One of the most important positions on the NFL rosters is often taken for granted.
Having capable interior defensive linemen is one of the keys to a successful defensive unit.
Whether the lineman is a space eating 1-technique or a smaller and quicker 3-technique, a good defensive tackle can change the game for a defense.
The NFC East has its share of impact interior defensive linemen, and I will be ranking them today.
There are several previous installments in my position rankings series. To access those, utilize the following links.
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Wide receivers
Offensive line
Analysis will be done in team alphabetical order with rankings revealed at the end of the article.
For the sake of this article, assume each team’s base defense is a four man line.
Dallas Cowboys
Projected starters: Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith
Key contributor(s): Johnathan Hankins, Chauncey Golston, Neville Gallimore
Osa Odighizuwa
After a solid rookie season, Osa Odighizuwa stepped up to the top of the Cowboys’ defensive tackle rotation.
He started all 17 games, and improved with another season in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme.
Osa is a true 3-technique who uses his quickness to shoot gaps to make stops in the backfield or put pressure in a quarterback’s face.
He could use some developing in the run defense department, but Dallas addressed that in the draft with…
Mazi Smith
For the first time since the 1991 NFL Draft, the Cowboys used a first round pick on a defensive tackle.
A great move for a defense that has been gashed right up the middle by opponent’s rushing attacks.
Smith is unnaturally strong, and at 330lbs he will be a force in the middle eating up blocks to free up the linebackers.
Johnathan Hankins/Chauncey Golston/Neville Gallimore
Johnathan Hankins was re-signed after he essentially saved the defense from giving up 3,000 yards rushing for the season.
He can pair with Mazi on obvious rush downs, and play a veteran mentor role to the rookie as well.
Chauncey Golston is technically listed as a defensive end, but he has bulked up to be able to make in impact inside.
He provides valuable depth and versatility along the entire defensive line.
Neville Gallimore still has a role in this defense, but could be a cut candidate after being bumped down the depth chart in 2022.
New York Giants
Projected starters: Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams
Key contributor(s): A’Shawn Robinson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Ryder Anderson
Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence earned himself a new contract from the Giants after being selected for 2nd team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2022.
Lawrence has developed into one of the most dominant forces in the NFL from his nose tackle position.
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams is entering his fifth season with the Giants after spending the first four years of his career with the New York Jets.
Williams has 38.0 career sacks, and makes a formidable tandem alongside Lawrence.
A’Shawn Robinson/Rakeem Nunez-Roches/Ryder Anderson
A’Shawn Robinson is a former 2nd round pick of the Detroit Lions.
At 6’4″ 330lbs, he is a force on the Giants interior.
Rakeem Nunez-Roches signed as a free agent in New York after five years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He brings vital postseason and Super Bowl experience to a team looking to take the next step.
Ryder Anderson is preparing for his second season after a limited role in his rookie year.
The Giants are depending on him to provide valuable depth.
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected starters: Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis
Key contributor(s): Jalen Carter, Milton Williams
Fletcher Cox
Fletcher Cox has been a thorn in the Cowboys’ side for 11 years since the Eagles drafted him 12th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
He is on the decline in his 12th season, but he is still a dominant force on the inside who has 65.0 sacks in his career.
Jordan Davis
The departure of Javon Hargrave has opened up the opportunity for Jordan Davis to take a bigger role in the lineup.
Davis did not have the impact Philadelphia was expecting in his first season after they traded up in the draft to acquire him.
Now a likely starter, the Eagles hope to cash in on their investment.
Jalen Carter/Milton Williams
The Eagles spent their 1st round pick on a defensive tackle from the University of Georgia for the second season in a row.
Jalen Carter was projected as the first overall pick by many experts, but somehow fell nearly out of the top 10 right into the Eagles’ laps.
If he overcomes his tendencies to take plays off, he could be Cox all over again for the next 10 years.
Milton Williams is a viable depth piece behind the Eagles big three of Cox, Davis, and Carter.
His ascension in his third season could spell trouble for offensive lines.
Washington Commanders
Projected starters: Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen
Key contributor(s): Phidarian Mathis, John Ridgeway
Daron Payne
Daron Payne is coming off of a season in which he recorded a career high 11.5 sacks.
The elevation in his play to a dominant level also earned him a fat new contract from the Commanders worth $90 million over four years.
Next to Jonathan Allen, Washington has a feared duo in the middle of the defensive line.
Jonathan Allen
The other piece to the Commanders’ feared pair at defensive tackle, Allen has not recorded more than 9.0 sacks in a single season.
He doesn’t have to record the sacks to make an impact.
With his 300 pound frame added to Payne’s, the Commanders have 620 pounds of beef in the interior.
Phidarian Mathis/John Ridgeway
The Commanders drafted Phidarian Mathis out of Alabama in the 2nd round of the 2022 draft.
Mathis only appeared in one game. Losses in free agency have pushed him to the top of the depth chart behind the starters.
John Ridgeway was originally a 5th round pick of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys released him prior to the start of the 2022 season with the hopes he’d clear waivers, but the Commanders scooped him up.
Ridgeway appeared in 15 games in 2022, and now looks to make a bigger impact in 2023.
Final Rankings
Washington Commanders
Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
