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Ranking the Commanders’ 3 biggest weaknesses before OTAs

By Jerry Trotta

Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team middle linebacker Jamin Davis (52) celebrates a defensive stop with cornerback Darryl Roberts (34) and free safety Kamren Curl (31) and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team middle linebacker Jamin Davis (52) celebrates a defensive stop with cornerback Darryl Roberts (34) and free safety Kamren Curl (31) and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Commanders addressed multiple needs in the 2022 draft. Wide receiver, for example, was a huge weakness before the showcase. With No. 16 overall pick Jahan Dotson joining Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown, the unit now has the makings to be a handful for opposing defenses.

The same can be said for the running back rotation with third-rounder Brian Robinson teaming up with Antonio Gibson, who finished sixth in the NFL in rushing last year, and JD McKissic, one of the best third-down backs in the league.

While those two position groups are some of the team’s strongest now, the roster isn’t without flaws. With OTAs starting on Tuesday, we thought it’d be a good idea to highlight some of Washington’s biggest weaknesses.

What are the Commanders’ 3 biggest weaknesses before OTAs?

3. Safety/Nickel

We thought about devoting this to the entire secondary, but Kendall Fuller and William Jackson could form an elite starting duo if the latter rebounds after his debut season in Ashburn was plagued by penalties and breakdowns in coverage.

The safety position is a different story, however. Bobby McCain is back in the fold after re-signing with Washington and he’ll have to prove his second half resurgence wasn’t an anomaly. Much like Jackson (and most of the defensive personnel), McCain needs to put together a full season, or close to it, of consistency.

We’re all aware what Kam Curl brings as a strong safety. The 2020 seventh-round gem can be expected to take another leap in his third year on the job.

With that said, we have serious concerns about the Buffalo nickel position following Landon Collins’ release. While there’s some buzz hinting at a Collins reunion, fourth-rounder Percy Butler is the current favorite to start in the nickel.

As high as Washington is on Butler, does that instill confidence in anyone? If it does, you’re probably being too optimistic. We’d feel much better about the nickel position if Washington negotiated a re-worked deal with Collins. For all of his limitations in coverage, he was a game-changer as the Buffalo nickel.

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