Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
A lot of people (including me) scoffed when the Washington Commanders gave defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million in guaranteed money last year. Almost everyone perceived this as a massive overpay, and based on his first campaign with the franchise, they were right.
Fans got pretty tired of Kinlaw's big talk with nothing to back it up. There were flashes of promise, most notably in terms of run-stop win rate. Aside from that, it was relatively underwhelming.
For someone with Kinlaw's physical tools, failing to gain a single sack over the season was unacceptable. The Commanders had no financial incentive to cut him after just one season, which was his saving grace. And hopefully, the new scheme being implemented by Daronte Jones can help bring more out of the South Carolina product.
There is a lot riding on this season for Kinlaw. He has to come up with the goods.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
Arguably no position on the Commanders' roster is under more scrutiny than center. General manager Adam Peters took a big gamble this offseason, releasing previous starter Tyler Biadasz with one year remaining on his deal and doing almost nothing to replace him.
Nick Allegretti is being entrusted with starting duties, but he missed almost all of training camp after suffering a calf strain on the first day. He's now back on the practice field and should be ready to go by Week 1. Whether he can successfully fill the void is another matter.
With only sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin behind him, the pressure is on. The Commanders threw their support behind Allegretti, even giving the player a contract extension in advance. The importance of repaying this faith cannot be overstated.
There is more optimism in the building than among fans. But if Allegretti cannot find the consistency needed, the Commanders will have a real problem on their hands.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Commanders also have some concerns in their cornerback room. Trey Amos is beginning the campaign on injured reserve, continuing a frustrating run of bad luck on the health front. But this is the NFL, where it's next man up with no excuses attached.
Daronte Jones' innovative scheme should apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That should make things easier in the defensive backfield, but the corners still have to play their part. And for third-year player Mike Sainristil, it's a make-or-break season in no uncertain terms.
Sainristil accumulates plenty of turnovers. He gives up even more big plays, so finding a happy medium and becoming more disciplined in coverage is the key to unlocking his true potential.
Jones' work with defensive backs saw him rise through the coaching ranks to get this prime opportunity in Washington. If he can work his magic with Sainristil, a profitable campaign won't be too far behind.
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