Defensive Linemen Tiers

Links to similar discussions on other positions:

Why Tiers?

Most fantasy owners are used to drafting off a simple ranking of players, but that can mask underlying differences between players. For example, two players may be ranked right next to each other on a cheatsheet, but there could be a wide gap in their expected production. In that case, you would probably want to draft the higher-ranked player a full round earlier than the lower-ranked player. Similarly, there may be a large group of players with very similar projections that are bunched together on a ranking sheet. It may seem that a player ranked 10th is much more valuable than a player ranked 15th, but if only a few projected points separate them, then they are roughly equivalent in value. Rather than force yourself to pick one, it may be best to focus on another position and then come back to this position in the next round since you’re likely to get a player of nearly identical value.

Grouping players into distinct tiers or buckets provides additional context that allows a drafter to make more informed decisions. The projections we offer at Footballguys also help a lot in this regard, but those are still static projections that may not fully indicate the range of likely outcomes for a player. For example, two players may be projected with similar numbers, but one may have significantly more upside and/or a higher floor than the other. Those types of risk vs. reward decisions are inherent in any fantasy draft. While drafting the safe players will typically help you build a solid team, you often need to take some chances and hit on some players who significantly exceed their preseason expectations to win.

Rankings are typically helpful in ordering players within the same position group, but tiers can help you figure out which position to take as you move through a draft. Suppose you see a large group of linebackers that are all capable of putting up top-12 numbers but only one defensive lineman likely to put up elite numbers. In that case, it’s wise to grab the lineman and assume a quality linebacker will last until your next pick. This helps maximize your pick's value and is a strategy that all strong fantasy players use to some extent.

How to Use the Tiers

1. These tiers are based on expected performance for the 2022 season in a balanced scoring system. While dynasty owners always need to consider long-term outcomes to some extent, the upcoming season is most critical for player value. I’ll highlight some dynasty stash options in a separate tier that you can focus on if you are less concerned about this year and want to focus on building for the future.
2. Positional classifications can differ depending on what your league-hosting website uses. For consistency, I will rely on the official Footballguys player classifications. For the most part, these should match up well with the major online sources, but there could be differences. Assigning edge rushers to linebackers or defensive ends (or edge rushers) is the main area that causes issues here, as the classification can have a huge impact on fantasy value.
3. We will add an asterisk (*) for any players that have added value in big-play scoring systems. There is a lot of scoring variability among IDP leagues, so if your league places added value on big plays (i.e., sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, etc.), this information should help you identify some key targets in each tier.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 1: ELITE OPTIONS

• Myles Garrett, CLE
• Nick Bosa, SF
• Aaron Donald, LAR

These are the players that stand out above the rest and are the ones to target in your draft if you want a clear edge at the position. Myles Garrett can fill up the stat sheet and has averaged nearly one sack per game played over the past four seasons. Nick Bosa bounced back from an injury and posted 15 sacks last year, which could become his baseline moving forward. Aaron Donald could be on the downside of his career at age 31 but remains an immense talent who set a career-high with 83 combined tackles in 2021.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 2: VERY GOOD TARGETS

• Joey Bosa, LAC *
• Maxx Crosby, LV *
• Danielle Hunter, MIN *
• Sam Hubbard, CIN
• Brian Burns, CAR
• Cameron Jordan, NO *

These are the value picks among DE1 options if you are willing to wait and take a player a step below the elite. This group includes some of the best pass rushers in the league, but they carry slightly more risk and therefore come at a discount. Players like Joey Bosa and Maxx Crosby have the talent to reach 15+ sacks but haven’t produced like the elites at the position in recent years. Danielle Hunter underwhelmed in 2021 and has an unclear outlook following the Vikings' move to a 3-4 base. Sam Hubbard and Brian Burns are two of the league's most talented young edge rushers. Despite turning 33 years old this summer, Cameron Jordan showed little signs of slowing down with 12.5 sacks last year.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 3: RELIABLE STARTERS

• Marcus Davenport, NO *
• Chandler Jones, LV *
• DeMarcus Lawrence, DAL
• Leonard Williams, NYG
• Chase Young, WAS
• Montez Sweat, WAS *
• Christian Wilkins, MIA
• Gregory Rousseau, BUF
• Robert Quinn, CHI *
• Aidan Hutchinson, DET
• Trey Hendrickson, CIN *

If you missed out on the first two tiers, you could still put together a solid starting pair of defensive ends from this bunch, with most likely to finish among the Top 30 at the position. Nearly all of them have the upside to hit 35 solo tackles and 10 sacks if everything goes their way, but that is likely a best-case scenario, and most will come up short of that level. This group has a nice mix of established veterans and talented young players. Marcus Davenport has been slowed by injuries but broke out with 9 sacks in 11 games played last year to demonstrate his potential. Chase Young will try to bounce back from a disappointing sophomore campaign that ended prematurely with a torn ACL in week 10. Robert Quinn exploded for 17 sacks last year, but there is speculation he could be traded given the turnover on the roster. Trey Hendrickson has 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons, but low tackle numbers limit his fantasy value in most leagues.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 4: TOP BACKUPS

• Jonathan Greenard, HOU *
• Jadeveon Clowney, CLE *
• Emmanuel Ogbah, MIA *
• Kwity Paye, IND
• Brandon Graham, PHI
• Trevis Gipson, CHI
• Josh Sweat, PHI
• Denico Autry, TEN
• Yannick Ngakoue, IND *
• Zach Allen, ARI
• J.J. Watt, ARI

Consider this the DE3 tier, made up primarily of backup options in leagues that require two starters at the position. This is an interesting mix of pass-rush specialists with limited tackle production who will have added value in sack-heavy scoring systems and some interior players who should be more consistent from week to week but carry limited upside. About half the group consists of young, ascending talents like Jonathan Greenard and Kwity Paye, who haven’t fully proven themselves yet. At the same time, the rest includes experienced veterans like Jadeveon Clowney and Brandon Graham, whose production may not always match their potential due to workload, situation, or other factors.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 5: QUALITY DEPTH

• Jerry Tillery, LAC
• Charles Harris, DET *
• Rasheem Green, HOU *
• Yetur Gross-Matos, CAR
• Carl Lawson, NYJ *
• AShawn Robinson, LAR
• DreMont Jones, DEN
• Darrell Taylor, SEA *
• Dante Fowler, DAL
• Shelby Harris, SEA
• Chris Wormley, PIT
• Jarran Reed, GB
• Akiem Hicks, TB
• Carlos Dunlap, KC
• Deatrich Wise, NE

There isn’t much to get excited about in this group, but these are players who are likely good enough to be on a roster in most deeper leagues. Some are former high draft picks who haven’t quite lived up to their potential yet, while others are veterans who have either already peaked or have yet to find the consistency needed to be a reliable starter. When injuries and bye weeks start to hit, these are some of the best options to consider as short-term fill-ins since they should see enough playing time and are capable of producing in any given week.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 6: DYNASTY STASHES

• Payton Turner, NO
• George Karlaftis, KC *
• Jermaine Johnson, NYJ *
• Carlos Basham, BUF
• Drake Jackson, SF *
• Boye Mafe, SEA
• Logan Hall, TB
• Josh Paschal, DET
• Joseph Ossai, CIN

This tier is filled mostly with rookies or other young players with untapped potential who may be a year or two away from making a significant contribution. One or two players will likely emerge from this group, so monitor performances in training camp and the preseason to identify strong breakout candidates. George Karlaftis was an early favorite but the late signing of Carlos Dunlap may hold him back a bit. Jermaine Johnson was considered a top-10 talent who fell to the Jets at 26th overall and could emerge from a suddenly crowded depth chart. Carlos Basham will compete with a fellow former 2nd-round pick in A.J. Epenesa to become a regular part of the rotation in Buffalo. Payton Turner is a former 1st round pick who may see limited snaps behind Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 1: ELITE OPTIONS

• Cameron Heyward, PIT *
• DeForest Buckner, IND *
• Quinnen Williams, NYJ
• Jeffery Simmons, TEN
• Jonathan Allen, WAS

In most years, there isn’t enough separation at this position to justify paying a premium for one of the top players off the board. That looks to be the case again this year as you should feel reasonably comfortable with any of these players as your DT1. Cameron Heyward is 33 years old but coming off a huge season and gets a boost with a change from a DE to DT classification. DeForest Buckner has consistently ranked among the elites at the position since entering the league in 2016. Quinnen Williams has been great for two years and should be more productive, thanks to a rebuilt secondary. Jeffery Simmons and Jonathan Allen are both coming off huge seasons last year and have a great chance to post top-five numbers again.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 2: HIGH-END STARTERS

• Chris Jones, KC *
• Arik Armstead, SF
• Grady Jarrett, ATL
• DaRon Payne, WAS
• Javon Hargrave, PHI
• Kenny Clark, GB
• Ed Oliver, BUF
• Sebastian Joseph-Day, LAC

While these players are a cut below the elite tier, they are still high-end starters at the position and likely to finish among the top 12. Chris Jones is a great interior pass rusher who hasn’t added much in the tackle columns of late. Most of this group relies heavily on tackle numbers and run support to carry them, but a lack of sacks will cap their upside. Ed Oliver hasn’t produced much in his career but could be headed for a breakout season with the addition of Von Miller outside. Sebastian Joseph-Day was on his way to a career season last year before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 3: QUALITY STARTERS

• Matthew Ioannidis, CAR *
• B.J. Hill, CIN
• Dexter Lawrence, NYG
• Larry Ogunjobi, PIT
• Derrick Brown, CAR
• Christian Barmore, NE
• Lawrence Guy, NE
• David Onyemata, NO *

This group carries more risk than the others but still has a chance to produce as a No. 1 defensive tackle this year. Most have limited upside as pass rushers but figure to see a heavy workload and post above-average tackle numbers at the position to give you a solid baseline. Matthew Ioannidis is an interesting target here since he has a history of strong production and should see a full workload in Carolina. Larry Ogunjobi also has a history of success and should be productive, given all the surrounding talent in Pittsburgh. Derrick Brown and Christian Barmore are young and highly drafted, so they should have a higher ceiling.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 4: TOP BACKUPS

• Fletcher Cox, PHI
• D.J. Jones, DEN
• Jordan Davis, PHI
• Greg Gaines, LAR
• Davon Godchaux, NE
• Javon Kinlaw, SF
• Dalvin Tomlinson, MIN

As usual, the top backups are a mixture of proven veterans whose careers may be winding down, along with some young players that could climb the ranks. Jordan Davis is a talented rookie, but the Eagles also have Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave ahead of him on the depth chart. Greg Gaines posted great numbers a year ago and could be considered a starter if he can replicate that performance.