Big Guys to Get Behind
Any NFL fan knows the importance of good defense. Heck, it’s more than just “important;” it’s a crucial position that stops anything from opposing teams’ advancements to the quarterback even throwing the ball. But with so many guys on the field, how can you narrow down the best defense players in the league? Don’t worry, we have a few names!
1. Maxx Crosby
As if we didn’t have enough popular superstars named Crosby! We’re not talking about hockey, though; we’re talking about Maxx Crosby, the legend-in-the-making on the Las Vegas Raiders. He does everything you want and then some: he’s an incredible run defender, a great pass rusher, and is consistently hailed as one of the best around.
2. Micah Parsons
We’re going to be honest: the Cowboys’ defense isn’t anything to write home about as it is. But take Parsons out of the mix? Smells like a disaster to us. This guy pretty much makes the team’s defense, and as a breakthrough interior rusher, he’s one of the top performers on the field.
3. Myles Garrett
Say what you want about the team, but you can’t deny Garrett’s stats. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, he’s among the top ten best players in the NFL, and finished third in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting. At this point, you might as well just hand him the ball!
4. T.J. Watt
Now, that’s not to say that Garrett is definitively the best defensive player—only one of them. T.J. Watt has just as many wins under his belt, taking home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 and being a finalist for it several times. He’s forced fumbles and used to lead the league in sacks, too, so there’s no telling what will happen when he comes at you.
5. Aidan Hutchinson
There’s a reason Hutchinson is widely considered one of the best defenders! Among his achievements, he has a 35.0% pass rush win rate, had the most sacks in the 2024 season, and became one of the first players ever in the NFL to secure 15 sacks and four interceptions in his first two seasons alone.
