There is a reason why "The Dark Side" became the alternate persona of the Seattle Seahawks' defense last season. Several years before, the "Legion of Boom" had that glory, and the likes of Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor represented that nickname in true fashion.Â
Today, a new crop of Seahawks defenders represents a new nickname, like Ernest Jones IV, Devon Witherspoon, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Leonard Williams, among others. Last season, the Seahawks' defense was virtually impenetrable, suffocating, and relentless at every position. Having only lost a few pieces in free agency, Seattle is essentially returning the same group in 2026.
To defend their title, the Seahawks defense will have to repeat everything they did right last year, if not better.
Ernest Jones will be one of the Seattle Seahawks' most valuable leaders and threatening stoppers
Already expected to be a top defense in the NFL, Seattle will rely on their elite pass rush and lockdown coverage to shut down quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Patrick Mahomes. The question is: who are Seattle's most important defenders going into next season, and where do they rank?
1. Devon Witherspoon, CB
The NFL's arguably best cornerback may not yet have a new deal with the Seahawks, but that doesn't change anything about how meaningful he is to them. In just four years, Witherspoon has elevated himself above most league cornerbacks, and one more season could solidify him as the best in the eyes of those who can't quite see it yet.
Anchoring the Seahawks' secondary, Witherspoon's impact is absolutely essential to the success of the Seattle defense. His ability to line up with the league's best wide receivers makes every opposing offense a little more cautious when throwing his side of the field. A new deal is eventually coming, but Witherspoon is certainly the Seahawks' most important player even without it.
2. Leonard Williams, DT
It's no surprise that Leonard Williams is widely regarded as the best defensive tackle in the league today. He is elite at his position and is without question one of the Seahawks' top five best players. He, along with his positional counterpart, Byron Murphy II, gives Seattle arguably the best defensive tackle tandem in the league.
Together, they dictate everything happening at the line of scrimmage, and Williams, being the longtime veteran he is, has been at it for years and continues to lead the league. The Seahawks will depend on Williams for another season to lead their defense.Â
3. Ernest Jones IV, LB
While many of the Seahawks were celebrating with their first Super Bowl ring this summer, Ernest Jones was celebrating his second. He won a ring with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 before making his way to their division rivals in Seattle. Some of Jones's best qualities come off the field, but his leadership and competitive spirit are on full display on the field too.Â
Jones is the elder statesman amongst a Seahawks linebacker crew filled with younger players. He's the natural leader of the group and one of Seattle's best defensive players. To keep Seattle's young linebacker core in sync, Jones is a necessity.Â
4. Byron Murphy II, DT
Byron Murphy is the other half of Seattle's elite defensive tackle unit alongside Williams, and just two full seasons into his NFL career, Murphy is already considered one of the best at his position. Murphy accounted for seven sacks last season, which was a significant jump from his 0.5 in his rookie season. Playing beside and learning from Williams is clearly doing a lot of good for Murphy.Â
Another season could really vault Murphy into Pro Bowl range, and within another year or two, All-Pro. He's simply that good, and he's a key piece of the Seahawks' defense that will be around for a long time. Provided there are no step-backs or setbacks in 2026, Seattle's defense will be anchored to Murphy on the line.Â
5. Nick Emmanwori, S
The Seahawks have a secret weapon in Nick Emmanwori; their elite X-factor and positionless threat when they want him to be. Emmanwori burst onto the scene last season with his ability to line up anywhere on the field. He's officially a safety, but can play cornerback, off-ball linebacker, and edge rusher.Â
Because of Emmanwori's Swiss Army knife capabilities, he's vital to the Seahawks' defense because most opponents' offenses don't know where he'll line up or which direction he's coming from if he's not standing in his traditional safety spot.
Emmanwori is the perfect shadow defender, and he's a lock for weekly pass breakups and quarterback pressures. In a few years, don't be surprised if Emmanwori is the Seahawks' No. 1 defensive player.
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