Because of different defensive schemes, ranking defensive lines between teams is difficult. 4-3 teams have their edge rushers as part of the equation, while 3-4 defensive lines are considered all interior players.
Nonetheless, even with two 4-3 and two 3-4 teams in the NFC West, here is how the defensive lines stack up against one another in the division.
No. 4: Arizona Cardinals
Projected starters: Darius Philon, Corey Peters, Rodney Gunter
The Cardinals have solid, capable players but none of the three will completely fill a stat sheet, and that is by design. They hope to get contributions from rookie Zach Allen. Former first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche is still recovering from a late-season ACL tear.
No. 3: Seattle Seahawks
Projected lineup: Ezekiel Ansah, Jarran Reed, Poona Ford, Rasheem Green
Trading away Frank Clark makes this line much less scary, although if Ansah is healthy and rookie L.J. Collier can develop into a good pass rusher, they might get the same production in terms of numbers. Reed is a beast inside. Collier and Green will likely battle for the starting job at end, while Nazair Jones and Al Woods could play in place of Ford.
No. 2: San Francisco 49ers
Projected starters: Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Sheldon Day, Nick Bosa
In addition to these starters, they also have Dee Ford, giving them a very good pair of edge rushers, pairing him with No. 2 overall pick Bosa. Solomon Thomas comes off the bench. Buckner is great. Ford was great last year. Bosa could be great. This group could be No. 1 in a year.
No. 1: Los Angeles Rams
Projected starters: Michael Brockers, Greg Gaines/Sebastian Joseph-Day, Aaron Donald.
Being a 3-4 defensive line and coming in No. 1 is amazing, and that is while losing Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Donald is that good and Brockers is that solid that the three on this line elevates above all the rest.
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