2024 best NFL pass rushers include standout talents like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. As the new season approaches, players are eager to establish their dominance on the field. The FOX Sports NFL Staff has meticulously compiled its position rankings, shedding light on the elite performers in the league.
Having already ranked off-ball linebackers and cornerbacks, the focus now shifts to one of the most critical roles on defense: pass rushers. The NFL staff has identified the top 10 pass rushers heading into the 2024 season, employing a scoring system where a first-place vote earns 10 points, decreasing to a single point for the 10th position. The total scores were then tallied to finalize the rankings.
The rankings will continue to evolve as the season nears, highlighting the best players across various positions. Here are the premier pass rushers for 2024.
2024 Top NFL Pass Rushers
1. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Henry McKenna: “Myles is the best defensive end in football,” stated Joel Bitonio, who has experience playing both guard and tackle for the Browns.
“Myles is an alien,” remarked Browns defensive tackle Mo Hurst, emphasizing his extraordinary skills on the field.
2023 rank: 3 (+2)
2. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
McKenna: Leading the NFL in sacks, Watt took down quarterbacks 19 times last season. Remarkably, this total is not even his career-high, as he recorded 22.5 sacks in 2021. In 2023, he also tied his career-best with 68 tackles, showcasing his dual threat.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow noted, “There’s no other defensive lineman that I have to treat like a DB [defensive back]. You have to be very alert for him in the pass game, which is very unique.”
2023 rank: 4 (+2)
3. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders
2023 rank: 5 (+2)
4. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
2023 rank: 2 (-2)
5. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
Williams: As the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, Bosa is pivotal to San Francisco’s strong pass rush. Although he recorded 10.5 sacks in 2023, his lowest in three seasons, he still pressured quarterbacks effectively, generating 91 pressures, ranking third in the NFL.
Bosa’s full participation in the offseason and training camp this year is expected to help him start strong in 2024.
2023 rank: 1 (-4)
6. Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ben Arthur: Had the Jaguars maintained their performance last season, Hines-Allen would have been in the conversation for AP Defensive Player of the Year. He signed a five-year, $141.2 million extension in April, the largest in Jacksonville’s history prior to Trevor Lawrence’s deal.
A former No. 7 overall pick in 2019, Hines-Allen is regarded as a complete edge rusher. With a new defensive coordinator in Ryan Nielsen and an emerging Travon Walker, he is set to elevate his game in 2024.
2023 rank: unranked
7. Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans
Arthur: Hunter has been a dominant force in the NFL but has often gone unnoticed. Joining his hometown team, the Texans, he comes off a career-high 16.5 sacks with the Minnesota Vikings. He will now team up with Will Anderson Jr., the reigning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, enhancing Houston’s pass rush.
With 62 sacks since 2018, he ranks fifth in the league during that span, and he led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss in 2023.
2023 rank: 10 (+3)
8. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 rank: unranked
9. Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
Carmen Vitali: The Lions have focused on strengthening their defense, particularly after struggling with injuries in the secondary. Despite limited support, Hutchinson has excelled, ranking fifth in pressures among qualified pass rushers with 83 and recording 11.5 sacks last season.
With 21 sacks in his first two seasons, Hutchinson has proven to be a formidable pass rusher.
2023 rank: unranked
T-10. Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Vitali: While Mack may not be the player he was during his breakout season with the Bears in 2015, he remains a key asset for the Chargers. Last season, he recorded 17 sacks, despite struggling with injuries to fellow defensive lineman Joey Bosa.
At 33 years old, Mack continues to anchor Los Angeles’ defense, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
2023 rank: unranked
T-10. Haason Reddick, New York Jets
Vacchiano: Reddick’s impressive production speaks volumes. With 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons, he ranks fourth in the NFL, while his 27 sacks in the past two seasons put him in third place. Known for his speed and pass-rushing skills, he can pressure quarterbacks when not double-teamed.
Despite some struggles in coverage, he has been effective against the run, making him a valuable three-down player.
Honorable Mentions:
Matthew Judon, Atlanta Falcons
Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
2024 NFL Positional Rankings
The rankings were compiled by:
Ben Arthur (@benyarthur)
Greg Auman (@gregauman)
David Helman (@davidhelman_)
Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis)
Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams)
Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)
Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV)
