Commanders DL (5)
- Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., Johnny Newton, D.J. Davidson
Daronte Jones' defense should be a lot more exciting and aggressive. For it to work, the Washington Commanders need their trench options to hold up their end of the bargain.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. look set to start. Johnny Newton could also be in line for an elevated role if he improves his run-stopping. Options are relatively inconsistent aside from that, but there is confidence in D.J. Davidson after he joined from the New York Giants in free agency.
Commanders EDGE (5)
- Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Joshua Josephs, Charles Omenihu
Adam Peters invested heavily in the edge rushing options this offseason. It's a formidable group if everyone gets a clear run of good fortune on the injury front, which should provide the urgency and aggression needed within Daronte Jones' creative concepts.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson have made a solid impression so far. The same goes for fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs, while Charles Omenihu brings experience and versatility to the rotation. With Dorance Armstrong Jr. also making encouraging progress from a serious knee injury, all signs are pointing up for this group.
Commanders LBs (5)
- Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano
The Commanders' linebacking corps will be integral. It looks capable of setting the correct tone through physicality, dynamism, and speed. That was sorely lacking last season, but that is not the case anymore.
Frankie Luvu is moving back to his off-ball role, where he thrived in 2024. Rookie first-rounder Sonny Styles has all the traits associated with a franchise cornerstone, and free-agent acquisition Leo Chenal looks more than ready for a step-up in responsibilities. The Commanders still have faith in Jordan Magee, while Kain Medrano's youth and athleticism could beat out the aging Nick Bellore for the final spot.
Commanders CBs (4)
- Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon
If there was one potential weak link, it's at cornerback. Adam Peters believes that a more imposing front seven can lighten their load, but there is just no telling for sure right now.
Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and Amik Robertson seem entrenched as the starting trio. Ahkello Witherspoon remains the favorite to secure the CB4 role despite his inconsistent performances over early offseason workouts. That might be all Washington needs, especially if Quan Martin and Tyler Owens spend more time in the nickel.
Commanders safeties (5)
- Nick Cross, Will Harris, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens
Daronte Jones wants versatility across his secondary. The Commanders believe they have the personnel to achieve this objective, with the safety unit boasting a strong blend of youth and experience.
Free-agent signing Nick Cross will be tasked with a key role, and he's got the violent tendencies needed to keep the middle of the field secure. Will Harris is getting a reprieve after a subpar 2025. The same goes for Quan Martin and Tyler Owens, whose ability in the slot is something Jones could put to good use.
With Jeremy Reaves guaranteed to be on the books after signing another one-year extension ahead of time, that could leave Percy Butler out of luck.
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