On the latest episode of Yahoo Sports' "Football 301," host Nate Tice and guest Diante Lee of The Ringer set out to answer an offseason debate: which defenders are set to define the 2026 NFL season?
Tice and Lee drafted their top picks for a one-year, all-defensive draft, ranking their selections by a blend of advanced stats, positional value and the all-important "culture-setter" factor. Here's a recap of their consensus top-five defenders and some of the reasoning behind their choices.
These five defenders were highlighted not just for their raw production, but also their ability to transform schemes, elevate teammates, and serve as centerpieces for Super Bowl-caliber units. According to Tice and Lee, expect them to be the most influential defensive forces of the 2026 season.
1. Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans, EDGE
For Lee, the top pick had to be Anderson, the Texans' superstar edge rusher. Lee praised Anderson's "explosion in sack production," pointing to his 12 sacks last season and his dominance as a run defender, which Lee argued was the best at his position league-wide.
Advanced stats back it up: Anderson posted a 97th percentile sack rate and an equally elite QB hit rate. His relentless style sets the tone for the Texans' defense, transforming what it means to play defensive end in Houston.
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2. Myles Garrett, Los Angeles Rams, EDGE
Tice followed up by selecting Garrett, now a key piece on the Rams. The panel described Garrett as "one of the true best players in football" and "one of the best players I've ever seen in my life"
Garrett's transition to L.A. is a potential game-changer, reminiscent of era-defining player moves like Randy Moss to the Patriots and Reggie White to the Packers . Garrett's ability to disrupt both run and pass sets him apart, and Lee suggested that L.A.'s infrastructure could unlock his very best season yet.
3. Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers, EDGE
Lee emphasized Parsons' "transformational" traits, his perennial 2%+ sack rate and his ability to single-handedly elevate the run and pass defense. Parsons' on-off splits, where Green Bay's defense plummets in his absence, drive home just how rare his impact can be.
The consensus: if he's healthy, few defenders can change a game like Parsons.
4. Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos, CB
Surtain is described as "one of the best corners I've ever watched" and "the prototype" at the position, thanks to a rare blend of size, speed, quickness and football IQ. Both hosts compared Surtain's effect to Darrelle Revis: eliminate half the field, force quarterbacks to look elsewhere and anchor any coverage shell.
5. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs, DT
Rounding out the top five is Jones, a true game-wrecker. Lee couldn't leave Jones off his board, citing his penchant for taking over games, especially in critical moments like the second half vs. Indianapolis last year.
While Jones "picks and chooses his spots," when he's engaged, he's simply "unblockable." His presence fundamentally redefines what offenses are able to do, even if the box sheet doesn't always show a 10-tackle, 3-sack stat line.
For more on the NFL, listen to "Football 301" wherever you get your podcasts.