Commanders 53-man roster prediction: Defense
Defensive line (6): Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., Charles Omenihu, Deatrich Wise Jr., Johnny Newton
The Washington Commanders' defensive front has made an imposing start to life under Daronte Jones this summer. His switch to a 3-4 base is much better suited to the talent, and big things are expected in the trenches.
Daron Payne, Tim Settle Jr., and Javon Kinlaw will start. Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. (if healthy) should be around as rotational pieces. Head coach Dan Quinn expects Johnny Newton to take a giant leap, but the Illinois product displayed the same frailties in Washington's preseason opener.
The Commanders have enough talent to cope without Newton now. Either the 2024 second-round pick steps up, or Adam Peters will find someone who can.
Outside linebackers (5): Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Joshua Josephs, Javontae Jean-Baptiste
The pressure being generated by the Commanders within Jones' scheme is extremely encouraging. This unit is fast, ruthless, and relentless. Miami had no answer in the preseason and joint practice, and even though they aren't the best squad, it's a big step in the right direction.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson are proving capable of being the starting tandem. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is working his way back from injury and should also feature prominently. Though expectations around fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs should be tempered, he's blazed a trail this summer to raise intrigue.
If the Commanders need another edge threat, Javontae Jean-Baptiste is coming alive after missing most of the 2025 campaign with a torn pectoral.
Linebackers (5): Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano
The Commanders' linebacking corps has athleticism and aggression across the board. How the playing time will be split is a big talking point, but this is not a bad problem for Jones to have.
Frankie Luvu is moving back to his off-ball role after spending too much time on the edge last season. No. 7 pick Sonny Styles looks the part, and Leo Chenal also has the explosive physical gifts that look well suited to Jones' schematic concepts.
Jordan Magee should make the team as a rotational force and special-teams presence. With Nick Bellore opting to retire, Kain Medrano could potentially fill the void on special teams.
Cornerbacks (4): Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Rasul Douglas
Trey Amos' continued absence through a luckless injury run is concerning. But if he can somehow get back to full health before Week 1, this could be a productive group if everyone meets expectations.
Amik Robertson seems to have locked down the other boundary role. Mike Sainristil has inside-out versatility, though he remains a feast-or-famine corner who must improve his discipline in coverage. The Commanders also signed Rasul Douglas, who's got experience and slotted into the setup seamlessly.
That might be enough, especially with the versatility in Washington's safety unit. But if they go with five, Antonio Hamilton Sr.'s special-teams value makes him the favorite.
Safeties (4): Nick Cross, Jeremy Reaves, Quan Martin, Tyler Owens
The Commanders have competition for safety spots. There are a couple of locks, but some other depth chart positions are still up for grabs with just a few short weeks remaining until final cuts are due.
Nick Scott is the alpha in Washington's safety unit. Jeremy Reaves is also cemented in his role, but whether that'll be on the rotation or as a starter is up for debate.
Quan Martin's versatility to play on the back end or as a nickel corner could see him get one more chance entering the final year of his rookie deal. Jones clearly sees something in Tyler Owens, who could also get a reprieve.
This would leave some big names out of luck, but Will Harris and Percy Butler have not yet shown enough throughout the summer.
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