NFC North iDL Rankings for 2026
Having examined all areas of the offense, including the QB, RB, WR, TE, and OL positions. I now turn my attention to the defensive side of the ball, starting with the NFC North DL rankings for the 2026 season.
When it comes to the defensive line, teams can set up in a couple of different ways, and we see that inside the NFC North, where the Vikings and Packers often use a 3-4 base, whereas the Lions and Bears prefer the 4-3 base. When evaluating interior defensive line players for these rankings, I consider nose tackles and defensive tackles in even fronts, as well as defensive ends who play in odd fronts.
Detroit Sets the Standard as Minnesota Closes In
Much like last season, this is a position group that doesn’t have the star power we see in other areas of the division, but there are some good players playing pivotal roles in their teams’ defenses.
1. Detroit Lions
Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Jay Tufele
I’m giving the nod to the Lions here despite a disappointing season last time out. A return of Levi Onwuzurike, who missed all of last season after surgery on an ACL injury suffered in 2024, would be a big boost. Tyleik Williams was the Lions’ first-round pick in 2025, and although he had a decent first season, they will be hoping for more from him in Year 2.
His standout stat from 2025 was four passes defensed, showing that he can get into throwing lanes and make a play once the ball is in the air, but Detroit needs to see more on the ground in terms of sacks and tackles for loss. Alim McNeill gives them a solid veteran presence while Jay Tufele rounds out the depth.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Levi Drake-Rodriguez
Minnesota made a couple of big splashes in free agency last season, signing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. It didn’t quite work out as planned, and both men left after just one season with the Vikings. This year, the team has taken the opposite approach, drafting two big defensive linemen in the first two days of the draft.
Caleb Banks was the team’s first-round pick, an intriguing talent that possesses great explosiveness to his game but has been hampered by injuries. Then, big-nosed tackle Domonique Orange was selected in the third round to double down on adding some beef to the trenches.
Jalen Redmond has been one of the great stories for the Vikings over the last couple of years. An undrafted rookie who found himself out of the league and playing in the XFL. Redmond found his way back to the league with the Vikings and has become one of Minnesota’s best players. Levi Drake-Rodriguez provides the depth. How good this group is will be determined by how quickly the two rookies can acclimatize to the pro ranks.
3. Green Bay Packers
Devonte Wyatt, Chris McClellan, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks
Devonte Wyatt has shown flashes of the disruptive ability that made him a first-round pick for the Packers in 2022, but he hasn’t been consistent enough. With his first big contract on the line, he needs to step it up this year. Hargrave made the move from Minnesota to Green Bay this offseason.
We saw last season he’s not the player he once was, but he’s still more than capable of contributing to a good standard. Explosive round rookie Chris McClellan is an interesting addition to the group with the potential to make a big difference. Karl Brooks gives them some reasonable depth at the position.
4. Chicago Bears
Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street
This is a problem area for the Bears, with a serious lack of talent in stopping the run and rushing the passer. The defensive line has struggled to control the line of scrimmage, allowing high rushing totals and yards after contact.
Gervon Dexter has shown glimpses of his pass-rush ability, but not enough to outweigh his poor run defense. Neville Gallimore signed in free agency after a decent season in Indianapolis and will help to a degree. Kentavius Street was also signed to give the team more depth, but his best football was a few years ago now.
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