Forces in the Trenches: Ranking the Best Defensive Tackles in the NFL Today
The defensive tackle position is one of the most undervalued spots on any NFL roster. They often do not rack up crazy stats or play with the flash that edge rushers do, but their job is not to put up insane numbers or dazzle with crazy moves. Instead, they silently force runners outside and disrupt from the middle. A key stat to look at for defensive tackles is pressures and tackles for loss. Here are the top interior defensive linemen in the league, and why they rank where they do.
1. Dexter Lawrence II, Giants
Ever since entering the league in 2019, Dexter Lawrence II has not only been one of the best linemen in the NFL but also one of the best players across the league. The way he moves at 340+ pounds is simply unfair. He offers a rare combination of power and speed, something so undervalued at the defensive tackle position. The former first-round pick can take on multiple blockers at once, clogging lanes and making it difficult for runners to find a path, but he is also an extremely productive pass-rusher. He had 10 sacks in 2024, as well as 36 generated pressures. The Giants' defensive line is spectacular, and it all starts with the man in the middle. Another feature of Lawrence’s game that is severely undervalued is how much he helps his teammates who are also getting after the quarterback. His size allows the Giants’ outside rushers to be left one-on-one against opposing offensive tackles, ultimately resulting in tackles for loss and sacks. He is a selfless, low-maintenance guy who executes his job to absolute perfection; that is why he lands at number one on this list.
2. Jalen Carter, Eagles
Jalen Carter has been as advertised ever since he was selected ninth in the 2023 NFL Draft. His prowess as a run-stopper legitimately forces teams to run away from him, where the rest of this extraordinary Eagles defense is waiting for the running back. With that being said, the ex-Georgia Bulldog makes his money rushing the passer. He always has a counter-move ready, and his ability to straight-up plow through opposing guards is incredibly impressive. He plays with a violent attitude, and it adds to his game. Carter will do whatever is necessary for him to get to the ball, whether it is powering through the line or chasing down a running back from behind with his above-average speed at his position. He is just 24 years old, too, so it is fair to say he is only going to get better. Watch out for a monster season for this Eagle, because he has all the tools and the mentality to become the league’s best interior defender.
3. Jeffery Simmons, Titans
This might seem a little high for the Titans’ franchise cornerstone, but his highlight reel is quite simply unbelievable. Jeffery Simmons might be the strongest player in the NFL, and when he is on the field, it is obvious to see how much stronger he is than, well, everyone else. He is a pure power rusher, as the ex-Mississippi State standout can seemingly get into the backfield whenever he wants. He disengages with blockers very fast, but it is more common for him to just plow right through them. Simmons almost made the list of the most underrated players in the league due to how overlooked he is. He is also insanely consistent, earning second-team All-Pro honors twice in his career and boasting a 75.0 or higher overall grade in all of his NFL seasons, per PFF.
4. Chris Jones, Chiefs
Chris Jones’ reign as the league’s best interior defender has ended, but he is still an unstoppable force on the inside of KC’s line, so he lands in the top five after all. Jones has seen his run defense take a dip, which happens with age, but his skill as a pass-rusher from the middle is still top-notch. He is a leader, captain, and stat-sheet superstar for the Chiefs’ defense. Jones is also one of the most consistent players in the NFL, as he has been mentioned as a top defender across the NFL for what seems like his whole career. Jones has been a huge part of every Kansas City playoff run, and it is obvious that he takes his game to a whole new level when playoff time rolls around.
5. Leonard Williams, Seahawks
Leonard Williams has seen some bad seasons, but ever since he arrived in Seattle, he has been arguably the best pass-rusher from the interior of the line in the entire NFL. He moves extremely well for his size and uses his twitch to his advantage. He turns corners quicker than anyone in the league, especially at his size, and he also sheds blockers with ease. Opposing teams need to double-team him; there is no way he loses a one-on-one blocking battle. The Seahawks have unlocked his true potential, and as long as he is on this Seattle line, he is going to remain a top interior force in the NFL.
6. Cam Heyward, Steelers
Cam Heyward just does not seem to age. The fact that teams still choose to run away from him proves his prowess as an interior force, and he has been doing it for a long time. The 35-year-old is a monster in the run game, blowing up runs in the backfield left and right. He also has super strong hands that help him beat blockers when they are in pass protection. Heyward is also an extremely effective pass-rusher, boasting the third-highest pass-rush grade in the NFL in 2024, per PFF.
7. Derrick Brown, Panthers
Derrick Brown saw his 2024 season cut extremely short due to a Week One injury, but when he is on the field, the ex-Auburn Tiger is one of the most disruptive players in the league. Just like Simmons, Brown’s play strength is off the charts. He can move anyone at will and makes his money stopping the run. A common theme among the top interior defenders is how well they move at their size, and the case is no different with Brown. He is the anchor of this Carolina defense, and they missed him last year. In 2023, he led the league in tackles for a defensive lineman, further proving his exceptional run-stopping abilities.
8. Nnamdi Madubuike, Ravens
Nnamdi Madubuike is used all over the field in Baltimore, and that is a big reason why he lands in the top ten here on this list. He can stop the run and rush the passer, which might be the reason that the Ravens use him off the edge, in the middle, and even in obvious pass situations. Madubuike is a coverage-sack merchant, as he contains the quarterback at an extremely high level. He does not allow passers to leave the pocket. It is remarkable what he can do while in pursuit of a ball-carrier. He is also only 26 years old, so he has a lot of good years left in him, which will all be spent in Baltimore because he signed a monster extension last offseason.
9. Milton Williams, Patriots
Milton Williams played his best in a contract year, and it is fair to say he was rewarded in a big way. The Patriots gave him a mega-deal that included $63 million guaranteed. He is one of the premier pass-rushers from the interior, earning a 90.4 pass-rush grade, ranking second in the entire NFL, per PFF. He struggles in the run game, but the way he was used in Philly was perfect because he was not on the field for most run plays. If New England can utilize him correctly, Williams is only going to get better.
10. Quinnen Williams, Jets
This is quite a dip for Quinnen Williams, but he just was not himself in 2024. He looked slower off the line and did not create as much havoc on inside run plays. With that being said, if Williams can dig back into his not-so-old bag of tricks, he will end up higher on this list next year. He has a really heavy chip on his shoulder this year, and I expect him to rebound from a down year in 2024. He is the heart and soul of this Jets line, so his resurgence would be beneficial not only for him but the whole team. At his best, he is an easy top-five DT in the league.
