Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There was an enormous amount of intrigue surrounding Frankie Luvu's decision to join the Washington Commanders last spring. The dominant linebacker was on an upward trajectory after thriving with the Carolina Panthers. He took his game to completely new heights under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s guidance.
Luvu went from an underrated enforcer to one of the league's most dominant linebackers alongside Bobby Wagner. He was the heart and soul of Washington's defense, leading by example and motivating others to ensure their common goals were met. Gaining second-team All-Pro honors was richly deserved, and he's only going to get better from here.
And yet, Luvu remains an overlooked superstar league-wide. He's often shunned from linebacker rankings and is still fighting to prove himself. But make no mistake, nobody associated with the Commanders underappreciates him.
The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State has gone about his business quietly with an aura that others naturally gravitate towards. Luvu's explosiveness and ferocity remain at elite levels. He's also carrying himself with a different responsibility attached this offseason.
Luvu is an integral figure — a franchise cornerstone tasked with huge expectations. His performances over Washington's offseason program leave no doubt that he can meet them when competitive action arrives.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Jayden Daniels got all the rookie hype imaginable, and rightfully so. Mike Sainristil also got his fair share after proving himself quicker than most anticipated. Johnny Newton went through more of a rollercoaster to start his NFL journey, but the Commanders are expecting more from the defensive lineman this time around.
The 2024 second-round pick has taken on the challenge. Dan Quinn singled out Newton for special praise recently. He's starting to look more comfortable, and the injury problems that impacted his critical early transition last summer are firmly in the rearview mirror. If he can take this through to a regular-season setting, the better Washington's chances will be.
Newton built up his play strength heading into Year 2 of his professional career. This was an area where he was criticized as a rookie, which cannot continue if he wants to push his way into the starting lineup. His explosiveness as a pass-rusher is also coming along nicely, so a genuine breakout campaign might be in the offing if he passes the eye test over training camp.
The Commanders believe they got a steal when Newton fell through the cracks and into their laps at No. 36 overall in last year's draft. They need more from the interior force with Jonathan Allen no longer around, and he shouldn't be lacking in motivation to silence some increasing doubters.