David Blough - Commanders OC
Kliff Kingsbury's vision for the Washington Commanders' offense no longer matched that of head coach Dan Quinn. There was only going to be one winner in this disagreement.
Kingsbury and the Commanders went their separate ways. Quinn could have gone with a more experienced hire to fill the void. Rumors were swirling around Mike McDaniel potentially joining the ranks, but Washington had something much bolder in mind.
Quinn gave the job to David Blough. The former quarterback spent two seasons as an assistant. He's a rookie play-caller with no coordinator experience whatsoever. It's a massive risk, but this could be the spark that ignites the Commanders' offense if everything comes together.
Blough and quarterback Jayden Daniels already have a relationship. The signal-caller has had a big input in the system, which should be more pro-friendly. Washington's ground attack should benefit from improved blocking concepts. Wide receivers and tight ends will be put in better positions to thrive. Terry McLaurin will be the focal point, and rightfully so.
While Blough may be inexperienced, he comes highly recommended. Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell both spoke highly of him. The Detroit Lions were considering him for their offensive coordinator vacancy before the Commanders took decisive action. Quinn will pay with his job if it all goes wrong, but it'll be a revelation if things go well.
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
The Commanders' defense needed a new linchpin after Bobby Wagner wasn't brought back in free agency. His contribution on and off the field left a lasting mark, but Father Time was finally starting to catch up with the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker.
Things have a way of working out. When one door closes, another opens. And the Commanders received a gift from the football gods when Sonny Styles fell out of the top five and into Washington's lap at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles received praise from both Adam Peters and Dan Quinn during their pre-draft assessments. They credited the player and the person, but they didn't expect him to be around. The Commanders got lucky, and this could be the defensive cornerstone to build around for the next decade or more.
There is nothing Styles cannot do on the field. He is a legitimate three-level force with the athleticism and instincts to take over games. The Ohio State product can rush the passer, is an asset in coverage, and is an exceptional leader for good measure.
There may be times of struggle in Year 1, but a potential AP Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign is well within his capabilities.
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