What happened: Deone Walker has logged 89 defensive snaps through the early season, ahead of Dexter Lawrence at 82 and Derrick Brown at 81 among defenders listed above 320 pounds. Vita Vea and Lawrence are tied with 23 third-down snaps to lead that heavy group in sub-package usage.

Why it matters: Keeping Deone Walker on the field for that many snaps signals trust in his conditioning and every-down role inside. Heavy tackles who stay in on third down change how offenses protect and how rotations hold up in September.

What to watch: Watch whether Walker's snap share holds as rotations tighten and third-down packages evolve.