Top 10 Defensive Players in 2024: Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt Lead the Pack

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has unveiled his annual Top 100 NFL players list, highlighting the league’s elite talent. This year, four defensive players made it into the top 10, all of whom are standout pass rushers. Here are the top 10 defensive players heading into the 2024 season:

1. Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
   • Garrett clinched the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award with 14 sacks and led the league in pressures. He is a game-changer who must be accounted for on every play. (Overall ranking: No. 2)
2. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
   • Leading the NFL with 19 sacks last season, Watt proved his dominance once again after an injury-shortened 2022. (Overall ranking: No. 5)
3. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
   • With 40.5 sacks over three seasons, Parsons has established himself as one of the best pass rushers, particularly effective off the edge. (Overall ranking: No. 9)
4. Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
   • Although his sack total dropped to 10.5 last season, Bosa remains a formidable force on the defensive line. (Overall ranking: No. 10)
5. Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
   • Crosby’s 14.5 sacks and league-leading pressures make him a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. (Overall ranking: No. 11)
6. Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
   • Gardner followed up an impressive rookie season with another stellar year, proving tough for receivers to beat. (Overall ranking: No. 12)
7. Chris Jones, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
   • Jones was pivotal in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run, dominating both inside and outside on the defensive line. (Overall ranking: No. 14)
8. Dexter Lawrence, DT, New York Giants
   • A powerful presence in the middle, Lawrence excels in both run defense and as a pass rusher. (Overall ranking: No. 19)
9. Fred Warner, MLB, San Francisco 49ers
   • Warner is the best inside linebacker in the game, excelling in coverage and against the run. (Overall ranking: No. 22)
10. Josh Allen, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Allen’s breakout 17.5 sack season earned him a significant contract extension, solidifying his status as a top-tier pass rusher. (Overall ranking: No. 23)

These players are set to dominate on the defensive side of the ball in the 2024 NFL season, showcasing their exceptional skills and impact on the field.