Defensive Linemen Tiers

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Why Tiers?

Most fantasy owners are used to drafting off a simple ranking of players, but that can mask underlying differences that exist 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 the expected production for them. 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.

Related: See Linebacker Tiers here >>>

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 exceed their preseason expectations to win.
Rankings are 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. If 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, it’s wise to grab the lineman and assume a quality linebacker will last until your next pick. This helps maximize the value of your pick 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 2023 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 sources that exist online, but there could be differences. Edge rushers are typically where the most questions come from as a linebacker vs defensive end classification can have a huge impact on fantasy value.

3. Will add an asterisk (*) for some players that have added value in big-play scoring systems. There is a lot of scoring variability that exists 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 within each tier.

DEFENSIVE ENDS/EDGE TIER 1: ELITE OPTIONS

• T.J. Watt, PIT*
• Myles Garrett, CLE*
• Nick Bosa, SF*
• Micah Parsons, DAL
• Maxx Crosby, LV

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 1 sack per game over his 6-year career. Nick Bosa was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 with 18.5 sacks but is also a holdout risk while looking for a new contract. T.J. Watt is coming off an injury-shortened year but posted 22.5 sacks as the Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Micah Parsons does a bit of everything but seems poised to become more of a full-time edge rusher this year. Maxx Crosby generates a lot of pressure and also posted 58 solo tackles a year ago.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 2: VERY GOOD TARGETS

• Brian Burns, CAR*
• Danielle Hunter, MIN
• Haason Reddick, PHI*
• Matthew Judon, NE*
• Alex Highsmith, PIT
• Jaelan Phillips, MIA
• Aidan Hutchinson, DET
• Cameron Jordan, NO
• Kayvon Thibodeaux, NYG

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. Brian Burns continues to grow as a pass rusher but doesn’t have much help in Carolina. Haason Reddick posted 16 sacks a year ago, but playing on a dominant team limits his tackle numbers. Danielle Hunter made a successful transition to a 3-4 defense and has a relatively high floor when healthy. Matthew Judon and Cameron Jordan are reliable veterans, while there are some potential breakout candidates in Jaelan Phillips and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 3: RELIABLE STARTERS

• Uchenna Nwosu, SEA*
• DeMarcus Lawrence, DAL
• Sam Hubbard, CIN
• Joey Bosa, LAC*
• Greg Rousseau, BUF*
• Josh Allen, JAX
• Will Anderson Jr., HOU
• Zaven Collins, ARI
• Rashan Gary, GB
• Harold Landry III, TEN
• Josh Sweat, PHI*
• Za'Darius Smith, CLE*
• Kwity Paye, IND
• Montez Sweat, WAS
• Chase Young, WAS
• Trey Hendrickson, CIN*
• Khalil Mack, LAC*
• Preston Smith, GB

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 typically a best-case scenario, as most will fall short. There is a nice mix of established veterans and talented young players in this group. Some players like Sam Hubbard and Josh Allen are more productive against the run, while players like Za'Darius Smith and Trey Hendrickson are much more sack-focused. Washington declined the 5th-year option for the oft-injured Chase Young, so he’ll have a lot riding on this year. The Texans paid a steep price for Will Anderson, so it will be interesting to see if he can fulfill his potential right away. Some other players in this group are coming back from injuries, like Rashan Gary and Harold Landry, while Zaven Collins is moving to a new role as an edge rusher.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 4: TOP BACKUPS

• Deatrich Wise Jr, NE
• Darrell Taylor, SEA*
• Carl Granderson, NO
• Travon Walker, JAX
• Von Miller, BUF*
• Shaquil Barrett, TB*
• George Karlaftis, KC*
• Josh Uche, NE
• Leonard Floyd, BUF*
• Denico Autry, TEN*
• Azeez Ojulari, NYG
• Bradley Chubb, MIA
• Jonathan Greenard, HOU

Consider this the DE3 tier, made up primarily of backup options in leagues that require 2 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, along with some interior players who should be more consistent from week to week with limited upside. About half the group consists of young, ascending talents like Travon Walker and Josh Uche or George Karlaftis, who haven’t proven themselves yet. There are also several players coming back from serious injuries, like Von Miller and Shaquil Barrett, who may start out on the PUP list. Bradley Chubb should improve under Vic Fangio in Miami, while Leonard Floyd will add to a deep group of pass rushers in Buffalo.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 5: QUALITY DEPTH

• Michael Hoecht, LAR
• Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, TB
• Drake Jackson, SF*
• Dorance Armstrong, DAL*
• Odafe Oweh, BAL
• Carl Lawson, NYJ*
• DeMarcus Walker, CHI
• Randy Gregory, DEN*
• Brandon Graham, PHI*
• Romeo Okwara, DET
• Chandler Jones, LV
• Marcus Davenport, MIN

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 shown flashes yet haven’t been able to string together several good seasons in a row. 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 to be viable starters.

DEFENSIVE ENDS TIER 6: DYNASTY STASHES

• Tyree Wilson, LV*
• Jermaine Johnson, NYJ
• Sam Williams, DAL*
• Myles Murphy, CIN
• Nolan Smith, PHI
• Boye Mafe, SEA
• Felix Anudike-Uzomah, KC
• Will McDonald IV, NYJ
• Lukas Van Ness, GB*
• Payton Turner, NO
• Josh Paschal, DET
• B.J. Ojulari, ARI
• Derick Hall, SEA

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. It is likely one or two players will emerge from this group, so monitor performances in training camp and the preseason to identify strong breakout candidates that could arrive earlier than expected. If you find some room on your roster, these are players to target to fill those spots.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 1: ELITE OPTIONS

• Quinnen Williams, NYJ *
• DeForest Buckner, IND *
• Cameron Heyward, PIT *
• Christian Wilkins, MIA

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 appears true again this year, as you should feel reasonably comfortable with any of these players as your DT1. Quinnen Willams is coming off a breakout season with 12 sacks for a resurgent Jets defense. DeForest Buckner has been very consistent for the past 5 years despite changes all around him. Cameron Heyward may be due for a dropoff at 34 years of age, but he’s hit double-digit sacks in back-to-back years. Christian Wilkins is the outlier in this group, given his low sack totals but huge tackle numbers. He may drop a tier depending on your scoring system.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 2: HIGH-END STARTERS

• Jonathan Allen, WAS*
• Dexter Lawrence, NYG
• Daron Payne, WAS*
• Aaron Donald, LAR*
• Jeffery Simmons, TEN
• Chris Jones, KC *

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. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne form a dominant tandem in Washington but have limited help behind them. Dexter Lawrence and Jeffery Simmons are both dominant two-way players whose upside may be somewhat capped due to lower sack totals. Aaron Donald may bounce back, but the lack of surrounding talent will make things quite difficult for him this year. Chris Jones had a career year in 2022 but remains a holdout risk while trying to get a new contract.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 3: QUALITY STARTERS

• Javon Hargrave, SF*
• Grady Jarrett, ATL*
• Leonard Williams, NYG*
• Derrick Brown, CAR
• Justin Madubuike, BAL*
• Zach Allen, DEN*
• Grover Stewart, IND
• Kenny Clark, GB
• Dre'Mont Jones, SEA
• Ed Oliver, BUF
• Sebastian Joseph-Day, LAC
• B.J. Hill, CIN

This is a group that carries more risk than the others but still has a chance to produce as a #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. Javon Hargrave signed a huge contract in free agency and may belong in the tier above, but some regression from his 11-sack season seems likely. Players like Grady Jarrett and Leonard Williams have a track record of success and a high floor, while Derrick Brown and Ed Oliver are some young players to consider with untapped potential.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 4: TOP BACKUPS

• Zach Sieler, MIA
• Christian Barmore, NE
• DaVon Hamilton, JAX
• Sheldon Rankins, HOU
• Osa Odighizuwa, DAL*
• Maliek Collins, HOU
• Larry Ogunjobi, PIT
• Davon Godchaux, NE
• Fletcher Cox, PHI
• David Onyemata, NO
• Vita Vea, TB
• D.J. Jones, DEN

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. Most benches aren’t big enough to hold backups at a low-value position like defensive tackle, but these are some options to keep in mind for deeper leagues. Many of these players will have some big games throughout the season but, in general, will be tougher to rely on for consistent production each week.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TIER 5: DYNASTY HOLDS

• Jordan Davis, PHI
• Logan Hall, TB
• Alim McNeill, DET
• Jalen Carter, PHI*
• Calijah Kancey, TB*
• Bryan Bresee, NO*
• Adetomiwa Adebawore, IND
• Gervon Dexter Sr, CHI
• Keeanu Benton, PIT
• Mazi Smith, DAL

While developmental spots may be better used elsewhere, these are some young players at the position to keep in mind. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter could form a dominant duo in Philadelphia for years to come, while Bryan Bresee and Calijah Kancey are also athletic rookies with considerable upside as pass rushers.