2021 Interior Defensive Line Prospects for Washington

Washington’s position of luxury is their defensive line. Even with one of the best pass-rushing lineman in Matt Ioannidis missing most of the season due to injury, the rest of the interior linemen is still produced at a very high-level. Furthermore, the odds of them continuing to produce at a high level are still pretty high next year, especially with the return of Ioannidis. Washington is in a position where they can make long-term investments among their interior defensive line (IDL). A few prospects that Washington could draft in the mid-rounds will be well worth the investment, especially once turnover begins to happen among their current group.

Christian Barmore, IDL, 6’5”, 310 lbs, Alabama

Although Barmore’s time at the University of Alabama did not allow him to start full-time, it provided scouts an opportunity to assess his pro potential as his skill traits developed year-by-year. In 2020, Barmore had 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. The Draft Network’s analyst Jordan Reid described Barmore’s style as an active, busy, and powerful hands player that allows him to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage as a rusher or run defender. He is a disruptive defender who needs further development but would not take as long of a time as a late-round pick. Barmore is capable of being a full-time starter in two or three seasons, tops. For the position that he plays, even though he is among the highest-rated IDL, he may be available in the 3rd round, where Washington can take him, because crazier things have happened in the NFL draft.

Jay Tufele, IDL, 6’3”, 305 lbs, USC

Like Barmore, Tufele is a disruptive defender who can play all three downs for Washington in a year or two. He is described as an explosive and disruptive player whose strength is in pass-rushing. Tufele opted out of the 2020 season back in August, so he has been preparing for the NFL Draft since then. However, who knows how Tufele’s decision to opt-out affects his draft stock and whether he slips some picks or rounds. With that being said, Tufele also is one of the better IDL’s in the draft, so he can be another target for Washington if he happens to still be on the draft board in the third round. He finished his collegiate career with 64 total tackles, ten tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in two seasons.

Marlon Tuipulotu, IDL, 6’2”, 308 lbs, USC

Tuipulotu finished 2020 with 23 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando had thoughts on Tuipulotu during the season and his ability to stabilize the defense. Orlando stated, “Well, he made the plays to settle us down, and we always talk about, you know, sometimes you get on the ropes a little bit, and you are searching, and the big-time guys step up and make the plays that settle people in or just make explosive (plays).” According to draft scouts, his best ability is his athleticism, motor, and pursuit ability. Additionally, Tuipulotu has three-down potential; however, unlike Tufele and Barmore, he should be available in the third or fourth round for Washington. His athleticism and versatility allow him to play multiple 4-3 gap schemes.

Marvin Wilson, IDL, 6’3”, 319 lbs, Florida State

According to multiple scouts, Marvin Wilson has great pass rushing potential on the next level. His hands and quickness off the line of scrimmage are his most prominent traits as an interior defensive lineman. Joe Marino of The Draft Network stated, “It is apparent that Wilson has natural athleticism and power, but his body composition and playing with inconsistent leverage rob him of those qualities. He would be well-served to clean up his frame to allow his natural gifts to shine with more consistency. Wilson can take another step forward and develop into a balanced defender that is a featured part of an NFL defensive line rotation if everything comes together.”

For Washington, that is the best-case scenario for Wilson and the team, but he also has time to build out his frame and become a stronger defender. At that point, if he can develop his frame and work on his technique, he can become a three-down player. Wilson was once considered a first-round prospect by NFL scouts before 2020. However, a mid-season injury crippled Wilson’s potential high-draft value because it was the second that he suffered in back-to-back years. Washington may find interest in Wilson if he is still available in the mid-rounds, though, similar to the risk they once took on Stanford running back Bryce Love. In six games for FSU this year, Wilson finished the season with 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.

Alim McNeill, IDL, 6’2″, 315 lbs, NC State

McNeill has a versatile football background that may help him throughout his career. In high school, McNeill played linebacker and running back before converting full-time to defensive tackle. McNeill finished the 2020 season with 25 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception in 11 games. He is a raw IDL; however, his value lies in early downs, where he can provide help on run downs. Pro Football Focus rated McNeill as the number two defensive tackle in the draft glass. Specifically, PFF stated, “McNeill has the potential to be the holy grail – a nose tackle who can rush the passer. He’s got one of the best first steps in the entire draft class, even though he weighs 320 pounds. He earned 80.8 and 77.5 grades respectively as a pass-rusher the past two seasons – mostly from a true 0-tech alignment. McNeill is an excellent option for Washington in the mid to late rounds as a player who can give the team 10-12 valuable snaps per game.