There were no great rock drummers before Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, and Keith Moon. Everyone, talented though they may be, who came after built on what they created. "If I have seen further than others it is because I stood on the shoulders of Giants." And they learned their craft listening to Art Blakey, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich, but that trio weren't rock drummers.
Best Rock Drummers
I've seen most of them and by far the two that stand out are Neil Peart of Rush and Ceasar Z. of Golden Earring. For non-rock I would say it's a no brainer with Buddy Rich.