It’s safe to say that Seattle Seahawks stars Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy are two of the best players at the defensive tackle position in the NFL.
CBS Sports released their top 10 rankings for every defensive position in the NFL on Thursday, and first ranked Williams No. 4 overall among all interior defensive linemen in the league.
”Williams has been an absolute steal for the Seahawks, who have had no shortage of them as part of their run to Super Bowl champs,” CBS Sports’ analysts said. “Acquired from the Giants for a third-rounder and a fifth-rounder, Williams has played at an All-Pro level the last two seasons.”
Williams earned an All-Pro nod last season as a second-team honoree. He recorded seven sacks on the year and was one of the most
technically sound and explosive players at the position.
Murphy was ranked No. 6 overall after having a breakout year in 2025.
“Murphy skyrocketed up these rankings after seven sacks (plus two more in the playoffs) in 2025,” CBS Sports’ analysts said. “The Seahawks combining two elite interior defensive linemen with a plethora of edge rushers was a huge reason they won the Super Bowl.”
Murphy recorded seven sacks last season, up from the 0.5 he recorded as a rookie in 2024. He also registered seven tackles for loss, up from the two he recorded as a rookie, as well as 13 quarterback hits, up from the one QB hit he logged in 2024, and was also strikingly good at getting after the quarterback all season long.
Williams and Murphy will both get the chance to make good on their rankings once the 2026 season commences.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks DTs Williams, Murphy crack Top 10 in CBS Sports IDL rankings
