Sportsnaut
Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league to determine the best defenses in the NFL. Following free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, let’s dive into our latest rankings for 2025 with evaluations on all 32 teams entering the summer.
The Denver Broncos have the best NFL defense right now. A unit that allowed the sixth-lowest average QB rating (86.2) and led the NFL in Dropback EPA (-0.061) got even better this offseason with the additions of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanaoa Hufanga and first-round defensive back Jahdae Barron. Denver now has the unquestioned best secondary in the NFL, which will likely finish as the best pass defense in football this fall. The few needs Denver entered the offseason with – linebacker, safety and nickel – were addressed perfectly and there was no doubt which unit belonged at the No. 1 spot after the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans rightfully spent the majority of their top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the offense. That’s what happens when you have a defensive mastermind like Demeco Ryans as head coach and retain a majority of the starters from a unit that ranked fourth in Success Rate allowed (40.6 percent). Houston achieved a lot of that success even with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward injured. The Texans also added depth behind standout edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr, signing Darrell Taylor. Between a dominant pass rush – first in ESPN pass-rush win rate in 2024 (49%) – and an elite secondary led by Dere Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, this should be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.
Related: NFL power rankings 2025, evaluating all 32 teams
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman reloaded this defense after some key offseason departures. While Josh Sweat is gone, Philadelphia added pass-rushing depth thanks to the signings of Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche to pair with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith. Meanwhile, Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson will have a shot to replace Darius Slay. Even the primary concern we had with this Eagles’ defense – the Nakobe Dean injury – was addressed by Jihaad Campbell falling into the Eagles’ laps in Round 1. If Campbell can stay healthy, Philadelphia has another version of Zack Baun. On top of all this, the team will be heading into its second season under Vic Fangio and his success speaks for itself.
The Baltimore Ravens fielded a top-five defense in 2024 after benching Marcus Williams. There’s reason to believe this unit can be even better in 2025. Williams is being replaced by Malaki Starks, a first-round steal whose instincts and ball skills at safety fit perfectly in this secondary. Baltimore also strengthened its pass rush, using a second-round pick on Mike Green after the top-20 talent fell due to multiple sexual assault allegations. We’re also excited to see how secondary coach Chuck...
