Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence II remain in Tier 1 of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL through Week 2. The top group is completely unchanged, but there is already major movement underneath it, led by Christian Barmore’s three-tier jump into Tier 2.
This is an in-season update based on where the NFL’s interior defensive linemen stand so far this season. A green arrow means a player moved up from the previous ranking, while a red arrow means he moved down. The number inside the arrow shows exactly how many tiers the player gained or lost.
For the preseason baseline, compare this update with our Best Interior Defensive Linemen in the NFL Today 2026-27 Prediction. You can also compare the current group with the Best Interior Defensive Linemen in the NFL Since 2020 and our Best Defensive Tackles in NFL History.
Table of Contents
- How We Ranked the Best Interior D-Linemen Through Week 2
- Tier 1: Best Interior Defensive Linemen in the NFL Today
- Tier 2: Christian Barmore Makes a Huge Jump
- Tier 3: Strong Interior Starters
- Tier 4: Two Major Risers
- Tier 5: Young Players Moving Fast
- Tier 6: The Most Movement on the Board
- Tier 7: Interior Linemen Looking to Climb
- Biggest Movers Through Week 2
- Complete Interior D-Line Tier List
- FAQ
- Related NFL Rankings
How We Ranked the Best Interior D-Linemen Through Week 2
This ranking updates the preseason interior defensive line tiers now that the first two weeks of the season can be considered. Pass-rush disruption, run defense, pocket collapse, ability to handle double teams and overall consistency all factor into where each player sits.
The movement markers show how the rankings have changed. Green means a player moved up, red means he moved down, and the number shows how many tiers he gained or lost. Players without an arrow remain in the same tier.
The top of the ranking has been stable, but the middle and lower tiers have already changed significantly. Several players have climbed three tiers, while Zach Sieler has experienced the largest drop at two tiers.
Tier 1: Best Interior Defensive Linemen in the NFL Today
Tier 1 features Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence II.
Tier 1 is completely unchanged through Week 2. Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence II all retain their places in the highest group.
Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons remains in Tier 1 with no movement. His combination of power, penetration and ability to affect both the run and passing games keeps him in the top group.
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams also stays in Tier 1. His versatility and ability to generate interior pressure continue to keep him among the highest-ranked players at the position.
Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams holds his Tier 1 position through Week 2. His quickness and ability to collapse the pocket from the middle remain central to his ranking.
Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter remains in Tier 1 with no movement. His explosiveness and power give him one of the highest ceilings among interior defensive linemen.
Dexter Lawrence II
Dexter Lawrence II rounds out an unchanged Tier 1. His rare combination of size, strength and interior pass-rush ability keeps him in the league’s top group.
Tier 2: Christian Barmore Makes a Huge Jump
Tier 2 features Derrick Brown, Chris Jones, Cameron Heyward, Zach Allen, DeForest Buckner and Christian Barmore.
Tier 2 features the first major change in the ranking. Christian Barmore has climbed three tiers, while Derrick Brown, Chris Jones, Cameron Heyward, Zach Allen and DeForest Buckner remain in place.
Derrick Brown
Derrick Brown remains in Tier 2. His strength against the run and ability to control the middle keep him just outside the highest group.
Chris Jones
Chris Jones stays in Tier 2 with no movement. His interior pass-rushing ability continues to make him one of the most difficult defensive linemen to block one-on-one.
Cameron Heyward
Cameron Heyward remains in Tier 2. His technique, power and consistency keep him firmly among the better interior defenders on the board.
Zach Allen
Zach Allen holds his Tier 2 position through Week 2. His ability to create pressure and play with consistent effort keeps his ranking stable.
DeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner remains in Tier 2. His length and ability to disrupt passing lanes and collapse the pocket continue to give him high-level value.
Christian Barmore
Christian Barmore has climbed three tiers into Tier 2, making him one of the biggest risers in the entire ranking.
Moving three full tiers this early is a major shift. Barmore has gone from the middle of the previous list to a place directly below the league’s top interior defensive linemen.
Tier 3: Strong Interior Starters
Tier 3 features Kobie Turner, Byron Murphy II, Jordan Davis, Vita Vea, Milton Williams and Travis Jones.
Tier 3 is the only other completely unchanged group. Kobie Turner, Byron Murphy II, Jordan Davis, Vita Vea, Milton Williams and Travis Jones all remain exactly where they started.
Kobie Turner
Kobie Turner remains in Tier 3. His quickness and ability to disrupt from the interior keep him firmly in this high-end group.
Byron Murphy II
Byron Murphy II stays in Tier 3 with no movement. His explosiveness and leverage continue to make him one of the more interesting young interior defenders.
Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis holds his Tier 3 position. His size and ability to control space make him particularly valuable against the run.
Vita Vea
Vita Vea remains in Tier 3. His rare power continues to make him difficult to move at the point of attack.
Milton Williams
Milton Williams stays in Tier 3 with no movement. His athleticism and pass-rush ability continue to keep him in the upper half of the ranking.
Travis Jones
Travis Jones rounds out Tier 3. His ranking is unchanged through Week 2.
Tier 4: Two Major Risers
Tier 4 features Ed Oliver, T’Vondre Sweat, Sheldon Rankins, John Franklin-Myers, Mason Graham, Alim McNeill and A’Shawn Robinson.
Tier 4 includes upward movement from Sheldon Rankins and A’Shawn Robinson. Rankins gains one tier, while Robinson makes a much larger three-tier jump.
Ed Oliver
Ed Oliver remains in Tier 4. His first-step quickness continues to give him the ability to penetrate and create pressure from the middle.
T’Vondre Sweat
T’Vondre Sweat stays in Tier 4 with no movement. His size and power give him a clear role as an interior run defender.
Sheldon Rankins
Sheldon Rankins has climbed one tier into Tier 4. The move reflects a positive start and pushes him higher into the middle of the ranking.
John Franklin-Myers
John Franklin-Myers remains in Tier 4. His ability to line up in different spots along the defensive front keeps his value steady.
Mason Graham
Mason Graham holds his Tier 4 position through Week 2. His combination of strength and movement ability continues to make him one of the more intriguing young players in the group.
Alim McNeill
Alim McNeill remains in Tier 4 with no movement. His power and ability to affect both phases keep his ranking stable.
A’Shawn Robinson
A’Shawn Robinson has jumped three tiers into Tier 4. That ties for one of the largest rises on the board.
His movement from the lower portion of the previous ranking into Tier 4 represents one of the biggest early-season changes among veteran interior defenders.
Tier 5: Young Players Moving Fast
Tier 5 features Tommy Togiai, Moro Ojomo, Osa Odighizuwa, D.J. Reader, Keeanu Benton, Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown.
Tier 5 contains four upward movers. D.J. Reader and Keeanu Benton each gain one tier, while Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown each jump three.
Tommy Togiai
Tommy Togiai remains in Tier 5. His position is unchanged through Week 2.
Moro Ojomo
Moro Ojomo stays in Tier 5 with no movement. His current standing remains the same as the preseason ranking.
Osa Odighizuwa
Osa Odighizuwa also remains in Tier 5. His ability to create penetration from the interior keeps him in the middle of the board.
D.J. Reader
D.J. Reader has moved one tier up into Tier 5. His run-stopping strength remains one of the main reasons he continues to provide value inside.
Keeanu Benton
Keeanu Benton has also climbed one tier. His combination of power and developmental upside moves him into Tier 5.
Vernon Broughton
Vernon Broughton has surged three tiers into Tier 5. His rise is tied for one of the biggest moves in the Week 2 update.
Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown has also jumped three tiers into Tier 5. The move gives this group two players who have dramatically improved their standing.
Tier 6: The Most Movement on the Board
Tier 6 features Gervon Dexter Sr., Jalen Redmond, Grady Jarrett, Zach Sieler, David Onyemata, Kenny Clark and Calijah Kancey.
Tier 6 is the most active group in the ranking. Gervon Dexter Sr., Jalen Redmond and Grady Jarrett each move up one tier, Calijah Kancey gains two, while Zach Sieler drops two and Kenny Clark falls one.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
Gervon Dexter Sr. has climbed one tier into Tier 6. His size and developing ability to create interior disruption move him in a positive direction.
Jalen Redmond
Jalen Redmond has also moved one tier up. His early-season performance has been enough to improve his place on the board.
Grady Jarrett
Grady Jarrett has climbed one tier into Tier 6. His experience and quickness still allow him to create problems from the interior.
Zach Sieler
Zach Sieler has dropped two tiers into Tier 6, the largest downward movement in this Week 2 ranking.
Sieler remains a proven interior defender, but his current placement has fallen while several players around him have surged upward.
David Onyemata
David Onyemata remains in Tier 6 with no movement. His role as a veteran interior contributor keeps him in the same group.
Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark has fallen one tier into Tier 6. The move is smaller than Sieler’s decline but still pushes him lower than his previous placement.
Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey has climbed two tiers into Tier 6. His explosiveness gives him the type of interior pass-rush upside that can move him higher if the trend continues.
Tier 7: Interior Linemen Looking to Climb
Tier 7 features Harrison Phillips, Daron Payne, Tim Settle, Walter Nolen, Javon Hargrave, Tyleik Williams and Levi Drake Rodriguez.
Tier 7 includes two downward movers and two upward movers. Daron Payne and Tim Settle each fall one tier, while Tyleik Williams and Levi Drake Rodriguez move up one.
Harrison Phillips
Harrison Phillips remains in Tier 7. His position is unchanged through Week 2.
Daron Payne
Daron Payne has dropped one tier into Tier 7. His ranking has moved in the wrong direction early in the season.
Tim Settle
Tim Settle has also fallen one tier. He joins Payne as the other downward mover in the final group.
Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen remains in Tier 7 with no movement. His long-term upside remains interesting, but his current tier is unchanged.
Javon Hargrave
Javon Hargrave stays in Tier 7. There is no movement marker attached to his Week 2 position.
Tyleik Williams
Tyleik Williams has climbed one tier into Tier 7. He remains in the final group but is moving in a positive direction.
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Levi Drake Rodriguez has also moved one tier up. His early-season rise gives Tier 7 a second player trending upward.
Biggest Movers Through Week 2
Christian Barmore Climbs Three Tiers Into Tier 2
Christian Barmore makes the most important move near the top of the ranking. His three-tier jump puts him directly behind the five Tier 1 interior defenders.
A’Shawn Robinson, Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown Rise Three Tiers
A’Shawn Robinson, Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown also gain three tiers. Robinson reaches Tier 4, while Broughton and Brown move into Tier 5.
Calijah Kancey Moves Up Two Tiers
Calijah Kancey has climbed two tiers into Tier 6. He is the biggest riser in that group.
Zach Sieler Has the Largest Drop
Zach Sieler is the biggest downward mover through Week 2, falling two tiers into Tier 6.
Daron Payne, Tim Settle and Kenny Clark Fall One Tier
Kenny Clark drops one tier into Tier 6, while Daron Payne and Tim Settle each fall one tier into Tier 7.
Complete Interior D-Line Tier List Through Week 2
| Tier | Players |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter, Dexter Lawrence II |
| Tier 2 | Derrick Brown, Chris Jones, Cameron Heyward, Zach Allen, DeForest Buckner, Christian Barmore (up 3 tiers) |
| Tier 3 | Kobie Turner, Byron Murphy II, Jordan Davis, Vita Vea, Milton Williams, Travis Jones |
| Tier 4 | Ed Oliver, T’Vondre Sweat, Sheldon Rankins (up 1), John Franklin-Myers, Mason Graham, Alim McNeill, A’Shawn Robinson (up 3) |
| Tier 5 | Tommy Togiai, Moro Ojomo, Osa Odighizuwa, D.J. Reader (up 1), Keeanu Benton (up 1), Vernon Broughton (up 3), Bobby Brown (up 3) |
| Tier 6 | Gervon Dexter Sr. (up 1), Jalen Redmond (up 1), Grady Jarrett (up 1), Zach Sieler (down 2), David Onyemata, Kenny Clark (down 1), Calijah Kancey (up 2) |
| Tier 7 | Harrison Phillips, Daron Payne (down 1), Tim Settle (down 1), Walter Nolen, Javon Hargrave, Tyleik Williams (up 1), Levi Drake Rodriguez (up 1) |
FAQ
What do the green and red arrows mean?
A green arrow means an interior defensive lineman moved up from the previous ranking, while a red arrow means he moved down. The number inside the arrow shows how many tiers the player gained or lost.
Who moved up the most through Week 2?
Christian Barmore, A’Shawn Robinson, Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown made the largest jumps. Each player climbed three tiers.
Who moved down the most?
Zach Sieler had the largest decline, falling two tiers into Tier 6.
Did anyone move into or out of Tier 1?
No. Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence II all remain in Tier 1.
Is this an all-time interior defensive line ranking?
No. This ranking reflects where the NFL’s interior defensive linemen stand so far this season through Week 2.
Conclusion
The top of the interior defensive line ranking remains unchanged through Week 2, with Jeffery Simmons, Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence II still forming Tier 1. The biggest story is Christian Barmore’s three-tier jump into Tier 2, while A’Shawn Robinson, Vernon Broughton and Bobby Brown have also made major early moves.
With only two weeks reflected in the ranking, the middle and lower tiers should continue to change as the early sample grows.
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