picked up where he left off as the era's premier efficient downfield passer. He threw to Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell often and was coached to late-career greatness under Vince Lombardi. He played into his 40s as a league leader, fending off competition from Billy Kilmer on his own team.

Place in Commanders history: Jurgensen was groundbreaking with his pocket passing, transforming "dead ball' into more of the big-play less-run heavy offense that is standard in the NFL today. Even though he didn't reach the championship success had in Philadelphia, Jurgensen left a bigger Hall of Fame stamp in Washington. He is second in franchise passing yards (22,585) to only Joe Theismann and second in passing TDs (179) to only Sammy Baugh.

MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Eagles players of all time

8. Charley Taylor (1964-1975, 1977)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL receptions leader, NFL Rookie of the Year

Why he made SN's list: Charley Taylor was one of the NFL's first hybrid running back and receiver superstars, tied to the league's gradual passing boom in the 1960s and '70s. He made a successful full-time transition to a Hall of Fame wide receiver after playing halfback and left end early in his career. He was a critical target for both Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer.

Place in Commanders history: Taylor is one of the best pure athletes to suit up for Washington with his explosive play in both skill capacities. He is second only to Art Monk, whom he position coached in the 1980s, with his 9,110 receiving yards for Washington. He also is second in catches to Monk (649) and first in receiving TDs (79). He later won three Super Bowls as a key member of Joe Gibbs' offensive staff.

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7. Ken Houston (1973-1980)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Washington made a blockbuster trade for Ken Houston with the the former AFC Houston team, sending five players to the Oilers for the player Houston's services. From wire to wire, he didn't disappoint as a Hall of Fame safety acquired in his prime playmaking days. Playing the strong position, he was a sturdy tackler on top of delivering 24 interceptions with his savvy baiting coverage.

Place in Commanders history: Houston is a rare Hall of Famer who had equal defensive impact on two franchises. He created a legacy of great secondary play that carried into the 1980s.

MORE: Ranking the best QBs taken with picks 1-32, from Peyton Manning to Lamar Jackson

6. Art Monk (1980-1993)

Accolades: 14 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL receptions leader, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Art Monk lived up to lofty expectations as the No. 13 overall first-round pick from Syracuse in 1980. He turned to a prolific reliable route-runner and go-to guy for multiple QBs and served as a key member of both "The Fun Bunch" pass-catching group and "The Posse" of wide receivers with Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders. He was the signature Hall of Fame playmaker of Washington's Super Bowl dynasty.

Place in Commanders history: Monk is the Commanders' all-time leader in receptions (888) and receiving yards (12,026), and he is well ahead to maintain those key franchise records for a while.

MORE: Complete list of Super Bowl MVP winners through the years

5. Chris Hanburger (1965-1978)

Accolades: 14 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Chris Hanburger was an 18th-round steal out of North Carolina in the 1965 draft, dominating as a Hall of Fame outside linebacker. Known grimly as "The Hangman" for his ability to rip into his tackling of ball-carriers, Hanburger's smarts were even greater than his gritty toughness. He was the clear leader of Washington's defense with his play-calling and adjusting acumen, for which the Army veteran was also called "The General." For his era, he was a cover linebacker ahead of his time.

Place in Commanders history: Hanburger, with his 19 career interceptions and 45.5 sacks (unofficial), stands out as prolific ironman, with only a championship denying him. He is the clear second-best defensive player who ever played for Washington.

MORE: A look back at the oldest players ever selected in the NFL Draft 

4. Russ Grimm (1981-1991)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Russ Grimm, a Hall of Fame left guard was the inside leader of the famed "Hogs", founding that dominant version of Washington's offensive line with tackles Joe Jacoby and George Starke, center Jeff Bostic and right guard Mark May. Grimm was known for his grit and athleticism he brought to his relentless, grinding run blocking. He was a complete lineman who could win most assignments with his 6-3, 275-pound frame.

Place in Commanders history: Grimm is the one member of the "Hogs" in the Hall of Fame and one day might see Jacoby join him. He was one of Joe Gibbs' most essential veterans during Washington's Super Bowl dynasty.

MORE: 16 NFL stars you didn't know were also drafted by MLB teams 

3. John Riggins (1976-1979, 1981-1985)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL rushing TDs leader, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, 1-time Super Bowl MVP, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: John Riggins started his Hall-of-Fame career as a star first-round fullback for the Jets, taken No. 6 overall out of Kansas (also his home state) in the 1971 draft. But he became a household name when he decided to sign a big free agent contract with Washington, who soon realized he could carry the load again as a workhorse running back. "Riggo", once finding his groove, was a smashing scorer, with power epitomizing the mentality of pounding "Hogs" offensive line.

Place in Commanders history: Riggs had a big heart for Washington, but he also had big stats. He remains the all-time franchise leader in rushing attempts (1,988), rushing yards (7,472) and rushing TDs (79), well ahead of No. 2 Clinton Portis.

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2. Sammy Baugh (1937-1952)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 8-time NFL completion percentage leader, 4-time NFL passing yards leader, 3-time NFL passer rating leader, 2-time NFL passing TDs leader, 1-time NFL interceptions leader, 1-time NFL punting yards leader, 2-time NFL champion,

Why he made SN's list: "Slinging' Sammy" was known most for being a Hall of Fame passer ahead of his time, but when not playing quarterback, he also was great at safety and punter. Taken No. 6 overall in the 1937 draft after his groundbreaking play at TCU, was one of the most exceptional all-around athletes of his era. He threw downfield from the pocket with incredible efficiency considering his big-play arm. He also had a defensive season with 11 interceptions. Baugh put the early Washington teams on the map with his superstar status.

Place in Commanders history: Baugh, despite retiring in the early 1950s, remains first in franchise history with his 187 career passing TDs and third with 21,886 passing yards, behind only Joe Theismann and Sonny Jurgensen. His passing and championship impact continues to be felt by the team and the entire league.

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1. Darrell Green (1983-2002)

Accolades: 20 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Man of the Year, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Drafted in the first round (No. 28 overall) out of tiny Texas A&I in the 1983 draft, fresh off the team winning a Super Bowl, Darrell Green would end up playing two decades as a star Hall of Fame cornerback. Known for his college track-star speed as the fastest man in the NFL well into his prime, he could stay with any receiver downfield in coverage. Despite being only 5-foot-9, 184 pounds, Green also could play bigger than his size with his hands, technique and athleticism. He was beloved for how much fun he had playing the game at a high shutdown level.

Place in Commanders history: Green holds nine hard-to-break NFL records for his unparalleled longevity, including playing more games than any defensive player (295) in regular-season history. He made a record 258 starts for Washington with a franchise-best 54 interceptions, six of which he returned for TDs.

MORE: TSN Archives — Darrell Green, Washington cornerstone (Oct. 27, 1997)