PFF Ranks NFL Defensive Lines Highlighting Jaguars, Colts, Bears Variance

Pro Football Focus (PFF) provided grades for several NFL defensive position groups ahead of the 2025 season, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who recently bolstered their defensive end depth with veterans Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot, and Dennis Gardeck, rely on leaders Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but PFF grades suggest the overall unit lacked depth and consistency last season. Similarly, the Indianapolis Colts' defensive ends had a challenging 2024, ranking low in pressure and sacks, though new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's aggressive scheme is expected to enhance their performance. The Jaguars' interior defensive line retained confidence in players like Arik Armstead, who moved inside and showed promise with 36 pressures and two sacks, while rookie Maason Smith’s development is seen as crucial. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears' linebackers were surprisingly ranked 14th by PFF despite underwhelming performances from high-profile signings Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, who both struggled last season but may benefit from a new, more aggressive defensive scheme under coordinator Dennis Allen. Overall, while PFF grades reveal some underperformance in key defensive roles across these teams, coaching changes and offseason acquisitions aim to address these challenges in 2025.