Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
Football games are won and lost in the trenches. As a result, teams pour immense resources into building defensive fronts that can compete with the best offensive lines in the league. These fronts are comprised of versatile individuals tasked with shutting down the run and getting after the passer. I’ve listed my top five current defensive fronts in the NFL, assuming full health for each group.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ defense as a whole has seen a resurgence so far in 2024. They currently rank fourth in the league in sacks with 31. Joey Bosa has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career, but he’s a dominant force when he’s on the field. Khalil Mack is, and has been, one of the best run-defending edge players in football. At age 33, Mack is having one of the best seasons of his career in 2024. Tuli Tuipulotu has provided needed depth behind the two stars, as players like Morgan Fox and Poona Ford fill in the interior.
4. New York Jets
The Jets’ defensive line may not be what it has been in recent years, but the talent here is undeniable. Quinnen Williams is a top-5 interior defensive lineman without question. Haason Reddick is a proven pass rusher off the edge. Jermaine Johnson, though currently injured, is a versatile defender who can be deployed across the line of scrimmage. Will McDonald IV has taken the leap Jets fans have hoped for this season, with eight sacks through ten games. When healthy, this unit is as dangerous as any in the league.
3. New York Giants
Dexter Lawrence, in my opinion, has been the best interior defensive lineman in the league for years. Playing on the interior, he’ll likely never match the stats and accolades of top-tier edge rushers, but his impact on the game is as evident as any player’s. With 10 sacks already this season, Lawrence has the best chance any interior defender has had at winning the Defensive Player of the Year award since Aaron Donald did it in 2020. Kayvon Thibodeaux hasn’t quite taken the next step in his pass-rushing development, but he shows the athleticism to become a productive player. The offseason addition of Brian Burns has lifted this unit significantly. The Giants lead all teams in sacks this season with 36.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is loaded with talent on the defensive front. After spending high draft picks on defensive linemen for multiple years, the Eagles have both the top-end talent and the depth to match up with any opposing front in the league. Especially after the departure of Haason Reddick, this unit does not have any one star player. Instead, it has droves of quality starters that rotate in throughout a game. With young players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Bryce Huff, and Nolan Smith, this defensive front is only going to improve.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defensive front has been dominating opposing offenses all season. It all starts with T.J. Watt. The former Defensive Player of the Year winner may be the most dangerous pure pass rusher in the league. Alex Highsmith, starting opposite Watt, has quietly become one of the better edge rushers in the NFL, producing 52 quarterback hurries last season. Cam Heyward somehow still significantly affects games at age 35. According to PFF, the Steelers hold the best pass-rushing grade in the league at 90.2. The next-best mark is almost six points lower.
