[Bryan88]

If Darren Sharper gets 6 interceptions this year (very likely for him), then he would move into the top 10 all-time in interceptions. He is 18 short of tying a former Viking (and Hawkeye) great for the all-time lead with 81. So my question is, where would you rank Sharper on the all-time list at safety? Or do you even think he should even be considered amongst the greats?


Condition, desire have Sharper passing greats

Preparing for his 12th season in the NFL and fourth with the Vikings, Sharper looks the same as he ever was, and what fans might forget about him after two average statistical seasons is that he is one of the most accomplished players of his generation.

Sharper has 53 career interceptions, placing him first among active players and tied for 21st all-time, with Deion Sanders. If Sharper snags six interceptions this year -- and that would be a median expectation with Jared Allen expected to cause many a fluttering pass -- he will pass more of the greatest names in NFL history.

Six interceptions would move him past Darrell Green, Willie Brown, Eric Allen, Aeneas Williams, Pat Fischer, Lem Barney, Everson Walls, Johnny Robinson, Eugene Robinson, Bobby Boyd, Mel Blount and Emmitt Thomas into ninth on the career list. Another six interceptions in 2009 -- and Sharper has no intention of 2008 representing a farewell tour -- would move Sharper past Dick LeBeau, Dave Brown and Ronnie Lott and into a fifth-place tie with Ken Riley.