​Want a little respect for Seattle Seahawks players? This should lift your spirits—at least for now. Leonard Williams joined Seattle in the middle of the 2023 season after leaving the New York Giants. While Seattle’s defense was faltering late in the Pete Carroll era, Williams stood out as one of the few bright spots. Under Mike Macdonald, Williams has delivered two of the best seasons of his career, earning second-team All-Pro honors last year and earning consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, Williams’s dominance has drawn the league’s attention. In ESPN’s annual survey of front-office executives, coaches, and scouts, Williams was ranked as the best interior defensive lineman in football. Yes, number one. “He was the most important player on that Super Bowl team,” one NFL coordinator said. “He’s the total package.” Williams logged 7.0 sacks and a 38.0% run-stop win rate, cementing his status with second-team All-Pro honors. Standing 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, his versatility forces offensive linemen to contend with him no matter the position.
“You can line him up in front of the right tackle, the right guard, the center, the left guard, or the left tackle—he can beat them all,” a veteran NFC defensive coach noted. “He’s always had game-changing ability, and he’s putting it all together now. And those around him are making plays because of it too.” Over the past three seasons, Williams has compiled 120 run-stop wins when double-teamed, tied for the most in the NFL. He recorded 24 tackles on pass plays in 2025, six more than any other interior lineman. Last year, he ranked sixth in the league overall. His impact on Seattle’s defense hasn’t gone unnoticed, and when you consider he’s ranked above standout peers like Jeffrey Simmons, Jalen Carter, Chris Jones, and Dexter Lawrence, it underscores just how special a player he is — and that he shows no signs of slowing down.
Williams is entering the final year of his contract, and it would be fitting to see him remain with the Seahawks a bit longer. Now, turning to Byron Murphy II: he didn’t crack the top 10 but did receive an honorable mention. That nod suggests he’s on the cusp of recognition, with a veteran defensive coach noting, “He’s so explosive. Teams double him, and he can break through it.” The push begins now for Murphy’s inclusion in next year’s rankings.
For better SEO, this recap highlights Williams’s dominance, his award-winning performance, and the lingering question of his future with Seattle, while also noting Murphy’s near-miss and the ongoing debate about top interior defensive linemen in the league.