Jordan, who the Saints drafted out of California during the 2011 NFL Draft, posted his sixth NFL season with at least double-digit sacks after finishing the 2021 NFL schedule with 12.5 total sacks. Thanks to hybrid defensive fronts and many players possessing the ability to move from the edge to the interior, the league has its most versatile group of defensive linemen in some time. Even without former No. A better run stopper than what he showed in 2021, Buckner is still among the best interior linemen in the game. The six-year NFL veteran and Minnesota Vikings stud defensive end, Danielle Hunter is well deserving of a spot as one of the Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends 2021-22 rankings. To preview the 2022 NFL season, we surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us stack the top 10 players at 11 Joey's not the same explosive pass rusher, but he's emerged as a durable player who can be just devastating playing the run. With more help arriving in the form of Khalil Mack not to mention Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson inside we might see a career year from Bosa in 2022. Clowney finished the 2021 NFL schedule ranked 20th in the NFL with nine sacks to go along with two forced fumbles and 8.5 stuffs behind the line of scrimmage. Corner Jaire Alexander, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, is a rock star -- and he's paid like it. He has made the Pro Bowl in all of his eight seasons, trailing only Taylor and Derrick Thomas for the most consecutive Pro Bowls to start a career. The strength of this unit comes from the inside, as the Commanders are the only team to have two interior defensive linemen with double-digit pressures this season. Buckner had a down year in 2021, yet is still one of the best interior linemen in the game. 2021 stats: 137 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, half-sack, 4 passes defended, forced fumble, 21. Aidan Let's take a look 1. Which game is featured at the top of NGS's unlikeliest victory rankings? Ranking the NFL's most indispensable defensive players for 2022 from 1-25, Bills look Super Bowl-serious at top; 49ers, Broncos, Eagles on the rise. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3-0');As NFL OTAs continue on and training camp is just around the corner, an opportunity to take a look at the top NFL defensive ends in 2022, as well as take a look back at the Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends 2021-22 rankings. He also had 58 pressures and five passes defensed in 14 games. Every snap, these mighty run stuffers must stymie the most athletic skill players, while demolishing any offensive linemen who stand in their way, which sounds easier than it is. This led to another First Team All-Pro selection. Vea is emerging into one of the top interior linemen in the league, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance as a result of his production. 2022 marked the start of a new era for the Jaguars in a lot of ways: new head coach, new No. Derwin James, S, Chargers (6-2, 215 pounds). Some might call it a football version of WAR. He's running it back to wreak havoc on the entire league again after a fifth consecutive double-digit sack season inside. Who was second in the NFL to T.J. Watt in sacks? Kancey is a polarizing prospect due to his size: at just 61, 281, Kancey is well below typical size thresholds for the NFL. Just missed cut: Haason Reddick (Eagles), Harold Landry III (Titans), Chandler Jones (Raiders), Matthew Judon (Patriots), Rashan Gary (Packers), Emmanuel Ogbah (Dolphins), J.J. Watt (Cardinals), Brian Burns (Panthers), Frank Clark (Chiefs), Khalil Mack (Chargers). Myles Garrett is the best Defensive End in the NFL right now going into the 2022-2023 NFL season. Players can see the top 10 defensive linemen in Madden 23 below and the rest of the ratings on EA's website. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon (Junior) Thibodeaux is that type of uber-athlete who pops from the first play on tape to the last. His 22 pressures trailed onlyAaron Donald(23) and his 16 hurries led all NFL defenders, a critical part in the Rams winning a championship. A catalyst toward the Bengals' defensive line finishing with 42 sacks, Hendrickson was fourth in the NFL in pressures and eighth in quarterback hits. New off-ball LB additions Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd have complemented the Jags' defensive line to form a formidable front seven. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings. His 217 pressures trail only Aaron Donald for the most in the NFL while his 37.5 sacks in that span are fourth in the league. He also excels at tackling and making big plays on the ball when teams decide to test him too much. Though some folks certainly enjoyed it more than others Adam Schein spotlights the winners and losers of Saturday and Sunday. The 2017 No. The pass rushers get the early love, but Ramsey had to make the top five because of elite shutdown coverage skills to clean up behind Donald. Scooping up linebacker Bobby Wagner after his release by the Seahawks was a stupendous move. Crosby, who joined the Oakland Raiders as a rookie in 2019, was a dominant force for the Las Vegas Raiders last season en route to a playoff appearance. Nick Bosa is as good as advertised and one of the best defensive ends in all of football. I agree to receive the "With The First Pick Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. The free agency frenzy is largely in the rearview, but we're hurtling toward the next major event in roster reconstruction. Here are the latest betting odds for the defensive NFL Rookie of the Year award, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook: Will Anderson, Jr. (+340) Jalen Carter (+600) No IDL has heated up opposing quarterbacks more often than Daron Payne this season (14 pressures), and Jonathan Allen also ranks within the top 10 at his position (11 pressures, tied for ninth). The Next Gen Stats analytics team provides a ranking of the top 10 players at the position in 2022, with some names that could surprise you. In his second full season with the Titans, Dupree should return to the form he showed during the 2019 NFL season. Howard is the last defensive back to make the cut because of stability over others' more flash-or-flameout play (see the Cowboys' Trevon Diggs) in coverage. Where does Jets rookie Sauce Gardner land? 2021 stats: 4 sacks, 33 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, 3 passes defended, forced fumble, 23. Donald has 98 sacks in his career, the most for a defensive tackle after his first eight seasons in NFL history (and fourth-most by any player). After digging through the 2021 season, we've found five young defensive players who are on the verge of stardom. The Titans defensive tackle was one of the best in the league last year, as Simmons finished with 58 pressures and 8.5 sacks with 16 quarterback hits. In addition, his play making abilities were on full display during the NFL playoffs where he recorded 4.5 sacks while leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship game. In short, the core is legit. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. But Year 3 the light went on, and now he's the lead pass rusher with support from Preston Smith opposite him minus Za'Darius Smith. Which defensive linemen are considered edge rushers and which are interior linemen? He tied T.J. Watt for the NFL lead in tackles for loss last season (21) with 15.5 sacks and 32 quarterback hits. He's been a top defensive tackle for several years as he heads into his prime. Adam Schein reveals the biggest winners and losers from the penultimate Sunday of the 2022 NFL regular season. What's next for Lamar Jackson? In the wake of Kansas City's thrilling triumph over Philadelphia in Super Bowl LVII, Adam Schein is overflowing with takes. 2021 stats: 4 interceptions, 77 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, QB hit, 16 passes defended, forced fumble, 5. Just missed cut: Leonard Williams (Giants), Ed Oliver (Bills), Fletcher Cox (Eagles), Grady Jarrett (Falcons), Dalvin Tomlinson (Vikings), David Onyemata (Saints), Michael Brockers (Lions), Dexter Lawrence (Giants), Poona Ford (Seahawks), Grover Stewart (Colts). Terrell, CB, Falcons (6-1, 195 pounds). The long time New Orleans Saints star, Cameron Jordan continues to be a menace to opposing quarterbacks something he has been since his second season in the NFL. And it's not just because they have a legendary quarterback in Aaron Rodgers -- it's also because they have a lockdown defense. the illegal contact rule was introduced in 1978. 2021 stats: 118 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 22. Miller showcased he still can be a dominant edge rusher in the postseason, as he played an integral role in getting the Rams to a Super Bowl title. The Kentucky gunslinger threw for 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022. The defensive front is loaded with talent, allowing the Niners to play sound zone coverage without sacrificing their ability to get after the QB (SEE: league-high 35.0 percent pressure rate on four-man rushes). Look for Clowney to continue to form a dynamic duo with fellow top defensive end Myles Garrett in 2022 after resigning with the Browns. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-defensive-linemen-of-2022-aaron-donald-t-j-watt-cream-of-the-crop-on-impressive-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has a bust in Canton waiting as the best defender over the past decade. As the NFL transitions to a more of passing game, it's become important for D-linemen to excel in the pash rush. Flowers posted at least 6.5 sacks in each of his first full seasons while appearing in at least 14 games. While the Jets have been a blitz-averse team (sending extra pass rushers on just 18.1 percent of dropbacks, the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL), they rank sixth in the NFL by sacking opposing quarterbacks on 7.7 percent of dropbacks when not blitzing. 2021 stats: 9.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 28 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery, 25. Sam Hubbard has pressured opposing quarterbacks on 17 dropbacks this season, trailing only Nick Bosa (22), Von Miller (18) and Josh Allen (18). These bubbas in the trenches are able to deliver the hardest, snot-rocking hits that close up running lanes and brutalize their quarterbacks. Jalen Ramsey -- who, along with Donald, made the list of players I think should be in the "Madden 99 Club" -- is the best corner in the game. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. See where they land in the Next Gen Stats analytics team's ranking of the top 10 most explosive rushers right now. Is the Jaguars' decision to make a big investment in Christian Kirk paying off so far? ), The Bengals run defense has struggled without D.J. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Do the Cowboys have a quarterback problem in Dak Prescott? Yes, please. The front seven is reliably difficult to run against, helping New Orleans rank fourth or better in run defense in each of the past four seasons. Where there's a Nick, there has to be a Joey not far behind. Carl Lawson, who ranks second in the NFL behind Nick Bosa with a 17.3 QB pressure percentage (min. Vea needed a few seasons to get into the maximum shape with his massive frame, but he's now at the level of an elite run-stuffing linchpin with some scary inside pass-rush pop, too. Only Bobby Wagner has more tackles than Lavonte David (1,220) since David entered the league in 2012. The Next Gen Stats analytics team provides a ranking of the top 10 shutdown cornerbacks right now. After Tennessee lost star edge defender Harold Landry to a season-ending injury prior to Week 1, expectations were certainly tempered for the Titans' defensive front. He completed 60.9% of his passes which has drawn criticism from NFL Draft With the Cleveland Brown's new emphasis on the defensive side of the ball and Garrett taking on his role of leadership, many expect to see a career season from Garrett. Emerging as one of the best pass-rushing tackles in the league, Hargrave notched career-highs in pressures (58), quarterback hits (18), tackles for loss (nine), and sacks (7.5) in earning his first Pro Bowl selection. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Still, any defensive player The Eagles piled up a staggering seven such sacks when facing former Philly QB Carson Wentz in Week 3. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 1 overall pick in his first five years in the league. Will Jalen Carter slide? Quarterback-needy teams, youre in luck: This is one heck of a quarterback class, with five signal-callers making the top 50. Jones has improved against the run, solidifying his game as one of the league's best on the interior. Adam Schein provides his nine favorite landing spots for the Pro Bowl cornerback. Garrett has established himself as an elite pass rusher, as evidenced by the 16 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 75 pressures he put up last season. Von Miller, EDGE, Bills (6-3, 250 pounds). Reader on the field over the last two seasons, allowing 0.6 more yards before contact per carry.Reader has generated 10 defensive stops this season, tied for the 2nd-most among IDL.#RuleTheJungle https://t.co/KAh89pVvJl pic.twitter.com/gSfIgxKgoh. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Myles Garrett is the best Defensive End in the NFL right now going into the 2022-2023 NFL season. Bosa and Mack, who have both averaged over nine sacks per season in their NFL careers, are one of the most formidable pass-rushing tandems in the league, while Jackson (22 picks over the past three seasons) is the play-making corner this team has craved. At 33, Heyward looks revitalized coming off his second career double-digit sack season. Donald is making his case as the GOAT of interior defensive linemen. A group that is led by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, Von Miller of the Buffalo Bills and Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers. Cam Jordan, who has recorded double-digit sacks in four of the past five seasons, is a stud. The front seven is strong, with first-round pick Quay Walker joining tackling machine De'Vondre Campbell and veteran pass rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. J.C. Jackson, CB, Chargers (6-1, 198 pounds). Pass Rush of the Day: Speed Club Rip transition Chop Counter Spin by Frank Clark #DLIsBringingTheEnergy pic.twitter.com/UU0n5JYCOA. His 58 sacks since 2016 (his rookie season) are sixth in the NFL and his 129 quarterback hits are fifth in the league. Here are the best 10 Bears defensive players and what their PFF grades were following the 2022 season. Some of whom are even among the best NFL players of 2022. In addition, Clowney ranked among the top defensive edge players ranked by PFF. What's scary is Watt can still take another step forward as a run defender. WebThe Eagles' defense has been paving the way for the team, as they rank second-best in the NFL with 301.4 total yards ceded per game. Coming in at number 10 on the Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends 2021-22 rankings list is the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. There are a lot of great NFL defensive linemen right now, such as Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Chris Jones. He seems to be everywhere against run and pass as the ultimate rangy modern linebacker. He's kept that up minus Hendrickson with help form Marcus Davenport. Shaquille Leonard, LB, Colts (6-2, 230 pounds). Simmons is one of the more underrated players in football, as his dominance in the interior isn't as noticed as it should be. Only one player put up 80+ QB pressures last season - Maxx Crosby. Also excellent against the run, Heyward finished second among interior linemen with 46 run stops and finished with an incredible 3.7% missed tackle rate (which is excellent for any lineman). However, with the loss of D.J. If you are looking for a player around the NFL with a high motor and instinct to make a player, look no farther as Maxx Crosby is your man. The most unthinkable walk-off win in recent memory. But there are defenses poised to make a real difference this year. Taylor is considered the greatest defensive player ever, and he's arguably the greatest outside linebacker in NFL history. Making his money in the postseason, Miller finished with 14 tackles, four sacks, six quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Who is the best defensive lineman in the NFL in 2022? He finished third in sacks and pressures, while ranking second in quarterback hits -- showcasing his dominance on the edge. Eight years, 76.5 total sacks later, Khalil Mack continues to dominate on the defensive side of the football. How many quarterbacks will be selected in Round 1? Philadelphia ranks seventh in the NFL with 20.2 points allowed per contest on the defensive side of the ball. Parsons took the league by storm as a special hybrid linebacker, lining up everywhere to stuff the stat sheet as the new heart and soul of Dallas' defense under Dan Quinn. He still needs to improve as a pass rusher, but had his best season under defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. Watt's 0.94 sacks-per-game average is the highest in league history, as he and Reggie White are the only players to have 13-plus sacks in four consecutive seasons (has 72 sacks in 77 career games). Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Bengals (6-4, 270 pounds). Let's make this as simple as possible. He is a complete corner who can do everything needed well in their scheme. Day 1 was favorable to running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs who heard their names the first 12 picks, and wide receivers wound up having to wait a bit longer than they have in previous drafts. While Dallas' run defense has not performed up to the same level, the Cowboys' deep and dangerous pass rush has kept the team afloat with franchise QB Dak Prescott on the shelf. Despite the injury, little concern is present for the Vikings entering the 2022 NFL schedule. Jason Pierre-Paul is gone, but 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka can pick up the pass-rushing slack. Rank 7 The Chiefs have extended him at times to the edge, but he's best anchoring the inside next to Frank Clark. But Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry have picked up the slack, generating 13 pressures apiece so far this season. Marshon Lattimore is a play-making corner -- he leads the NFL in passes defensed (74) since the Saints made him a first-round pick in 2017. If the sack totals improve, he will find his way toward the elite in the league. The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, and surprises were plentiful. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! The veteran David and rising youngster Devin White (fourth in tackles over the past two seasons) form a dynamic linebacking duo. Look what he does to Riley Reiff #OnePride pic.twitter.com/j1qgFO9HH2. Despite the changes, one of the most impactful positions on the defensive side of the ball is the defensive end position. The Next Gen Stats analytics team reveals its ranking of the top 10 players at the position entering Week 15. These big-bodied stars clog up the middle in the run game, too: Allen leads his position in run stuffs (9) and is tied with New Orleans' Shy Tuttle for the most defensive stops (17), while Payne is right behind with 14 defensive stops of his own. The revamped Chargers pass rush started off this season with a bang, pressuring Derek Carr on over half of his dropbacks in Week 1. He's is one of just five players with multiple seasons of 18-plus sacks (the NFL started recording sacks as an official stat in 1982). It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. There's no denying Heyward is one of the elite interior linemen in the game. Edge defenders include defensive ends and pass-rushing linebackers, while interior linemen primary play the interior of the defensive line.
