Commanders defensive line (9)
- Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Deatrich Wise Jr., Eddie Goldman, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Jacob Martin
The Washington Commanders released Jonathan Allen this offseason. They replaced him with Javon Kinlaw, who got more money than most expected and must live up to this lofty price tag from the moment he steps onto the field.
Daron Payne and Johnny Newton will play key roles on the interior. The Commanders' pass-rush is devoid of any legitimate explosiveness, so Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. have an enormous amount of pressure on their shoulders unless another capable performer arrives.
Clelin Ferrell, Jacob Martin, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Eddie Goldman could fill the backup roles. However, that might change given the fierce competition for places lower down the depth chart.
Commanders linebackers (5)
- Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore
The Commanders' linebacking corps will be led by Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner once again. This duo completely transformed the mentality of Washington's defense last season. The coaching staff is expecting the same again when the 2025 season begins.
Joe Whitt Jr. has stated his intent to get Jordan Magee more involved. The 2024 fifth-round pick's rookie momentum was dented significantly by a knee injury that required surgery. He's eager to make up for some lost time, and his performances over Washington's offseason program indicate a bigger role could be in the offing if he continues this impressive ascent.
Kain Medrano is a development project, but his exceptional athleticism could leave a considerable impression on special teams when it's all said and done. That leaves Nick Bellore out of luck, but that's not set in stone yet.
Commanders cornerbacks (6)
- Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Trey Amos, Car'lin Vigers
The Commanders' cornerback room could be an area of strength next season. Marshon Lattimore holds the key, but the four-time Pro Bowler looked healthy and explosive throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp. This provides hope that he can raise his performance levels and return to his shutdown-caliber status.
Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting after his phenomenal rookie efforts. Jonathan Jones brings Super Bowl-winning experience to the ranks. Noah Igbinoghene is looking to build on a promising campaign after getting a new one-year deal. Second-round pick Trey Amos has the physicality and athleticism to make an instant impression on the rotation.
That probably leaves one more spot. Don't be surprised if undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers gets it.
Commanders safeties (5)
- Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves
The safety position will go as far as Quan Martin takes them in 2025. He's the top dog in the building right now after Adam Peters let Jeremy Chinn walk. The former second-round pick is looking to take his game to new heights, and he's off to a tremendous start this offseason.
Will Harris was acquired to fill the void left by Chinn. Tyler Owens has the physical upside that could accumulate more reps on the defensive rotation. Percy Butler's emergence over early workouts drew praise from head coach Dan Quinn, who is seeing something different from the defensive back in a contract year.
The Commanders gave Jeremy Reaves some added financial security before the campaign. Joe Whitt Jr. wants to maximize his playmaking abilities with more defensive reps, so it'll be interesting to see what he has planned for the special-teams ace.