Heyward primarily lines up as a 4i-technique (inside shoulder of an offensive tackle) in the Steelers' odd front, though he regularly lines up as a 2i-technique (inside shoulder of the guard). A big reason why is that he can hold his own against any type of block against the run. The 37-year-old may be closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but he's still an elite run-defender. As a pass-rusher, Heyward's age has begun to show in his quickness and ability to win with finesse moves. But the six-time All-Pro can still push the pocket with a bull-rush and remains very good at batting passes near the line of scrimmage.

From a run defending and gap control standpoint, Lawrence is actually coming off a down season for his standards. But that had a lot to do with him lining up slightly out of position as a 3-technique more often last year. Keep him over the center and put that wide stance and 6'4", 340-pound frame to good use, and the new Cincinnati Bengal will continue to be a boulder in the running game. Plus, the three-time Pro Bowler still destroys one-on-one blocks to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. Lawrence only had half a sack last season, but he did manage to generate a lot of pressure for the position. His size and strength can be overwhelming for centers on third downs, and Sexy Dexy's nimbleness helps him win around the edges of interior offensive linemen with a rip move. He also managed to record four passes defended in 2025.

As a run-defender, Simmons is quick to get his hands up and displays plenty of strength to win at the point of attack. He has also shown flashes of using his athleticism as a change of pace to keep offensive linemen guessing. This combination helps the four-time Pro Bowler be disruptive and make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. The 2025 first-team All-Pro is coming off his best season as a pass-rusher, too, recording a career-high 11 sacks. He wins more with his quickness, hand-usage and a good rip move (or some combination of those three). Also, the 28-year-old veteran has a deep arsenal to push the pocket when using power. Simmons must cut down on the costly penalties, though.

Vea is one of the most unique players in the NFL. He doesn't really have a true position because he can play from so many alignments. But the 6'4", 347-pound defensive lineman fits the size profile, is listed as a nose tackle, and spends enough time in the A-gaps to qualify for the position. The 2018 first-round pick can play a variety of positions because he has uncanny athleticism for his size and can defeat any type of block against the run. As a pass-rusher, that shows up in his ability to work the edges of an offensive lineman, and Vea is really effective at creating rushing lanes for teammates during line games. Of course, he can win with power, too.

Williams primarily lines up as a 3-technique (outside shoulder of the guard) but made plenty of plays from several alignments when splitting time between the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys last season. The four-time Pro Bowler consistently dictates the rep when working against the run regardless of where he is playing. When rushing the passer, Williams' strength, motor and active hands make it difficult for offensive linemen to anchor against his bull-rush. He did have a down year statistically, with a career-low 2.5 sacks, but his quickness and unique athleticism showed up more in Dallas and helped the 28-year-old win more frequently than he did earlier in the season.