Winner No. 3
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil is a talented player. He's a little rough around the edges, and his lack of size makes it difficult to project where the cornerback is best suited moving forward. But if there was anyone capable of nurturing his obvious skill set to become something more, it's Daronte Jones.
The Washington Commanders' new defensive coordinator has worked wonders with defensive backs throughout his coaching career. Derek Stingley Jr. was his most accomplished protégé in college, and this sterling work continued with the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Dan Quinn will be hoping this also rubs off on Sainristil.
While Sainristil's interception numbers were extremely high, he also got beaten for big plays far too often. The 2024 second-round pick is a feast-or-famine cornerback at the moment, but someone with Jones's exceptional coaching background could help refine his performance levels to be more consistent.
That would change everything, regardless of where the Commanders line Sainristil up.
Loser No. 3
Von Miller - Commanders OLB
Daronte Jones' appointment is shrouded in intrigue. The Commanders are counting on the new defensive coordinator to bring the pressure packages needed to reduce the level of comfort opposing quarterbacks experienced whenever they went up against Washington under Joe Whitt Jr.'s watch.
That will involve a major shakeup in the defensive personnel. The Commanders need fast, versatile edge rushers. They need pure pass-rushing specialists with the energy to get after it on a three-down basis. Anything less is organizational malpractice from general manager Adam Peters after head coach Dan Quinn went in this direction.
Although Von Miller has declared his desire to make a return to Washington next season, this appointment only decreases the chances. His previous credentials need no introduction, and he led the team in sacks last season with nine. At the same time, he'll be 37 years old soon, and the Commanders need some new blood to make sure Jones has everything needed to excel.
Winner No. 4
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Even though Daronte Jones' expertise comes in the defensive backfield, Frankie Luvu could be among the biggest beneficiaries of his hiring. And this all starts by moving him back into the off-ball linebacker role that made him a second-team All-Pro in 2024.
Luvu had to spend a lot of time on the edge amid Washington's injury crisis last season. He freely admitted after the campaign that he wasn't entirely comfortable with the switch, but putting the team first was essential. Even so, the Commanders have to move him back to his preferred position, which won't go unnoticed by Jones.
Jones' background under Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, and Mike Zimmer highlights the need for Washington's defense to have a tone-setting enforcer at the defensive second level. Luvu has the physicality, instincts, and relentless work ethic to become precisely that. And this could be the key to a bounce-back campaign for the inspirational presence.