Madden 24 Best DL Ratings – Top 20 defensive linemen ranked

Of all the defensive talents in the NFL, who qualified for the Madden 24 Best DL ratings list? Combating a tough group of offensive lineman is never an easy feat, and defensive lineman understand that firsthand. With offensive lineman becoming more agile, quicker, and stronger, the criteria to become a dominant defensive lineman has changed significantly, demanding a more athletic and versatile skill set.

With the Madden 24 release date roughly two days away, fans are excited to immerse into the new gameplay, especially with the new player ratings at their disposal. Though some like to play as linebackers or maybe in the defensive secondary, others enjoy using the defensive linemen up front who are in charge of pressuring the quarterback and stopping runs at the source.

Madden 24 DL Ratings

Here’s the best Madden 24 DL Ratings:

Player	Rating
Aaron Donald	99
Chris Jones	96
Dexter Lawrence	94
Quinnen Williams	93
Cameron Heyward	93
Jonathan Allen	92
Jeffrey Simmons	89
Vita Vea	88
D.J. Reader	87
Christian Wilkins	86
Grady Jarrett	86
Kenny Clark	86
DeForest Buckner	86
Za’Darius Smith	85
Calais Campbell	85
Grover Stewart	85
Javon Hargrave	84
Derrick Brown	84
Daron Payne	83
John Franklin-Myers	83

As you might have noticed, Madden 24 did confirm that Aaron Donald will yet again be number one on the Top 20 list of Best Defensive Lineman with his seventh-straight 99 overall rating. This marks the first time ever in Madden history that a player will be a part of the 99 Club for a seventh consecutive time, an honor that is only fitting for the former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award Winner.

But Donald wasn’t the only defensive lineman to make plenty of noise last season. Kansas City’s Chris Jones had himself an influential performance with 15.5 sacks (third in the NFL), while New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence had a big breakout season to help the Giants reach their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Down below we list five the Top 20 members and breakdown why we think they should be on the list this year in Madden 24.

Aaron Donald – 99 overall

Following the season he had over 2022, it was a bit surprising to see Donald back as a 99 overall. Though he was named to his ninth consecutive Pro Bowl, Donald had a career low five sacks in 11 games played, a performance that typically doesn’t warrant a 99 overall. But considering the kind of physical and athletic force he continues to be no matter how many games he plays, is a big reason why Donald is back as a 99 in Madden 24. If anything, 2022 was just an example how injuries are frankly the only thing keeping Donald at bay, and if he stays healthy in 2023, will prove to everyone why he made the 99 Club for a seventh straight time this year.

Dexter Lawrence – 94 overall

The Giants defense last season wasn’t anything particularly special. However, they were home to plenty of improvement, particularly on the defensive line led by the one and only Dexter Lawrence. In 16 games played last season, Lawrence rose to the occasion in a big way, finishing with 68 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks (a career high), and two forced fumbles. This is not to mention that Lawrence was also huge against slowing down the run despite the Giants struggling mightily in that category last season, leading the team in run stops (28). Though some might think a 94 overall is a little high, it’s a suitable one considering the young star made his first Pro Bowl last season and is only 25-years-old.

Jonathan Allen – 92 overall

The Commanders have transformed into a sleeper threat in the NFC East, and a big reason why is because of their defense line, that is home to not only Chase Young and Da’Ron Payne, but also to one of the best defensive lineman in the league in Jonathan Allen. Over the last two seasons, Allen has really come into his own, highlighting how dangerous he can be. In 16 games played over the 2022 campaign, Allen came away with 65 combined tackles (44 solo), 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. This led Allen to be selected to his second-straight Pro Bowl, once again, reaffirming his greatness in the NFL. His 92 overall is an accurate rating, and could very likely increase once the regular season kicks off.

Jeffery Simmons – 89 overall

The Titans have rounded out into a mean threat to contend with out of the AFC South. Naturally, their high-powered offense led by running back Derrick Henry and now wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans defense has also plenty of great playmakers, with one of their very best being Jeffery Simmons. Similarly to Jonathan Allen, Simmons has taken off with his development over the last two seasons, leading him to be named to the Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro in 2021 and 2022. In 15 games played over the 2022 campaign, Simmons had himself 54 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven passes defended, and a forced fumble. At 26-years-old, Simmons remains to be an elite talent who could have an even better showing in 2023.

Vita Vea – 88 overall

If you’re looking to use a defensive lineman that embodies the traditional strength and power that these players come with in Madden 24, look no further than Tampa Bay Buccaneers DL Vita Vea. What’s a marvel about Vea is that even at 347 pounds, the man is still incredible athletic and agile, and put that on full display last season. In 14 games played, Vea had himself 31 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks (a career high), and one forced fumble. At age 28, Vea is in his prime and a force to contend with for opposing offensive lineman. And if you’re after someone who can effectively pass rush and stop the run, Vea is the man for you.

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