Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
There was a dire need for the Washington Commanders to get younger and more dynamic across the roster this offseason. The NFL's oldest squad in 2025 looked like it, especially on defense. That had to change, and Adam Peters delivered.
This was no more evident than in the linebacker room.
Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles completely change the dynamic. Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee should also play important roles. What that means for others hasn't been determined, but the Commanders are going to give them a shot at featuring for Daronte Jones.
Few are under more pressure than Kain Medrano.
His athletic testing at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was off the charts. The sixth-round pick made the roster but was used sparingly. There are positional issues against the run, and his tackling technique is poor. But there remains a belief in the building that the UCLA product's versatility and coverage capabilities could be of use within Jones' scheme.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
Fans were thrilled to see general manager Adam Peters prioritize the edge-rushing room this offseason. The Commanders were desperately short of reliable options last season. When Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s breakout ended abruptly with a serious knee injury, aging veteran Von Miller ended up as Washington's sack leader.
A positive for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer, but unsustainable for the team.
Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu were acquired in free agency. The Commanders spent a Day 3 pick on Joshua Josephs, who has the length and explosiveness to potentially carve out an immediate role. Armstrong is also making encouraging progress in his rehabilitation, so the options at Washington's disposal are plentiful.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste has been largely forgotten in comparison. The 2024 seventh-round pick impressed in limited involvement as a rookie. Unfortunately, injury ended his second season after just three games. But if he can get back in time for Washington's offseason program, there could be some untapped potential left.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
The Commanders need someone to step up in their wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin is the only true dependable option right now, with the franchise banking on one of their young guns to make the improvements needed within David Blough's new-look offense.
Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. were signed in free agency. The Commanders also spent the No. 71 pick in the draft on Antonio Williams, who had a first-round projection before his final season at Clemson. That raises competition, and there is growing speculation around another productive veteran coming into the fold at some stage.
That said, if there was ever a time for Luke McCaffrey to shine, it's now.
The 2024 third-round pick has flashed as a pass-catcher. His kick return ability was worthy of Pro Bowl consideration last season before breaking his collarbone. The Commanders have given McCaffrey time to grow, but Year 3 is when the training wheels need to come off.
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