Ranking NFC East Starters: Interior Defensive Linemen
Ranking NFC East Starters: Interior Defensive Linemen
It’s important to compare the Philadelphia Eagles to their division rivals, as those teams will be their main competition for a playoff spot. This series will compare the starting rosters of the four NFC East teams, continuing with interior defensive linemen.
1. Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Cox is the league’s best interior defensive lineman not named Aaron Donald and it isn’t particularly close. He’s a menace in the run game as well as a hellacious pass rusher, commanding double teams and freeing up his running mates. He’s one of the few players at his position that can completely take over a game, as seen in his Week 17 playoff-clinching performance against Washington (3 sacks, 4 TFL, FF).
2. Jonathan Allen, Washington Redskins
The second-year stud from Alabama was recently named to NFL Network’s All-Under 25 team. In his first full season as a pro, he racked up 61 tackles and 8.0 sacks while becoming a mainstay on the Redskins suddenly scary defensive line.
3. Malik Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson’s weakness has always been his run defense, but he remains a high-quality pass rusher from the defensive interior. He was part of the ferocious defense that won the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50, but never lived up to the massive contract that he received from Jacksonville right after. Now paired up with the monster that is Fletcher Cox, Jackson’s best days could be ahead of him.
4. Matt Ioannidis, Washington Redskins
Ioannidis has emerged as a solid complement to the Redskins line and Washington acknowledged it with a three year, $21.75 million extension. His sack totals have risen in each of his three years, peaking at 7.5 this past season. Him, Kerrigan, new draftee Montez Sweat, and his fellow interior linemen on this list will make for quite a pass rush in D.C.
5. Dalvin Tomlinson, New York Giants
Tomlinson leaves the Giants in good shape after the trade of prolific run-stuffer Damon “Snacks” Harrison. He was named to PFWA’s All-Rookie team last season and looks to be a solid starter for years to come.
6. Daron Payne, Washington Redskins
Washington has drafted a defensive lineman in the first round for three straight years, and it seems to be paying dividends. Payne played very well in rookie season, totaling five sacks and an All-Rookie team selection.
7. BJ Hill, New York Giants
Hill, a rookie third-rounder, also played admirably for the New York Giants following the departure of Harrison. His most notable achievement was his three-sack afternoon in an overtime thriller against the Chicago Bears. Hill received an above average grade from Pro Football Focus. While the Giants are still in dire need of edge rushers, their young players are doing quite well on the inside.
8. Maliek Collins, Dallas Cowboys
The two Dallas tackles round up this list despite the Cowboys boasting one of the league’s top run defenses. Collins has been mostly about potential since he came to Texas, and Dallas hopes he can finally have the breakout they’ve been waiting for.
9. Antwaun Woods, Dallas Cowboys
Woods has been in the NFL since 2016, but couldn’t secure a spot on the Titans roster for two years. He came to Dallas and broke through, becoming a starter for the Cowboys. He played relatively well, and the hope is that he continues to show growth and discipline for the team.
-By: Micah Jimoh