Top 32 NFL Interior Defenders Ranked Ahead of 2026 Season
As the 2026 NFL preseason approaches, PFF has released its rankings of the top interior defenders, with Jeffery Simmons of the Titans taking the top spot. Simmons had a remarkable 2025 season, leading the position in pass-rush grade and recording 64 total pressures, including 22 sacks and quarterback hits.
Following Simmons, Quinnen Williams, now with the Dallas Cowboys, showed significant improvement after a mid-season trade, achieving an impressive PFF grade of 89.6. Other notable players include Chris Jones, who remains a top pass-rusher despite concerns about his age, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who is expected to bounce back with the Cincinnati Bengals after a dip in performance.
Additional players in the rankings include Cameron Heyward, who led all interior linemen in snaps and maintained a high PFF grade, and Vita Vea, who has requested a trade from the Buccaneers. The list reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, showcasing the depth of the position as the league prepares for the upcoming season.
