Bryan Manning
June 8, 2024 6:40 am ET
When Dan Quinn was introduced as the head coach of the Washington Commanders in February, he discussed the roster. At the time, Quinn didn’t get into specifics, but he did mention the defensive tackle position as one of Washington’s strengths.
With Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, the Commanders have one of, if not the most, formidable duo in the NFL. Allen and Payne had a down season in 2023. Of course, so did Washington’s entire roster. A new coaching staff has revitalized Allen and Paynem, who could both be in store for a big reason.
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders used the 36th overall pick on Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Most teams had Newton as a projected first-round pick, but foot injuries allowed him to fall to Washington.
ESPN’s Mike Clay recently ranked every NFL team’s interior defensive line in his 2024 projections. Where are the Commanders?
32. Los Angeles Chargers
Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox (56) reacts after tackling New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Poona Ford, Justin Eboigbe
31. Houston Texans
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball to score a touchdown against Houston Texans defensive tackle Khalil Davis (94) during the fourth quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Kurt Hinish, Khalil Davis, Folorunso Fatukasi, Tim Settle, Mario Edwards Jr.
30. Arizona Cardinals
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dante Stills (55) stretches on the field before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez
29. New Orleans Saints
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 18: Bryan Bresee #90 and Alontae Taylor #1 of the New Orleans Saints react during the first half of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, Jack Heflin, Khristian Boyd
28. Chicago Bears
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens, Byron Cowart, Michael Dwumfour
27. Minnesota Vikings
Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) reacts after making a stop in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Jerry Tillery, Jonah Williams, Jaquelin Roy
26. Los Angeles Rams
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison (52) and linebacker Byron Young (0) celebrates after a sack on New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Bobby Brown III, Larrell Murchison, Desjuan Johnson
25. Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) scores a touchdown off of an interception past Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., Monday, Dec. 11, 2023.
Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Jonathan Harris, Da’Shawn Hand, Neville Gallimore
24. Dallas Cowboys
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA;Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) and defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) on the field in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Chauncey Golston, Carl Davis, Viliami Fehoko
23. New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 22: Dexter Lawrence II #97 and A’Shawn Robinson #91 of the New York Giants celebrate a sack against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dexter Lawrence, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordan Phillips, D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walk off the field after a victory against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, PJ Mustipher
21. New England Patriots
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a play ]in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
20. New York Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets celebrates a sack against C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, Leki Fotu, Jalyn Holmes
19. Tennessee Titans
Sep 11, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates with defensive tackle Teair Tart (93) after a sack during the first half against the New York Giants at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jeffery Simmons, Sebastian Joseph-Day, T’Vondre Sweat, Keondre Coburn, TK McLendon Jr.
18. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) celebrates a sack of New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4).
Ed Oliver, Austin Johnson, Daquan Jones, DeShawn Williams, DeWayne Carter
17. Denver Broncos
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) following his sack fumble recovery in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Matt Henningsen, Angelo Blackson
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) celebrates a tackle for loss in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56 against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Cincinnati Bengals lost, 23-20.
Nfl Super Bowl 56 Los Angeles Rams Vs Cincinnati Bengals Feb 13 2022 0487
B.J. Hill, Sheldon Rankins, Kris Jenkins, Zachary Carter, McKinnley Jackson
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, William Gholston
14. Carolina Panthers
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) reacts in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A’Shawn Robinson, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
13. Cleveland Browns
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) celebrates his tackle for loss as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) congratulates him against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson, Maurice Hurst, Michael Hall Jr.
12. San Francisco 49ers
Nov 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (98) celebrates after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, Kevin Givens, T.Y. McGill
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars director of football communications Dylan Morton talks with Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) at the end of the organized team activity session Monday, June 3, 2024 at EverBank StadiumÕs Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Arik Armstead, Roy Robertson-Harris, Adam Gotsis, Maason Smith, Davon Hamilton
10. Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) celebrates with Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) after a safety against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton, John Ridgeway, Phidarian Mathis
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Wilkins, John Jenkins, Adam Butler, Byron Young, Nesta Jade Silvera
8. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first quarter of their game Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Tedarrell Slaton, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry
6. Baltimore Ravens
Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Madubuike, Travis Jones, Michael Pierce, Broderick Washington Jr., Brent Urban
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) warms up before Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Chris D. Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel, Neil Farrell Jr.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates after a sack against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Ta’Quon Graham, Lacale London
3. Seattle Seahawks
Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrate following a play against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, Dre’Mont Jones, Johnathan Hankins
2. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill warms up before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, John Cominsky, Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko
1. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) celebrate a play Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson
