Chris Jones remains a powerhouse in the NFL, leading all interior defenders with 88 pressures in the 2024 season while achieving an impressive 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade, despite securing only seven sacks. His performance significantly contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs reaching a third consecutive AFC Championship. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Cameron Heyward stood out for the Pittsburgh Steelers with a remarkable 10 sacks and a career-high pass-rush grade of 85.9. Dexter Lawrence proved to be a key player for the New York Giants, earning high grades in both run-defense and pass-rush despite injuries.

Other notable defenders included Leonard Williams and Poona Ford, who made significant impacts for their teams, while veteran Calais Campbell, now 38, demonstrated remarkable endurance with top-tier run-defense metrics. The depth of talent among interior defenders is highlighted by the performances of DeForest Buckner and Michael Pierce, both of whom maintained solid grades despite facing injury setbacks. As we look towards the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the focus on these defenders underscores their importance in shaping the league.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt will miss the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games due to injury, marking the first time in his career he won't participate after being selected in every season since his rookie year. The announcement confirmed that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy will take his place. Watt, a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award, had an impressive season, recording 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and a league-high six forced fumbles among other stats. Despite his injuries at the season's end, both ankle and thumb are not considered serious, allowing him to focus on rehabilitation during the offseason.

Watt's continuous dominance has earned him seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, along with six All-Pro selections, showcasing his impact in the league. He was joined in the Pro Bowl roster by teammates Chris Boswell, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, while special teams player Mile Killebrew was named an alternative. While Watt takes time to recover, his extraordinary performance ensures he remains a key figure in Steelers' plans for the upcoming season.

The Tennessee Titans are recovering from a dismal 3-14 season, marking their first No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft since their Houston Oilers days. Despite the poor record, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has emerged as a standout. Ranked No. 66 among ESPN's Most Valuable Player candidates, Simmons is one of the top defensive tackles in the league, alongside Chris Jones and Leonard Williams. He had a career-high 76 tackles and five sacks during the season, contributing significantly to a defense that ranked second in yards allowed.

Moving forward, Simmons is poised to remain a cornerstone for the Titans' defense as the team embarks on a rebuilding phase under coordinator Dennard Wilson. With three years left on his contract, Simmons's presence will be crucial for the Titans, who are looking to bolster their defensive lineup this offseason. The Titans’ disappointing season should not overshadow Simmons's contributions, showcasing his value as they aim to bounce back.

The Houston Texans have waived receiver Diontae Johnson after a disappointing tenure following his acquisition to strengthen their receiving corps. Johnson's short stint included participation in just two games, where he managed a mere catch for 12 yards in the playoff win against the Chargers. His evident frustration in the locker room post-game signaled the end of his time with the team.

This marks a troubling trajectory for Johnson, who has been released by four teams in the last year. His tenure with the Steelers ended acrimoniously, featuring sideline disputes with head coach Mike Tomlin and altercations with teammates. His lack of effort was highlighted by an infamous moment where he disregarded a fumble during a game.

After being traded to the Panthers from Pittsburgh, where he expressed a desire for a fresh start, Johnson had minimal success in Carolina, catching just 30 passes. His subsequent move to the Baltimore Ravens was similarly unproductive, culminating in a suspension for refusing to enter a game. Despite hopes from the Texans, Johnson's frustrations continued, leading to his release.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical moment as they prepare for an upcoming wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, they enter the playoffs on a disappointing four-game losing streak. Coach Mike Tomlin, who has faced scrutiny due to the team's recent playoff failures, emphasizes that the past losses are not the current players' burdens to bear. However, with six Super Bowl titles under their belt, the franchise has not secured a playoff victory since 2016, which weighs heavily on both the team and its fans.

Owner Art Rooney II expressed urgency for the team to end the playoff drought in his end-of-season comments. The Steelers have shown potential with a young roster, including talents like Najee Harris and George Pickens, but recent performances have raised concerns. The team's defensive prowess has diminished, and the offense struggled significantly during the last stretch of the season. As they approach the playoffs, the Steelers must confront their historical challenges while striving for a resurgence.