Winner No. 5
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu had to go out of his comfort zone in his second season with the Washington Commanders. A stream of injuries meant the formidable linebacker was forced to spend more time as an edge rusher, which he admitted after the campaign didn't suit his skills.
It's hard to argue. Luvu's influence waned drastically from his second-team All-Pro season in 2024. He did what was required for the team, but it's time to get him back to doing what he does best.
Daronte Jones all but confirmed this during his introductory press conference. He believes Luvu is best as an off-ball linebacker, going downhill and matched up on running backs. This allows him to be instinctive, aggressive, and explosive — traits Washington lost last season when they moved him to the edge.
Luvu and the fan base should be absolutely thrilled by this news. Expect to see a different side to the second-level enforcer under Jones' guidance.
Loser No. 4
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Daronte Jones is expected to move the Commanders' defense to a 3-4 base front. That will depend on the situation, but his background working under the likes of Vance Joseph and Brian Flores makes this scenario almost a given.
That places pressure on the linebacking corps to become more influential. Looking at the current personnel at Washington's disposal, it may also dictate a need for enhancements in the trenches.
This brings Johnny Newton under a microscope. The 2024 second-round pick hasn't met his pre-draft billing as yet. He didn't progress effectively enough in his second campaign, despite a three-sack outing against the Dallas Cowboys late in the season. The Illinois product is not going to be a nose tackle, and he looks undersized for a 3-4 defensive end, so it'll be interesting to see what Jones has in store.
Newton might be a pass-rush specialist and nothing more. That's deeply disappointing for someone the Commanders thought could be a legitimate difference-maker.
Winner No. 6
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Everything head coach Dan Quinn has done this offseason so far centers on the growth of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Injury problems prevented him from making a lasting contribution during the 2025 season, but things looked out of sync even when he was on the field. That has to change if the Commanders want to maximize his rookie contract.
More pro-style concepts. Much more of Daniels under center. A gap-zone running scheme that alleviates pressure on the dynamic signal-caller. A pressing need to increase the number of explosive plays. That is the expected formula, and the former LSU standout is also getting a larger say in how the system is designed.
Daniels revealed that he's become more vocal about the concepts he wants David Blough to implement. Comfort is key here, and the already developed relationship between the player and coach should be enough to smooth the transition.
The Commanders are placing significant faith in Daniels. If he stays healthy, it's all systems go.