Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller notched the 50th sack of his NFL career on Thursday night, making him the third-fastest to 50 sacks in NFL history.
The only players who have reached 50 sacks faster than Miller were Reggie White (who incredibly notched his 50th sack in his 40th game) and Derrick Thomas (whose 50th sack came in his 54th game).
Although Miller is the third-fastest to 50 sacks in terms of games played to get there, he’s actually not the first member of the 2011 NFL draft class to reach 50 sacks. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who was chosen nine spots after Miller in the 2011 first round, already has 59 career sacks. The difference is that Watt is at 65 career games because he has never missed a game in his NFL career, while Miller has missed eight games.
Another member of the 2011 draft class, Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, is closing in on 50 sacks: Quinn has 47 sacks in 64 career games. The 2011 first round was a good time to find a good pass rusher.