NFC North iDL Rankings for 2025
Having examined all areas of the offense, including the QB, RB, WR, TE, and OL, it’s now time to turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball. We start with the NFC North DL rankings for the 2025 season.
VikingsTerritory gives you NFC North DL rankings for the 2025 season.
For the defensive line, I’m looking at interior players, nose tackles, defensive tackles, and defensive ends that play in an odd front. I will rank each team by the strength of their starters, as well as the depth behind them, for an area that often sees rotation. Edge Rushers will come in a separate category. This is an area where the North division doesn’t necessarily have the star power, but there are still some good players on display.
1. Detroit Lions
Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyleik Williams
The Lions play an even front with two starting interior defenders. It’s an area of the team that Detroit looked to continue to strengthen this offseason by drafting Tyleik Williams in the first round. On the back of this big signing of nose tackle DJ Reeder last year.
They already have in place Alim McNeil, who has arguably been the best defensive tackle in the division in recent seasons, and Levi Onwuzurike, a former second-round pick who provides excellent depth.
The Lions needed to improve in this area to take the next step, and if the rookie turns out to be a success, that could be the final step. McNeill has provided the Lions’ interior pass-rush with 8.5 sacks over the last two seasons while also being stout in run defense.
However, he is recovering from a torn ACL and looks unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. That would likely result in plenty of early work for Williams, with the success of the Lions’ rookie being pivotal to the beginning of their season.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Jalen Redmond, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
The interior of the defensive line was a problem for the Vikings last season, with nose tackle Harrison Phillips not having his best season and the interior pass rush being almost nonexistent. Minnesota moved to solve the latter with the big free agent signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both had down years last season, but still played at a level better than anything the Vikings have had recently.
If they can get back to their best with the strength the Vikings have on the edge, it will result in a formidable defensive front in Minnesota.
The Vikings will also hope that Phillips improves with a better supporting cast. Jalen Redmond was a bright spark last season as he enjoyed a breakthrough season as a solid run defender who also offers pass-rushing ability, and he will provide good depth alongside fifth-round rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Levi Drake-Rodriguez.
3. Chicago Bears
Gervon Dexter Sr, Grady Jarrett, Sam Billings, Shemar Turner
Gervon Dexter had five sacks last season as he developed into a good pass-rushing threat in his second season. The addition of Grady Jarrett via free agency gives them a solid veteran presence in the middle, as does Andrew Billings, although he is coming back from a torn pectoral muscle halfway through last season. The Bears boast a solid if unspectacular interior defensive line, with Dexter emerging as the star player.
Suppose second-round rookie Shemar Turner, who is renowned for his tenacity as well as his strength and quickness, can hit the ground running as a reliable rotational player. In that case, the Bears will have a strong unit. For now, they are only good enough for third place in this rankings list.
4. Green Bay Packers
Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden
Kenny Clark has been a good player on the interior for Green Bay, but entering his 10th season, there were signs of decline last year. He is partnered on the interior by Devonte Wyatt, who has been good in his first three seasons, though perhaps not hit the heights he could have. He has managed five sacks in the last two seasons, and as an explosive pass rusher, he has the power to be an excellent run stopper. Perhaps this is the year for him to take the next step and become an elite player?
That’s what the Packers need, especially as the depth behind the two starters doesn’t leave much to be excited about. If Green Bay has to call upon Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, or sixth-round rookie Warren Brindon too often, they could find themselves in trouble.
The Packers look likely to have to rely heavily on Wyatt for penetration from the middle, which is why they come in last place.
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