ESPN poll explains why NFL execs, coaches, and scouts think Chiefs' Chris Jones is in 'a class all by himself'
The Kansas City Chiefs have the best defensive tackle in the game right now. At least that's what numerous executives, coaches, and scouts said. Every season prior to training camp, ESPN surveys league executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 players at 11 positions. And on Tuesday, they released the the list for […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have the best defensive tackle in the game right now.
At least that's what numerous executives, coaches, and scouts said.
Every season prior to training camp, ESPN surveys league executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 players at 11 positions. And on Tuesday, they released the the list for defensive tackles.
Chris Jones took the top spot.
"His size and consistent dominant effort is just so hard to block," an NFL executive told ESPN. "He's such a mismatch because of how long and strong he is, and he can win from every spot — edge, over center, in the B gap."
Jones earned 80 percent of the first place votes this year after Aaron Donald retired. The former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle had the most first place votes over the past four years since ESPN began releasing these lists.
But now that he's retired, the choice for No. 1 was clear.
Jones finished the 2023 season with 30 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, and four passes defended.
"Jones ranks first in the 2024 field in pass rush win rate for defensive tackles (19.6%), and the 29 incompletions created by his pass rush ranked tied for second among defensive tackles," ESPN wrote. "Jones leads all defensive tackles with 35 sacks over the past three years."
Similar to Donald, Jones has spent his entire career with the Chiefs, having been selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, he has won three Super Bowl championships with Kansas City, along with being a two-time first-team All-Pro, a three-time second-team All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler.
Last year, Jones was second on the list, right behind Donald.
Here is the full 10 ten list:
- Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
- Quinnen Williams, New York Jets
- Dexter Lawrence II, New York Giants
- Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
- Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
- Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders
- Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers
- DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts
- Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers
- Javon Hargrave, San Francisco 49ers
Honorable Mentions
- Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders
- Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
- Daron Payne, Washington Commanders
- Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Christian Barmore, New England Patriots
Other players who received votes: Arik Armstead (Jacksonville Jaguars), Zach Sieler (Miami Dolphins), Ed Oliver (Buffalo Bills), Leonard Williams (Seattle Seahawks), Grady Jarrett (Atlanta Falcons), Dre'Mont Jones (Seattle Seahawks)
