Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cory Kinnan

All 32 NFL teams (including the Browns) ranked by their interior DL

Anchored by veteran Dalvin Tomlinson and with the addition of Mike Hall Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns have a formidable defensive tackle group.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves the big men who play closest to the football, and the Browns have completely reformed the room over the past two seasons. While it was the biggest weak spot on the roster in 2022, the Browns now roster Tomlinson, Hall Jr., veterans Maurice Hurst and Shelby Harris, and round out the room with 2023 third rounder Siaki Ika and 2024 seventh rounder Jowon Briggs.

The play of this group a year ago is a huge reason the Browns were able to provide so much pressure on the defensive side of the ball. Looking to get back into the playoffs again this year, the Browns will rely heavily on their big men upfront again in 2024.

However, looking at this room against the other 31 groupings across the league, where do the Browns rank? ESPN’s Mike Clay has a thought:

An offer for Browns fans

For the best local news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Akron Beacon Journal.

32
Los Angeles Chargers

Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox (56) reacts after tackling New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Poona Ford, Justin Eboigbe

31
Houston Texans

Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Kurt Hinish (93) warms up during pregame during pregame against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Kurt Hinish, Khalil Davis, Folorunso Fatukasi, Tim Settle, Mario Edwards Jr.

30
Arizona Cardinals

Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Justin Jones (93) reacts after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez

29
New Orleans Saints

Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is chased out the pocket by New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, Jack Heflin, Khristian Boyd

28
Chicago Bears

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Andrew Billings (97) and defensive lineman Justin Jones (93) line up against the Las Vegas Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens, Byron Cowart, Michael Dwumfour

27
Minnesota Vikings

Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) reacts after making a stop in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Jerry Tillery, Jonah Williams, Jaquelin Roy

26
Los Angeles Rams

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Bobby Brown III, Larrell Murchison, Desjuan Johnson

25
Miami Dolphins

Dec 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) takes to the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Jonathan Harris, Da’Shawn Hand, Neville Gallimore

24
Dallas Cowboys

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) celebrates a sack in the second half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Chauncey Golston, Carl Davis, Viliami Fehoko

23
New York Giants

Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Dexter Lawrence, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordan Phillips, D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley

22
Philadelphia Eagles

Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) rushes against Cleveland Browns guard Michael Dunn (68) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, PJ Mustipher

21
New England Patriots

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) recovers a fumble against New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) as center Lloyd Cushenberry III (79) defends in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

20
New York Jets

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is pressured by New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, Leki Fotu, Jalyn Holmes

19
Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) in the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Jeffery Simmons, Sebastian Joseph-Day, T’Vondre Sweat, Keondre Coburn, TK McLendon Jr.

18
Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) celebrates a sack of New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4).

Ed Oliver, Austin Johnson, Daquan Jones, DeShawn Williams, DeWayne Carter

17
Denver Broncos

Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (97) celebrates after getting a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during a game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Matt Henningsen, Angelo Blackson

16
Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) is introduced before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

B.J. Hill, Sheldon Rankins, Kris Jenkins, Zachary Carter, McKinnley Jackson

15
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, William Gholston

14
Carolina Panthers

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) reacts in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A’Shawn Robinson, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray

13
Cleveland Browns

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates a tackle for loss against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson, Maurice Hurst, Michael Hall Jr.

12
San Francisco 49ers

Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (98) and defensive end Drake Jackson (95) applying pressure during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, Kevin Givens, T.Y. McGill

11
Jacksonville Jaguars

Dec 3, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) runs off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Arik Armstead, Roy Robertson-Harris, Adam Gotsis, Maason Smith, Davon Hamilton

10
Washington Commanders

Nov 27, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) runs onto the field prior to the Commanders’ game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton, John Ridgeway, Phidarian Mathis

9
Las Vegas Raiders

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates a sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Oct. 15, 2023.

Christian Wilkins, John Jenkins, Adam Butler, Byron Young, Nesta Jade Silvera

8
Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) pressures San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) in the third quarter during their NFC divisional playoff football game Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Tedarrell Slaton, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden

7
Pittsburgh Steelers

Nov 14, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) in overtime at Heinz Field. The game ended in a 16-16 tie. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry

6
Baltimore Ravens

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

5
Kansas City Chiefs

Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) lines up against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel, Neil Farrell Jr.

4
Atlanta Falcons

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates after a sack against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Ta’Quon Graham, Lacale London

3
Seattle Seahawks

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Byron Murphy II, Dre’Mont Jones, Johnathan Hankins

2
Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) celebrates with defensive tackle Benito Jones (94) after his sack on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) during first-half action at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, John Cominsky, Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko

1
Indianapolis Colts

Nov 13, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) reacts after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.