Commanders to face several of the NFL's best defensive tackles in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

Older Washington Commanders fans will remember the franchise's greatest years for having good defensive tackles.

Back in the 1980s, the Redskins won the NFC three times, played in three Super Bowls, and won two. Then in the 1991 season, Washington again won the NFC and a Super Bowl. One common denominator was good defensive tackles who could stop the run. Dave Butz and Darryl Grant anchored the line of the Super Bowl teams of 1982, 1983 and 1987. The 1991 championship team had Eric Williams and Tim Johnson, both strong run-stuffing tackles.

Earlier this week, ESPN began publishing the results of its seventh annual survey of NFL executives, coaches and scouts, which helped it rank the top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL. This is not a career ranking, but rather, 'Who are the best defensive tackles entering the 2026 season?'

Understandably, there are no Commanders on the top 10 list. Sorry, Daron Payne. But Commanders fans are certainly going to recognize the names of several, seeing the Commanders have had to face them in the NFC East rivalry games.

Jalen Carter is a freakin handful - relentless, ferocious
pic.twitter.com/puckGFreDe

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) July 20, 2025

• 1. Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks: Williams has consistently given Washington much difficulty throughout his 11-year NFL career, whether playing for the New York Giants or the Seattle Seahawks.
• 2. Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans: The Titans and Simmons agreed to a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension that includes $100 million guaranteed. The $35.276 million per year average is the highest for any defensive tackle in the NFL.
• 3. Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles: Carter's 83 pass-rush wins as an interior lineman since 2023 are tied for the seventh most in the NFL. Washington will face him twice each year he plays for the Eagles.
• 4. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs: Jones led the league in pass-rush wins when double-teamed (22) and led interior linemen in pressures (45) in the 2025 season.
• 5. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers: Brown continues to live up to being the No. 7 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
• 6. Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys: Williams finished fifth in run stop win rate (43%) among 204 qualified players in 2025. The Commanders will have to face Williams twice in games vs the Cowboys.
• 7. Dexter Lawrence: Cincinnati Bengals: Lawrence gave Washington trouble for years as a New York Giant. Traded to Cincinnati, he will face Washington again in a Week 11 MNF game.
• 8. Zach Allen: Denver Broncos: Allen's 131 quarterback hits since 2022 are eight more than the next-closest player, Myles Garrett.
• 9. Milton Williams, New England Patriots: The Commanders had to face Williams twice a season as an Eagle, but at least now that won't occur often with the Patriots.
• 10. Jordan Davis, Philadelphia Eagles: The Commanders have a daunting task moving out both Davis and Jalen Carter, facing the Eagles twice each season.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders to face several of the NFL's best defensive tackles in 2026

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