The Washington Commanders should have the best defensive line in the NFL. With four former first-round picks along the defensive line, Washington should have no problem terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
However, as a team in 2021, Washington finished No. 19 overall in ESPN’s team pass rush win rate. While Washington was better against the run, the team was still ranked No. 13 in team run stop win rate. Only defensive tackle Jonathan Allen played at an elite level last season.
The 2022 season could be Washington’s last season to maximize its defensive line investment, with fifth-year defensive tackle Daron Payne scheduled to be a free agent in 2023.
We continue our training camp preview with a look at Washington’s defensive line.