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Most intimidating NFL players in 2017
Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs is still intimidating opposing offenses in his mid-30s. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Most intimidating NFL players in 2017

There are plenty of intimidating players in the NFL, but there are some who particularly stand out. Whether we're talking hard hitters, massive linemen, physical tight ends or bruising backs, intimidation takes plenty of forms. It also helps if a player looks the part, sporting a visor or intimidating face mask or something of the like.

So who are the most intimidating players in the NFL today? Here are our top 20 going into the 2017 season.

 
1 of 20

Michael Bennett, DE, Seahawks

Michael Bennett, DE, Seahawks
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

A two-time Pro Bowler, Bennett is a load at defensive end in Seattle. He's excellent both as a pass rusher (39.5 sacks since 2012) and stopping the run.

 
2 of 20

Eric Berry, S, Chiefs

Eric Berry, S, Chiefs
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images

The remarkable leader of the Chiefs defense, Berry overcame cancer to be an All-Pro in 2015 and repeated the feat in 2016. He's a big hitter in the back of the K.C. secondary and also had four interceptions and two touchdowns last year.

 
3 of 20

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Bengals

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Bengals
Aaron Doster / USA Today Sports Images

Burfict's series of suspensions for illegal hits speaks for itself. He's routinely been called a dirty player, and he's also one of the best players on Cincinnati's defense.

 
4 of 20

Kam Chancellor, S, Seahawks

Kam Chancellor, S, Seahawks
William Hauser / USA Today Sports Images

The big hitter in the secondary for the Legion of Boom, Chancellor has made four Pro Bowls. Listed at 6-3, 232 pounds, he's bigger than most wide receivers and can make devastating hits.

 
5 of 20

Brian Cushing, ILB, Texans

Brian Cushing, ILB, Texans
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images

Cushing isn't nearly as effective as he was early in his career, but he's still an intimidating run stopper who can fly around the field at inside linebacker.

 
6 of 20

Aaron Donald, DT, Rams

Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Arguably the best interior defensive lineman in football, Donald already has 28 sacks in three NFL seasons. He's been an All-Pro in two straight seasons and has been known to play after the whistle.

 
7 of 20

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports Images

There have been few athletes in the history of the game like Gronk. Standing at 6-6, 265 pounds, Gronkowski also has great speed and makes defensive backs fear tackling him in the open field.

 
8 of 20

James Harrison, OLB, Steelers

James Harrison, OLB, Steelers
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images

Still standing strong at age 39, Harrison's glare is universally feared in the league. He remains an effective pass rusher, finishing with five sacks last season.

 
9 of 20

Richie Incognito, OG, Bills

Richie Incognito, OG, Bills
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images

Incognito became a household name when he was accused of bullying former Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin and was suspended. On the field, he's one of the stoutest offensive linemen in football and has been called for his share of personal fouls.

 
10 of 20

Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers

Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

Arguably the best inside linebacker in football, Kuechly has made four straight Pro Bowls and been named an All-Pro three times. He peaked with 171 tackles in 2014.

 
11 of 20

Kyle Long, OT, Bears

Kyle Long, OT, Bears
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The fiery brother of defensive end Chris Long, Kyle isn't afraid to draw a personal foul on the field. He was also kicked out of practice in training camp for fighting.

 
12 of 20

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Raiders

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Raiders
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The bruising Lynch doesn't shy away from contact. He came out of retirement to play one more year for his hometown team, the Raiders.

 
13 of 20

Khalil Mack, OLB, Raiders

Khalil Mack, OLB, Raiders
Cary Edmondson / USA Today Sports Images

Mack has established himself as one of the elite pass rushers in the game over his three seasons. He has 26 sacks total over the last two years.

 
14 of 20

Von Miller, OLB, Broncos

Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports Images

The MVP of Super Bowl 50, Miller is a dominating force on the Broncos defense. He's had double-digit sacks in five of his six NFL seasons.

 
15 of 20

Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens

Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens
Derik Hamilton / USA Today Sports Images

Nearing the end of his career, Suggs is still as intimidating as ever. The elite pass rusher returned from injury to record eight sacks last season at age 34.

 
16 of 20

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Dolphins

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Dolphins
Orlando Jorge Ramirez / USA Today Sports Images

Often called the dirtiest player in the NFL, Suh and commissioner Roger Goodell know each other on a first-name basis. To Suh's credit, he has made five Pro Bowls during his career.

 
17 of 20

Aqib Talib, CB, Broncos

Aqib Talib, CB, Broncos
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports Images

One of the top cover corners in football during his time in the league, Talib is also willing to make a dirty play or two. A Pro Bowler in four straight seasons, he isn't exactly well-liked around the league.

 
18 of 20

Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks

Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

Alongside teammate Kam Chancellor, Thomas is known for heavy hits in the Seahawks secondary. He's also a turnover machine with 23 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles over his seven seasons.

 
19 of 20

Cameron Wake, OLB, Dolphins

Cameron Wake, OLB, Dolphins
Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports Images

Wake is still playing at a high level in his mid-30s as one of the best pass rushers in the league. He had 11.5 sacks for the Dolphins last season.

 
20 of 20

J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

J.J. Watt, DE, Texans
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images

Watt can do it all on the defensive line, though he's struggled with injuries over the last two years. He has led the NFL in sacks twice and has two 20.5-sack seasons under his belt, while also routinely knocking down passes at the line.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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