Winner No. 3
Daronte Jones - Commanders DC
The Washington Commanders were blown away by Daronte Jones during the interview process to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy. Head coach Dan Quinn believes that his innovative ideas and aggressive strategy could be exactly what this unit needs. But for this grand plan to work, the personnel needed a massive overhaul this offseason.
This did not go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters. He rightfully prioritized the defense in the first wave of free agency, filling some critical needs and fortifying depth. More will be required, but Jones is no doubt thrilled with the acquisitions Washington's front-office leader has made so far.
The Commanders are finding young, athletic players who can slot seamlessly into Jones' new system. The pieces are slowly coming together, which is only going to serve the rookie NFL play-caller well in pursuit of hitting the ground running in Washington.
Loser No. 3
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Commanders got much more than they bargained for with Jacory Croskey-Merritt during his rookie season. A meteoric surge from the seventh-round running back got the entire NFL's attention. There was a slight performance dip midway through the campaign, but he managed to finish on the front foot.
Croskey-Merritt should be a part of new offensive coordinator David Blough's plans. The Commanders were not going to stand pat in the backfield, so it was no surprise to see Adam Peters acquire two new faces over the early stages of free agency.
Washington reunited Jayden Daniels with Rachaad White, his old college teammate at Arizona State. He's expected to feature heavily as a dual-threat weapon. There are more unknowns attached to Jerome Ford, who also signed a one-year deal with the club.
This leaves Croskey-Merritt potentially being used as part of a committee. And if the Commanders draft Jeremiyah Love, that'll push him even further down the pecking order.
Winner No. 4
Adam Peters - Commanders GM
Adam Peters was under enormous pressure to shift his approach this offseason. The general manager gambled on aging veterans past their prime as the Commanders went into win-now mode. It didn't go according to plan, so fans were demanding a drastic change of course this time around.
So far, they've got their wish.
Peters was extremely aggressive over the first wave of free agency, signing no fewer than 12 players. There were big splashes, potential bargains, and an emphasis on youth. And the Commanders still have plenty of cash to spend on additional reinforcements if the right opportunities present themselves.
This was the response Commanders fans were looking for. Peters moved with the urgency required, and Washington looks in better shape. Not only in the short-term, but for the years ahead.
If the same trend continues in the coming weeks and months, the Commanders could be a prime bounce-back candidate.