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Super Bowl LIX Proved the Importance of Interior Pass Rush
For years, the NFL Draft has prioritized positions like quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback as "premium" positions, and for good reason. However, Super Bowl LIX was a masterclass in why interior defensive linemen should be in that conversation. The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 victory, and they did it without relying on the blitz. Instead, they suffocated Patrick Mahomes with a relentless four-man rush, sacking him six times and forcing three turnovers.
At the heart of their defensive game plan was elite interior pressure. Jalen Carter may not have filled the stat sheet, but his ability to collapse the pocket, eat double teams, and create opportunities for edge rushers was pivotal. His presence allowed a player like Josh Sweat to register 2.5 sacks and pressure Mahomes a staggering eight times. The Eagles generated 16 total pressures, and Mahomes took an average of 3.69 seconds to throw—the third-longest time of his career—because he was constantly flushed from his spot.
Building an Elite Defensive Front Starts on the Inside
NFL media has extensively covered the rise of two-high safety schemes, which have led to a resurgence in running back usage. However, the teams that execute this defensive style most effectively have one common trait—dominant interior defensive linemen. These players not only stop the run but also collapse the pocket and create one-on-one opportunities for edge rushers to win outside.
Milton Williams, another key interior force for Philadelphia, had a breakout performance in Super Bowl LIX. Alongside Carter and Jordan Davis, Williams wreaked havoc, finishing with two sacks and consistently disrupting the Chiefs' offensive rhythm. The Eagles' defensive line rotation kept their front fresh for four quarters, proving that a deep and talented interior line is one of the most valuable assets a team can have.
The 2025 NFL Draft Features a Historic IDL Class
The Eagles’ Super Bowl performance should force NFL front offices to rethink how they value interior defensive linemen. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL Draft features one of the deepest IDL classes in recent history. Leading the way is Michigan’s Mason Graham, who is the No. 1 overall prospect on my board. His teammate Kenneth Grant is a top-15 talent, and Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen is another potential top-20 pick.
Beyond the top names, Derrick Harmon (Oregon) and Joshua Farmer (Florida State) are also in my top 50, further illustrating this class’s depth. In total, I have 17 interior defensive linemen with draftable grades out of 139 total players scouted. With this level of talent available, NFL teams would be wise to double-dip at the position or pair an elite IDL with a top-tier edge rusher.
Why The Titans Should Consider Mason Graham at No. 1 Overall
Many draft analysts view quarterback as the top priority for the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 pick, but I argued on X that they should strongly consider Mason Graham. Pairing him with Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat would create an elite interior rotation capable of dominating for years. While some pushed back on this idea, Philadelphia’s success in 2024 proves that investing heavily in the trenches pays massive dividends.
The Eagles, led by Howie Roseman, built their Super Bowl-winning defense by stacking talent on the defensive front. Their ability to rotate fresh pass rushers while maintaining high-level trench play was the deciding factor in their Super Bowl LIX victory. If NFL teams want to follow their blueprint, prioritizing interior defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft is a must.