Interior defenders have evolved over the years, going from mostly run-stopping players to guys who can truly rush the passer and disrupt quarterbacks. Granted, there are different roles for different players, but interior rushers like Aaron Donald have become the prototypes on the inside.
The NFC West has several quality interior defenders, led by none other than Donald. Here’s how we ranked the six best in the division.
1. Aaron Donald, Rams
There was no question which player would earn the No. 1 spot on this list. Donald is arguably the best defender in the NFL regardless of position, so this was an easy choice. His 20.5 sacks and 106 pressures led the NFL last season, setting the single-season sack record by a defensive tackle, as well.
Donald is a generational talent and a true game-wrecker on the interior, consistently disrupting offenses both in the passing game and on the ground. Without him, the Rams defense would look vastly different. Enough cannot be said about his impact on the game and the job he does for Los Angeles.
2. DeForest Buckner, 49ers
Buckner is somewhat underrated, partly because of all the assets the 49ers have sunk into the defensive line in recent years. He had 12 sacks last season to go along with 20 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for loss, breaking out in a big way as a Pro Bowler. He hardly ever comes off the field, either, playing 79 percent of the defensive snaps last year – second most on the 49ers.
Buckner isn’t as disruptive as Donald, but he’s on the second tier of interior defenders in the NFL right now. He deserves far more recognition than he gets, and he should garner more attention if he continues to play the way he did last season. Buckner is not someone any offensive lineman wants to face.
3. Arik Armstead, 49ers
Armstead couldn’t stay on the field in 2016 and ’17, playing only 14 total games in those two years. He was a full-time starter for the first time in 2018 and put together a respectable year. He finished with three sacks, 48 tackles and 12 quarterback hits, stepping up in a big way despite playing somewhat out of position at defensive end.
This season, he’ll be back at defensive tackle with Nick Bosa and Dee Ford bookending the line. The duo of Armstead and Buckner on the interior is a terrifying one for opposing offensive linemen and with the talent across the defensive line that San Francisco has, Armstead should have his best season yet.
4. Poona Ford, Seahawks
Ford, an undrafted free agent in 2018, played 11 games and started one last season. He wasn’t the biggest contributor, but he still had a great rookie year. His 90.3 overall grade was the best of any defensive rookie last season despite being limited to only 231 snaps.
Ford is expected to be a starter in 2019 on a rebuild defensive line in Seattle. There are high hopes for the second-year player as his role grows up front.
5. Michael Brockers, Rams
Brockers has been a cog on the Rams’ defensive line since he was drafted in 2012, and despite never being a Pro Bowler or a standout player, he’s consistent and reliable. Unfortunately, his play has declined a bit in the last couple of years with the Rams transitioning to a 3-4 defense. He’s a more natural fit at 1-technique in a 4-3 scheme, but he’s made the most of his chances at defensive end.
He’ll never be a double-digit sack player or a dominant pass rusher, but Brockers is still productive as a run defender.
6. Darius Philon, Cardinals
Philon made 13 starts for the Chargers last season after posting a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2017 as a part-time player. He followed it up with four sacks last season and almost identical stats to the ones he had in 2017: 33 tackles, nine quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss. He also forced one fumble.
Now with the Cardinals, Philon will get the chance to start again at defensive tackle, playing at 3-technique in Vance Joseph’s scheme. He could have a breakout year in the NFC West.
