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Everything you need to know about Commanders’ new defenders

By Jonathan Eig

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 06: Percy Butler #DB45 of Louisiana-Lafayette runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 06: Percy Butler #DB45 of Louisiana-Lafayette runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Holmes, CB

6’1”, 205, 24 years old: drafted in the 7th round, 2022; signed 5/6/22

Holmes is one of a handful of pure corners Washington currently has on the roster, and he has the type of length and size they seem to favor judging by last year’s acquisitions of William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste. The primary back-up corners from 2021, Torry McTyer and Darryl Roberts could not stay healthy and are now gone. If Holmes can avoid injury, he has a decent chance of sticking around as a depth corner.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: Holmes outperforms a host of other rookies and at least one veteran (Danny Johnson or Corn Elder) and secures the final corner spot. 100 defensive snaps, 300 special teams snaps

Will Adams, DB

6’3”, 195, signed as UDFA following rookie minicamp

Adams has outstanding length and athleticism, almost a carbon copy of St-Juste. He was a highly productive safety at D2 Virginia State. He may get a look at both boundary corner and either safety position with Washington.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: There is a lot of competition for a few open depth positions in the secondary. For most of these players, the practice squad would constitute success. Adams versatility and athleticism may give him a leg up on the other UDFAs. 100 defensive snaps, 300 special teams snaps

Josh Drayden, DB

5’10”, 185, 24 years old: signed as UDFA, 5/2/22

Like Jacub Panasiuk, Drayden walks into camp with a lot of experience, having played 55 college games for the Cal Bears. He is more in the mold of back-up corners Johnson and Elder, and probably will have to beat out one or both of them to make the final 53.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: Practice squad. Like the two vets mentioned above, if Drayden can impress on the PS, there’s a good chance injuries will allow him to show what he can at the pro level, as a special teamer and occasional slot corner. 50 defensive snaps, 200 special teams snap

Nijuel Hill, DB

5’10”, 185: signed as UDFA following rookie minicamp

The Washington Commanders are clearly looking for more depth and competition in the defensive backfield. Two of their draft picks were secondary players, and they signed five additional defensive backs after the draft. The Calvert Hall alum was a standout for Delaware, starting in his final four seasons as a Blue Hen.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: The same as Josh Drayden above.

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