Commanders' defensive roster projection
Defensive line (9): Dorance Armstrong Jr., Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jacob Martin, Johnny Newton, Eddie Goldman, Jalyn Holmes, Sheldon Day.
Linebacker (6): Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Von Miller, Jordan Magee, Nick Bellore, Kain Medrano.
Corneback (6): Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, Jonathan Jones, Car'lin Vigers.
Safety (5): Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves.
The Washington Commanders' defensive line could be a lot better than people expect in 2025. This is predicated on their starting options thriving, because the depth behind them didn't exactly flourish against the New England Patriots.
Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw will lead the interior charge. Johnny Newton has potential as a pass-rushing specialist in the 3-technique, but his ability against the run remains a concern. That's not the case with Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day, who should provide solid cover if needed.
With Von Miller being listed as a rush linebacker, the Commanders will likely deploy Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. as their starting defensive ends. Jacob Martin and Jalyn Holmes could back them up, with Kinlaw also expected to play on the edge in specific situations.
The Commanders officially gave up on 2024 fifth-round pick Dominique Hampton, which all but cements the second-level players going through. Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Miller are the established linebacking trio. Hopes are high for Jordan Magee in Year 2. Nick Bellore and rookie Kain Medrano will be depth pieces tasked with playing important roles on special teams.
Washington's cornerback room is pretty set, depending on how many Dan Quinn and Adam Peters want to take through. Marshon Lattimore and second-round pick Trey Amos look like a dynamic boundary tandem. Mike Sainristil has thrived in the slot all summer long. Noah Igbinoghene and Jonathan Jones will be decent rotational pieces with proven production in a competitive setting.
That leaves one spot for the rest. There were some obvious growing pains during his preseason debut, but the Commanders have the luxury of allocating the spot to a development project that can assist on special teams. Car'lin Vigers is the tentative choice, but improvements must be made over the next fortnight.
It's hard to find holes in the safety unit right now. Quan Martin and Will Harris will start. Both Jeremy Reaves and Tyler Owens have been getting a ton of work with the first-string defense and should play important roles. Percy Butler got a new one-year deal ahead of time in recognition of his improvements, and he'll be an integral part of the special-teams plans if he doesn't quite crack the defensive rotation.
Things didn't go according to plan defensively against the Patriots. But it's worth remembering that almost no established starters saw time on the field. If everyone meets expectations, it should be a profitable campaign.