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The NFL’s defending champion Seattle Seahawks will begin their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions in just two months. While the team underwent significant changes this offseason, the defensive unit that powered its championship run remains intact. Now, one of its biggest stars has earned another major honor.
ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the league’s top 10 defensive tackles. For the first time in his career, Seahawks star Leonard Williams claimed the No. 1 spot.
MORE: Colts didn’t learn from last season’s collapse
“Williams had never previously cracked the top five since this project’s inception in 2020. But he has always been a major talent, and he has maximized his contributions over the past two years in Seattle coach Mike Macdonald’s defense.”
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Williams’ previous best finish in ESPN’s annual rankings was No. 8. Since arriving in Seattle, he has made an immediate impact on the Seahawks’ defense, becoming one of its most indispensable players. In fact, some around the league now struggle to imagine Seattle’s defense without him.
“He was the most important player on that Super Bowl team,” an anonymous NFL coordinator told ESPN. “He’s the total package.”
MORE: Vikings may have found a defensive gem in James Pierre’s bargain contract
Williams began his career with the New York Jets before landing in Seattle in 2023 after two trades. Over the course of his career, he has played in several defensive systems, but Seattle’s scheme has provided the best fit and support he has experienced.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) reacts after the sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Williams has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and now stands alone as the NFL’s top-ranked defensive tackle. One of the defining moments of his career came in 2024, when he returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown.
If you asked Williams about his greatest accomplishment, however, he’d likely point to winning Super Bowl LX. Now, the only question is whether he and the Seahawks can become one of the few teams to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2026.
Continue reading...
ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the league’s top 10 defensive tackles. For the first time in his career, Seahawks star Leonard Williams claimed the No. 1 spot.
MORE: Colts didn’t learn from last season’s collapse
“Williams had never previously cracked the top five since this project’s inception in 2020. But he has always been a major talent, and he has maximized his contributions over the past two years in Seattle coach Mike Macdonald’s defense.”
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Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Seattle’s King of DT
Williams’ previous best finish in ESPN’s annual rankings was No. 8. Since arriving in Seattle, he has made an immediate impact on the Seahawks’ defense, becoming one of its most indispensable players. In fact, some around the league now struggle to imagine Seattle’s defense without him.
“He was the most important player on that Super Bowl team,” an anonymous NFL coordinator told ESPN. “He’s the total package.”
MORE: Vikings may have found a defensive gem in James Pierre’s bargain contract
Williams began his career with the New York Jets before landing in Seattle in 2023 after two trades. Over the course of his career, he has played in several defensive systems, but Seattle’s scheme has provided the best fit and support he has experienced.
You must be registered for see images attach
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) reacts after the sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Williams has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and now stands alone as the NFL’s top-ranked defensive tackle. One of the defining moments of his career came in 2024, when he returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown.
If you asked Williams about his greatest accomplishment, however, he’d likely point to winning Super Bowl LX. Now, the only question is whether he and the Seahawks can become one of the few teams to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2026.
Continue reading...
