​Every year, just as training camps approach, ESPN drops its “best of” feature, this time focusing on positional rankings for defensive tackles and edge rushers. The voters aren’t fans, players, or coaches in the traditional sense; they are head coaches, national scouts, and team front-office executives. This week marked the release of the seventh edition of these annual rankings, this time centered on the defensive tackle and edge rusher positions. The scope of the list is expansive and deliberately practical, since it relies on input from the same people who shape rosters, negotiate contracts, and evaluate these players before they ever reach the field. More than 70 voters submitted ballots to declare their top 10 players at each position, after which ESPN calculated a composite average to rank the players.
Note that this isn’t a projection-based mock draft or potential-prediction list; it reflects who is the best at their position at this moment in time. ESPN presents the results in a Top-10, followed by Honorable Mention, and then a section for players who received consideration but did not crack the top tier.
So, which Cardinals players earned recognition on these lists, and which NFC West standouts made the cut? The results show no Cardinal representatives on either the defensive tackle or edge rusher lists. The absence underscores ongoing concerns about the Cardinals’ ability to stop the run and to disrupt opposing backfields consistently.
Where does Josh Sweat fit in? Listed as an edge rusher who lines up pre-snap off the corner, Sweat is categorized as an outside linebacker in some listings. This echoes a historical pattern with players like Lawrence Taylor, who didn’t drop into coverage but specialized in rushing the passer; many observers feel EDGE is a more accurate label for Sweat’s role. The linebacker rankings, which will be released later in the week, should shed more light on this labeling and placement.
Walter Nolen didn’t receive any votes in the DT category. While he has flashed potential, health has complicated his trajectory. In high school and college, he was durable; in the NFL, injuries have kept him off the field. It’s not necessarily his fault, but it’s a factor voters weigh when considering who to place on their top lists. If he can stay healthy and on the field, Nolen has the talent to be a force on defense. For now, voters appear wary of players with recurring injuries or limited availability, so his status remains tentative.
Beyond these discussions, no other Cardinals defenders were included in the vote. By contrast, the Pittsburgh Steelers were well represented in the process, with three defensive players listed, reflecting the Steelers’ perennial reputation for stout defense. The contrast between teams in the NFC West highlights broader questions about talent distribution and development across the division, and it underscores the ongoing debate about how quickly the Cardinals can close the gap with their divisional rivals.
For SEO clarity, it’s notable that every team in the NFC West has been mentioned at least once in connection with these rankings, which helps capture interest from readers following the division’s competitive dynamics. The broader takeaway is that ESPN’s annual exercise remains a useful barometer for evaluating current impression and perceived upside at critical upfront positions, while also illustrating where teams like the Cardinals still face challenges in their defensive fronts.