Ranking every Commanders position group before the 2024 NFL Draft

1. Commanders DL

This has been the Washington Commanders' best position group for at least the last five years. The fact that the defensive line never rose to a dominant level last season doesn’t mean there is no talent remaining. Most importantly, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have repeatedly confirmed their intention to have Jonathan Allen remain.

With Allen and Daron Payne in the middle, this has the potential to be an excellent unit.

The experiments with athletic late-round draft picks seem to be over now. The young players who filled in for Montez Sweat and Chase Young last season are mostly gone. They have been replaced by experienced edge players like Dante Fowler Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dorrance Armstrong. They may not be world-beaters, but this is a clear upgrade in personnel.

There is talent and depth across the board. New defensive line coach Darryl Tapp should be able to mix a lot of youth and experience. Despite this, the Commanders will still be looking for pass-rushers during the 2024 NFL Draft, perhaps spending a third-round pick on a dynamic edge presence.

This is dependent on whether the right options become available that fit Peters and Quinn's way of thinking. But if the free-agent signings all contribute in some capacity and Phidarian Mathis finally begins showing his worth, the defensive front should become an area of real strength once again.