Analyzing the Commanders concerning lack of defensive depth

3. The corner depth is concerning- The Defensive Backs

Like the edge group, the safety room has a stable amount of depth behind starters Kam Curl and Bobby McCain. Jeremy Reaves filled in admirably when his number is called upon in 2020 and 2021. Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler are two day-three selections that project to contribute on special teams while they develop as safeties. Forrest is a downhill thumper, while Butler offers more upside in coverage but is not as strong against the run.

Lastly, to round out the safety group Troy Apke will most likely make the team due to his impact as a special teamer.

Cornerback is a different story. The three projected starters — Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III, and Benjamin St-Juste — are a talented trio. When playing as an outside corner, PFF ranked Fuller as one of the best corners in the NFL, while Jackson looked more comfortable down the stretch adjusting to a new system in 2021. St-Juste is the X-Factor but he has looked very comfortable at nickel in the early portions of the offseason.

After those three, the two players with the most NFL experience are Danny Johnson and Corn Elder. Johnson has contributed admirably as a nickel corner and core special teams player for the Commanders. Like Johnson, Corn Elder has most of his experience inside as a nickel defender.

The depth behind Fuller and Jackson III on the outside is less than ideal, however. The only depth there are seventh-round pick Christian Holmes and undrafted free agent Josh Drayden. Holmes has acclimated quickly and was taking second-team reps, according to Logan Paulsen. As an older prospect with 27 total starts in his college career at Missouri and Oklahoma State, Holmes could step in right away as an adequate depth piece with physicality.

St-Juste could also always switch back to outside corner if an injury to Fuller or Jackson III occurs. But refusing to add depth because of a seventh-round pick performing well in the spring and moving a young player to another position midseason would be a definite risk.

Depth at outside corner behind their two starters should be made a priority over the next few weeks before training camp. Fuller or Jackson III missing extended periods of time could spell trouble for Washington’s secondary, therefore handicapping the Commanders’ pass rush.

Players to eye: CB AJ Bouye, CB Kevin King, CB Janoris Jenkins, CB Joe Haden

Closing Thoughts

The Commanders are walking a thin tightrope with their defense. The starters are adequate in most places and elite in others. A lack of depth makes the prospects of sustained success over a 17-game, 18-week season less likely.