Overview

• Baltimore takes the top spot on the strength of a second year under coordinator Zach Orr, a revamped secondary featuring Jaire Alexander and rookie Malaki Starks, and front‑seven depth with Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Madubuike.
• Philadelphia lands at No. 2 after retaining core defenders and Vic Fangio, with the lone question centered on the outside cornerback battle involving Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett and Adoree Jackson as Cooper DeJean profiles best in the slot.
• Denver sits third with a highly graded defensive line (DJ Jones, Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers plus edge depth) and Patrick Surtain II leading the secondary, though the outlook hinges on recoveries for Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga.
• The analysis flags that defensive results swing year to year, so continuity and sustainable pass rush or coverage are weighted more heavily than turnover totals.
• Rounding out the top seven: Texans at No. 4 behind Demeco Ryans with an edge duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.; Seahawks at No. 5 after a strong finish under Mike Macdonald but with second‑level concerns; Vikings at No. 6 with Brian Flores and aging‑health questions; Cardinals at No. 7 after adding size up front for Nick Rallis and Johnathan Gannon.