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6. Sarpedon: The strongest warrior of the Lycians and the son of Zeus. He, along with Glaucus, headed an assault on the Greek wall, and they were only held back by Ajax the Greater. Though he was destined to die, he didn't do so before slaying some Greeks.
5. Patroclus: Patroclus was probably the biggest tide shifter in the entire war, both in action and in death. He only fights in book 16, but it was a time of dire need for the Greeks. He kills Sarpedon, but soon becomes overconfident. Apollo knocks off his armor when he is ultimately killed. Hector.
5. Diomedes: This guy is hardcore. In book 5, Diomedes goes on an absolute rampage killing Pandarus, basically killing Aeneas, and injuring two gods. That same night, he goes on a stealth mission with Odysseus killing Dolon. Later, as the Trojans push forward on the Greeks, he holds the line allowing for the Greeks to retreat.
3. Hector: Hector is the best Trojan in the war, so he's obviously pretty strong. Troy had been besieged for ten years; without Hector it would have fallen much earlier. He kills Patroclus, albeit with major help from Apollo. His leadership was one of the only things spurring on the Trojans, and when he died, all hope was lost.
2. Ajax the Greater: Although he doesn't do much, Homer claims he is the greatest Greek other than Achilles. Further, he dueled with Hector twice; the first was a tie, and would have won the second had Apollo not interviened. He unfortunately met an end at his own hands.
1. Achilles: It's Achilles. He's the best. Period. Although he sits in his tent for the majority of the Illiad, the moment he steps on the battlefield everything changes. He kills not only Hector (the strongest Trojan) but also countless others. Achilles only died because of Apollo's help.