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ESPN Names Leonard Williams #1 Defensive Tackle in 2026

7/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

ESPN’s 2026 defensive-tackle rankings place Leonard Williams of Seattle at No. 1.
Jeffery Simmons is No. 2 after 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and a $105.8 million deal.
Jalen Carter ranks No. 3 with three sacks, five tackles for loss and six passes defensed.
Chris Jones of Kansas City falls to No. 4 with seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the NFL’s salary cap jumped to $143.28 million, up from the $120 million set by the 2011 CBA. The increase let the Seattle Seahawks build a 70-sack defensive line and set a precedent that led interior linemen such as Aaron Donald to secure a $135 million, five-year deal in 2018. By 2026, players like Leonard Williams and Chris Jones illustrate the league’s continued focus on high-pay interior rushers.

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Story summary

ESPN’s 2026 defensive-tackle rankings place Leonard Williams of Seattle at No. 1.
Jeffery Simmons is No. 2 after 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and a $105.8 million deal.
Jalen Carter ranks No. 3 with three sacks, five tackles for loss and six passes defensed.
Chris Jones of Kansas City falls to No. 4 with seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

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