Top Interior Defenders in 2024: A Season Review 🏈

The 2024 NFL season concluded with an unforgettable showdown, as the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. As the dust settles, it's time to highlight the top-performing interior defenders based on their performance throughout the regular season and postseason.

The Cream of the Crop: Top 10 Interior Defenders 🌟

1. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs (90.2)

Chris Jones continues to solidify his reputation as one of the elite interior defenders in football. At the age of 30, he recorded an impressive 88 pressures during the 2024 season, contributing to a staggering pass-rush grade of 91.5 from Pro Football Focus (PFF). His prowess on the field was unmatched, making him the leading interior defender in pressures and second overall across all positions, trailing only Jared Verse. Although Jones finished with 7 sacks, his overall impact was undeniable as he played a pivotal role in guiding the Chiefs to their third consecutive AFC Championship victory.

2. Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers (90.1)

At 35, Cameron Heyward has shown that age is just a number. He thrived alongside a formidable Steelers defensive line that featured standout edge defenders like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Heyward achieved a remarkable third season-long PFF overall grade of 90.0, hitting a career-high 85.9 in pass-rush. With 10 sacks and 60 pressures under his belt, he displayed his relentless drive. Moreover, he tied Kobie Turner for the most stops (47) in the league, demonstrating his ability to shine even at this stage of his career.

3. Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants (89.9)

Amid the struggles for the New York Giants, Dexter Lawrence emerged as a beacon of hope. He was the only interior defender to earn both run-defense and pass-rush grades of at least 80.0 in 2024, with ratings of 83.8 and 81.4, respectively. Despite battling injuries that sidelined him for five games, Lawrence managed to record 10 sacks, 36 total pressures, and 25 stops—one less than Chris Jones despite playing nearly 400 fewer snaps.

4. Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks (87.1)

Consistency defines Leonard Williams’ career, and the 2024 season was no exception. Achieving a PFF grade of 87.1 marked a significant leap for him, displaying his growth as a player. He also recorded his best run-defense grade since 2020 with a score of 79.5. Converting 11 out of his 55 pressures into sacks, Williams even showcased unexpected skills in coverage, dropping back 16 times and intercepting a pass against the Jets, returning it for more than 90 yards and a touchdown.

5. Poona Ford, Los Angeles Chargers (85.3)

While Poona Ford may not be a household name, he quietly delivered an impressive season during his debut with the Chargers. Earning a PFF run-defense score of 80.3, his performance was superior to that of his rookie year, although it came on significantly more snaps. Although Ford's numbers in pressures (25) and sacks (3) are modest, his overall quality of play was noteworthy with a pass-rush grade of 70.0.

6. Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins (82.3)

At age 38, Calais Campbell continues to defy expectations as the oldest active defensive player in the league. His PFF run-defense grade of 85.9 not only topped the charts among interior defenders but also highlighted his relentless performance. With 37 stops and multiple seasons of PFF grades above 80.0, Campbell appears to be aging like fine wine, showing no signs of a slowdown.

7. DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts (81.9)

DeForest Buckner, like Dexter Lawrence, faced setbacks due to injuries but remained a dominant force when healthy. Though his tally of 35 pressures fell to a career-low, he still managed to convert 7 into sacks while posting a commendable pass-rush grade of 77.1. Maintainig a PFF overall grade of at least 81.0 for three consecutive seasons, Buckner's consistency is a testament to his exceptional talent.

8. Michael Pierce, Baltimore Ravens (80.7)

Michael Pierce had one of the more interesting seasons, appearing in 13 games but playing limited snaps due to past injuries. Despite this, he proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the middle. At 32 and weighing 355 pounds, he has consistently performed as one of the league’s best nose tackles, maintaining a PFF overall grade above 80.0 for three years.

9. Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans (80.2)

Despite the Titans entering the 2025 NFL Draft with the first overall pick, Jeffery Simmons provided a silver lining to their season with a solid performance. He garnered 45 pressures and 41 stops, the latter tying for third in his position. Simmons achieved a career-high pass-rush grade of 81.6, significantly bolstered by outstanding showings against teams such as the Lions and Vikings.

10. Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions (79.6)

Unfortunately, Alim McNeill's season was cut short due to a torn ACL after Week 15, which significantly affected the Lions' defense. Prior to his injury, McNeill established himself as a top-tier pass-rusher, amassing a career-high 45 pressures. He has consistently maintained a pass-rush grade above 70.0 for the last three seasons, and when he returns, fans can look forward to seeing him team up with Aidan Hutchinson, creating a formidable defense.

This recap showcases the remarkable talents showcased in the interior defensive line across the league during the 2024 season. Each of these players has made their mark, proving once again that they are essential to their teams' success. It will be interesting to see how they carry this momentum forward into the next season! 🏆🔥