In a stunner from ESPN, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is "no longer in a class by himself."
The interior lineman has been widely regarded as one of the NFL's most dominant game-wreckers in recent years. He typically sees himself at the top of any position ranking ... and while he still remains one of the best in the league, he has been overtaken for the top spot in the latest list.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler ranks Jones as the second-best defensive tackle in the league after ranking first at the position in last year's annual list. Jones sits only behind the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence II.
"After dominating the voting in 2024, Jones looked poised for an Aaron Donald-type run in the rankings," Fowler said about the survey that questioned league executives, coaches and scouts.
"This year, he split votes with Lawrence -- and, to a lesser degree, Jalen Carter -- in a close race. Jones is still tracking for the Hall of Fame, one of the very best interior rushers of the past decade."
Lawrence received the crown after adding nine sacks to his already stellar run-stopping prowess. He also did so while facing a league-high 75-percent double-team rate on the inside. He rises to the top after ranking third in this poll last offseason.
Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles saw a meteoric rise to No. 3 on the ranking after he was merely named an honorable mention in 2024. Another regular mainstay in the rankings since he came into the league, Carter took some votes away from Jones this season after a disruptive year that led to a Super Bowl victory for the Eagles.
Speaking of Super Bowls, Jones has some experience on that stage as well. One scout said that Jones' awareness of important moments has helped him be a reliable veteran on great teams throughout this dynasty in Kansas City.
"When it comes to the ability to overwhelm inside and win on third down and in the two-minute, he's still the best," the scout said. "He's been the face of a championship defense for a long time and he's next to impossible to block one-on-one."
Jones, 31, prevails as the only player in his 30s ranked in the top five this season at the position. His physicality hasn't lost a step as he enters his 10th year in the league in 2025.
"For many evaluators, Jones' size, strength, versatility and mismatch ability remain unrivaled. That combination has resulted in 40 sacks over the past four years, tops among defensive tackles since 2021," Fowler said.
One gripe about Jones from this survey was the lack of utility in stopping the run as strongly as the pass. The 6-6, 310-pounder has a league-high 19.9 percent pass-rush win rate, but was apparently not as dominant in the run, according to one coach.
"Best DTs in the league take over the run and pass, and there were moments where you didn't notice [Jones] much," the coach said. "The best at that position crash the game no matter what."
Fowler notes that Jones' usage could play a factor in this, which combined with his age, makes it harder for the Chiefs' anchor to go full-throttle ever snap. "Don't be surprised if Kansas City manages his snaps more efficiently in 2025 to maximize Jones' splash-play ability," Fowler said.
Jones' stats in 2024 don't jump off the page as much as they've had in the past, but he continues to garner league-wide respect. He made his third-consecutive All-Pro First Team last season with 37 total tackles, 20 QB hits, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and five sacks - which was his lowest sack total since his rookie season.