Dexter Lawrence II, Chris Jones, Carter Lead Top 10 DT Rankings by NFL Coaches, Execs

New York Giants star Dexter Lawrence climbed to the top of the annual defensive tackle rankings from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Lawrence, who ranked third in 2024, moved ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones in the eyes of coaches, executives and scouts around the NFL.

The Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Carter climbed to third after taking a big leap forward on the field.

ESPN Defensive Tackle Rankings

1. Dexter Lawrence II, New York Giants

2. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

3. Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

4. Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans

5. Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

6. Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks

7. Nnamdi Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens

8. DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts

9. Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10. Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

Lawrence had a career-high nine sacks and eight tackles for loss in just 12 starts for New York. He was a Pro Bowler for the third straight year.

Fowler spoke to one personnel director who thought the 27-year-old was even worthy of the Defensive Player of the Year.

"He's a true zero-technique nose who can occupy doubles and neutralize the run game," the exec said. "I think he took his pass rush to a different level, and I think he would have had double-digit sacks if (Brian) Burns and (Kayvon) Thibodeaux stayed healthy. A true three-down game wrecker who needs attention every single snap."

Jones, meanwhile, continued to perform at an elite level and earned a third straight All-Pro nod.

The fact that he had just five sacks, his lowest since 2016, obscures how much pressure he put on the quarterback. The Chiefs star ranked first among interior defenders in pass-rush win rate, per ESPN.com.

Nobody will be too shocked if Carter winds up overtaking both Lawrence and Jones when Fowler canvasses his sources for the 2026 DT rankings.

The Eagles defender had 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

It's tough to single out any one player from a unit that allowed the fewest yards (278.4 per game) and suffocated Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. Carter was at least a standout performer from a loaded group.

"Young player with elite tools, elite instincts and game-changing play ability," one coach told Fowler. "Think the best is yet to come from him if he can keep his life in order. Has Hall of Fame-type ability and instincts."

The 2025 season might be when Carter asserts himself as the best at the position.