ESPN just dropped the results of their seventh annual survey, tapping NFL execs, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 defensive tackles heading into the 2026 season. And guess who’s sitting right at number one? Our very own Leonard Williams, bringing that Emerald City dominance to the top of the list.
Our Big Man Is THE Big Man
Let that sink in for a second: Leonard Williams, a Seattle Seahawk, is officially the best defensive tackle in the NFL right now, according to the people who know the game best. This isn't just some career highlight reel, this is about who is tearing it up entering the 2026 season. Think about it: Williams has been a consistent headache for offenses throughout his entire 11-year career. Washington fans especially remember the difficulty he caused them, whether he was with the New York Giants or lighting it up for us here in Seattle. That kind of consistent, top-tier performance is what we're talking about. Having the top-ranked guy anchoring our D-line? That's the kind of news that gets the 12s hyped for what's coming.The Trench Warriors Other Teams Have to Deal With
While we're celebrating our guy, it's worth looking at the other beasts in the trenches around the league, especially those giving NFC East teams nightmares. Just ask the Commanders about their schedule! Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans, inked a monster three-year, $105.8 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed. That $35.276 million per year average? That’s the highest for any defensive tackle in the NFL. Then you got Jalen Carter from the Philadelphia Eagles, tied for seventh most pass-rush wins as an interior lineman since 2023 with 83. The Commanders literally have to face him twice every year. Yikes. And it doesn't stop there. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs led the league in pass-rush wins when double-teamed in 2025 with 22, and he also led interior linemen in pressures with 45. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers, continues to live up to being the No. 7 overall selection from the 2020 NFL Draft. Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys, was fifth in run stop win rate (43%) among qualified players in 2025. Dexter Lawrence, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, used to be a problem for Washington as a Giant and will face them again in a Week 11 MNF game. Zach Allen, Denver Broncos, has 131 quarterback hits since 2022, eight more than Myles Garrett. Milton Williams (Patriots) and Jordan Davis (Eagles) also made the top 10, rounding out a list of truly elite talent. The Eagles alone have Carter and Davis, making those matchups a "daunting task" for any opponent. But hey, we've got Williams leading the pack, right? This survey makes it crystal clear: the NFL recognizes the impact Leonard Williams brings to the field. With our anchor ranked number one, you know the defensive line is going to be a force. Get ready, Seattle, because 2026 is looking like a year where our defensive front will be absolutely shutting down opposing offenses. Can't wait to see Williams go to work!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.