Tyler Owens - Commanders S
Adam Peters didn't make as many changes to the safety unit as fans expected throughout his third offseason at the helm. The Washington Commanders brought in one new starter but kept faith with the rest. Now, they must deliver.
Nick Cross will bring the tone-setting approach Washington lost when Jeremy Chinn left for the Las Vegas Raiders last year. Who'll start alongside him remains to be seen, but it could also be interchangeable as part of Daronte Jones' creative new defensive concepts.
It'll be fascinating to watch Tyler Owens' growth in the coming months.
He's got all the physical tools and athleticism you need, but something has prevented the Commanders from getting him heavily involved over his first two years with the club. Jones will look to bring out more of the Texas Tech product, and his sterling work with defensive backs previously may ignite the spark within Owens.
Ale Kaho - Commanders LB
The Commanders have made some significant changes to their linebacking corps this offseason. A weak link in 2025 now looks like an area of strength, which will only help turn the tide defensively when competitive regular-season action arrives.
Washington signed Leo Chenal in free agency. They spent the No. 7 pick in the draft on Sonny Styles. Frankie Luvu is moving back to an off-ball role, and the Commanders remain high on Jordan Magee to gain a larger share of responsibilities.
That pushes everyone else down the pecking order a little further. Ale Kaho is probably on the roster bubble now, but his special-teams contribution and brief flashes on the defensive rotation as a rookie represent a solid foundation to develop.
Kaho came in as an undrafted free agent, defying the odds to make the 53-man roster. His energy, explosiveness, and instinctive tendencies caught the eye. But more will be required this summer to secure an extended stay.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
When the Commanders saw defensive lineman Johnny Newton slip through the cracks and into their lap at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, they immediately thought it could be a steal. Injuries caused his slide, but the former Illinois standout had first-round talent if he could put everything together.
Two years into his professional career, the jury is still out.
Newton's flashes are positive. His three-sack outing against the Dallas Cowboys showed what he could do when firing on all cylinders, but he's never had a full offseason to hone his craft. That has to change this time around.
The Commanders are projected to move into a 3-4 base front under new coordinator Daronta Jones. Tim Settle Jr., Daron Payne, and Javon Kinlaw will probably start, leaving Newton as the pass-rushing rotational force. Until he improves his ability against the run, that won't change. But head coach Dan Quinn remains bullish on his outlook.
Add us as a preferred source on Google