Winner No. 4
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders' defensive failures last season started from the front. Their defensive line couldn't generate pressure and looked vulnerable against the run more often than not. That's a bad combination, and everything capitulated accordingly.
Adam Peters' big gamble to sign Javon Kinlaw in free agency didn't go well, which wasn't surprising to those who criticized the move as a massive overpay. The interior force has the physical tools, but his production throughout his career didn't warrant a three-year, $45 million commitment with $30 million guaranteed.
Kinlaw was a brash talker who couldn't back it up. But some intriguing moves this offseason provide hope of a potential bounce back if some early momentum is generated.
The Commanders appointed Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator. He's projected to switch into a 3-4 base front, which should suit Kinlaw. The acquisition of Tim Settle Jr. in free agency also gives Washington a space-eating presence at the nose tackle position to further assist the South Carolina product's cause.
Loser No. 2
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Commanders were always going to make changes in the tight end room this offseason. Zach Ertz is aging, and the brutal torn ACL suffered during a horrific mid-air collision against the Minnesota Vikings forced Adam Peters' hand.
Washington's front-office leader recognized the need for more dynamism. The Commanders moved swiftly to sign Chig Okonkwo in free agency, who has flashed immense promise throughout his career and could thrive in a better situation.
That was not the greatest endorsement of Ben Sinnott's progress. The 2024 second-round pick was seen as the heir to Ertz's throne, but he has had limited opportunities in his first two seasons in the NFL. He remains an unknown quantity, and offensive coordinator David Blough admitted there is significant hard work ahead for the player before confidence in his outlook increases.
Sinnott will be on the fringes behind Okonkwo and John Bates once again. Turning the tide will be difficult, but it's not impossible.
Winner No. 5
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The impact made by running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt soared above the expectations typically associated with a seventh-round pick. But there were still murmurings around whether the Commanders would revamp the backfield dynamic throughout the offseason.
While Adam Peters made some additions, none were really earth-shattering.
Rachaad White and Jerome Ford were both acquired in free agency. Veteran Jeremy McNichols was re-signed. Kaytron Allen came in via the draft. However, Jeremiyah Love went No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals, which was probably a relief for Croskey-Merritt.
The Commanders will move forward with a committee approach, but Croskey-Merritt has the athleticism and confidence to remain an important part of the team's plans under new offensive coordinator David Blough. Bursting onto the scene is one thing. Sustaining it when you're not a surprise that opposing teams don't see coming is another.
Croskey-Merritt has an opportunity to cement his importance. He must deliver.
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