Draft Preview 2024: Interior Defensive Line

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February 21, 2024

By Noonefromtampa

Overview

Interior defensive line is not a huge priority for the Commanders. Currently on the roster are Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Phidarian Marthis, Benning Potoa’e and John Ridgeway III. If Washington spends a draft on this position group is would probably be a lower round pick on a developmental project player.

Draft Pool

The top 20 players at the 1-technique (nose tackle) or 3-technique (defensive tackle) spots in the draft.

Prospect College Pos Hgt Wgt Year Round
Jer’Zhan Newton Illinois DL3T 6’2″ 295 RJR 1
Byron Murphy II Texas DL3T 6’1″ 300 JR 2
T’Vondre Sweat Texas DL1T 6’4″ 346 RSR 2
Leonard Taylor III Miami (FL) DL3T 6’3″ 304 JR 2-3
Maason Smith LSU DL3T 6’4″ 300 RSO 2-3
Tyler Davis Clemson DL3T 6’2″ 299 RSR 3-4
McKinnley Jackson Texas A&M DL1T 6’2″ 331 SR 3-4
Braden Fiske Florida State DL3T 6’4″ 295 RSR 3-4
Mekhi Wingo LSU DL3T 6’1″ 295 JR 4
Ruke Orhorhoro Clemson DL3T 6’4″ 295 RSR 4-5
DeWayne Carter Duke DL3T 6’3″ 308 RJR 4-5
Keith Randolph Jr. Illinois DL3T 6’3″ 296 JR 5-6
Fabien Lovett Florida State DL3T 6’3″ 307 RSR 6-FA
Jowon Briggs Cincinnati DL3T 6’1″ 313 SR 6-FA
Khristian Boyd Northern Iowa DL1T 6’2″ 320 RSR 6-FA
Myles Murphy North Carolina DL1T 6’4″ 312 SR 6-FA
Justin Rogers Auburn DL1T 6’2″ 338 JR 6-FA
Evan Anderson Florida Atlantic DL1T 6’3″ 326 SR 6-FA
Jaden Crumedy Mississippi State DL3T 6’4″ 309 RSR 6-FA
Jaylon Hutchings Texas Tech DL3T 6’0″ 310 RSR 6-FA

Newton is the prize of the draft in this position group. He is on the smallish side for a defensive tackle, but Newton is stout against the run and has show some decent pass rushing skills. Teammates Murphy and Sweat are the next best in this group. Murphy is described by online scouting reports as strong, relentless motor, high energy, and good football IQ. Sweat is the prototypical nose tackle, massive run stopper with limited pass rushing skills.

Washington will probably be looking at players in the Carter to Briggs range as draft candidates. Having watched several FSU games this past season, Lovett is the type of player based on size, strength and potential, that Washington should look for in the draft.

Here is Lovett in action at a Shrine Bowl practice: