Commanders draft T.J. Parker
- Edge Rusher | Clenson Tigers
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 51
The Washington Commanders need more dynamism in their edge-rushing room. General manager Adam Peters opted to prioritize other areas of the depth chart last offseason, relying on aging veterans with little time left in the league and on the large majority who helped the team reach the NFC Championship game in 2024. It didn't pay off, so a complete overhaul is needed to turn things around.
This takes on greater significance in light of the arrival of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. He wants more speed, aggression, and creativity as part of his more innovative schematic concepts. The only way he's going to achieve this feat is by improving his personnel.
After solidifying the defensive trenches in the first round, the Commanders take an ascending pass-rusher in the second. T.J. Parker could go much higher than this, but concerns about his lackluster final campaign could see his stock fall slightly.
Parker is a fluid edge defender with a quick burst off the snap and power in his hand movements, allowing him to gain leverage effortlessly. If he can get back to his 2024 college form at Clemson with an enhanced supporting cast in the pros, this represents a ton of value here.
Commanders draft Davison Igbinosun
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 70
Big changes are also coming to the Commanders' cornerback room. This group fell way short of expectations last season, and the lack of pass-rush made things even more difficult. Adam Peters needs to strengthen through free agency and the draft to give Daronte Jones the versatility and physicality he desperately needs across the secondary.
Marshon Lattimore is a prime cut candidate with $18.5 million in savings attached. Jonathan Jones, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Noah Igbinoghene are all free agents and may not be back. That leaves the Commanders with just Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil, who should both have important roles to play once again in 2026.
Adding proven performers in free agency is a must. Acquiring another intriguing possibility via the draft isn't going to hurt, which brings Davison Igbinosun under the microscope on Day 2.
Igbinosun bounced back from a less-than-stellar 2024 campaign to thrive with the Ohio State Buckeyes last season. He specializes in press-man coverage, which is precisely what Jones is looking for on the boundary. He is also a formidable asset to call upon in run support, something most Washington corners didn't manage effectively enough under Joe Whitt Jr.
If Igbinosun adapts his discipline and ability at the catch point, someone is going to have an exceptional prospect on their hands.