Three Seahawks defenders named No. 5 defensive trio by Sports Illustrated

June 8, 2026 - 05:04

The Seattle Seahawks have a defensive core that is getting national recognition. A recent ranking from Sports Illustrated placed three of the team's key players as the fifth-best defensive trio in the entire NFL heading into the upcoming season. The group consists of defensive lineman Leonard Williams, linebacker Ernest Jones IV, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Williams, who earned All-Pro honors last season, anchors the front line with his ability to disrupt both the run and the pass. Jones IV, acquired mid-season last year, quickly became the quarterback of the defense, providing stability and physicality at the linebacker spot. Witherspoon, a rising star in the secondary, has already proven himself as a shutdown corner with a knack for creating turnovers.

The ranking places this Seahawks trio ahead of many other notable defensive units across the league. It highlights a shift in Seattle's defensive identity, moving from the "Legion of Boom" era to a new, hard-hitting core. With these three players leading the way, the Seahawks defense is expected to be a major strength in their push for a playoff spot. The combination of veteran savvy and young explosiveness gives fans reason for optimism.