When it comes to discussions on positional value, following quarterback, you’ll often hear edge rusher be named the runner-up for most important position in the game. That’s for good reason. Pass rushers on the edges have the clearest avenue to the quarterback. As such, having a dominant DE to constantly harass the opposing signal-caller can lead to some key defensive stands. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the 10 best DEs of this last year, and see how they stack up against eachother.
10: Nik Bonitto
Sep 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) reacts after the game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Bonitto represents the new age of defensive ends. He’s twitchy, fluid and fast. Though he gets stopped every once in a while, most tackles have their hands full when dealing with him. On a defense with a heap of top-tier pass rushers, he ended the year leading the pack. He logged 14 sacks, 76 pressures and 14 TFLs, being a key piece on one of the NFL’s top three defenses.
9: Jared Verse
Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Though he didn’t light up the statsheet like in his rookie campaign, Jared Verse still made his presence known. He accumulated 80 pressures, and was a big part of the success in Los Angeles. Additionally, he was one of the best defensive ends against the run. Along with his 80 pressures, he marked a run-stop win-rate of 35 percent, putting him second among his peers.
8: Danielle Hunter
Nov 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) celebrates after the sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward (1) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
At the ripe old age of 31, Danielle Hunter still dominated his opposition. Hunter’s presence is a major contributing factor for Houston fielding the best defense in negative EPA per-play. Thanks to him, Will Anderson and his other rushmates had more opportunities than usual. That lessened workload goes both ways, and Hunter took advantage of his 1-on-1 opportunities, ending the season with 15 sacks and 83 pressures.
7: Maxx Crosby
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Las Vegas’ one man army had a lot on his plate this year. Often, he was the sole spark for the team, fueling his squad’s efforts towards a win. Though he was sidelined for the Raiders’ final two games of the year, he still ended the season ranking second among his peers in snap count. His numbers make that workload even more impressive, and it feels like he just doesn’t tire out. Along with his 53 pressures and 12 QB hits, he was particularly dominant against the run. He had the league’s best run stop win-rate, and 46 stops.
6: Brian Burns
Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) celebrates his sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (not pictured) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Prior to the tear that Myles Garrett went on, Brian Burns was the favorite to win DPOTY. While he didn’t achieve that mark, he was still one of the better EDGEs in the league. He totaled career highs in sacks, QB hits and TFLs. Heading into next season, with improved coaching and a better-developed Abdul Carter, Burns will look to continue his elite play.
5: Josh Hines-Allen
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Brandon Allen (not pictured) during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
It’s hard to fully express how important Josh Hines-Allen is to Jacksonville’s defensive success. Granted, Travon Walker has bloomed into a very capable defensive end in his own right, and works as a great number two. However, when Hines-Allen isn’t getting pressure, usually no one else is. Despite being constantly double and triple-teamed, he’s still able to affect the quarterback. His 95 total pressures put him second in the league, and his 21 QB hits put him at number one.
4: Aidan Hutchinson
Nov 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Thanks to Al-Quadin Muhammed’s presence easing his workload, Aidan Hutchinson was able to make a great comeback following his broken tibia and fibula. He was top 10 across the board in almost every pass-rush stat. He was first in pressures, third in QB hits, hurries, and sacks, while also logging 35 stops.
3: Micah Parsons
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates following a sack during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The loss of Micah Parsons debatably derailed the seasons of two separate franchises. While the Cowboys defense plummeted to the bottom rankings after they traded away Parsons, the Packers didn’t fare well either when he tore his ACL against Denver. Parsons became the piece for Green Bay that seemed to take them to the next level. Along with solid pressure from the inside, Parsons constantly beat his blockers and terrorized opposing QBs. Now, he’ll eye a week 1 return as he continues to rehab.
2: Will Anderson Jr.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field after defeating the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The swarm in Houston is filled to the brim with killers. So, knowing that Will Anderson stands atop the rest should tell you all you need to know about his capabilities. Though he ranked 27th among all edges in snap count, he still logged 93 pressures, 70 hurries and 13 sacks. Furthermore, he’s a top threat against the run as well, finishing the year with 20 TFLs.
1: Myles Garrett
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Garrett is probably not only the best edge rusher, but also the best player in the entire league. Breaking a near 25 year old record will get you that title. Garrett is the gold standard at his position. His alien athleticism paired with his football IQ makes him one of the most feared player in the entire game. There’s no debate about it, he stands alone as the best at his position.
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