Commanders draft Genesis Smith
- Defensive Back | Arizona Wildcats
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
Daronte Jones should bring more creativity and aggressiveness to the Washington Commanders' defense. This was sorely lacking during the two years under the previous defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., who was inevitably fired after yet another underwhelming campaign by his unit.
If Jones plans to implement similar schematics to those of Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings, the personnel must improve drastically. Every position group needs an injection of energy. And for the safety unit, almost everyone should be on edge.
Aside from Jeremy Reaves, who'll probably move back into a core special-teams role, nobody should consider their positions safe. Speculation continues to rise about the Commanders potentially taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 7 pick, but several other prospects provide intrigue a little further down the pecking order.
Genesis Smith is among them. The early declaration out of Arizona has the size and physical profile Jones might be looking for. There are some technical refinements that need work, especially against the run, but his coverage capabilities are off the charts, and his athleticism is something teams will take a chance on at some stage on Day 2.
Smith may also be scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of. And there would be nobody better to enhance his craft than Jones.
Commanders draft Lewis Bond
- Wide Receiver | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 145
While strengthening the defense should be high on the Commanders' list of priorities this offseason, general manager Adam Peters must continue to focus on putting the right pieces around quarterback Jayden Daniels. The skill positions have serious questions to answer, especially with new offensive coordinator David Blough looking to shake things up after his shocking promotion.
Only Terry McLaurin, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey are guaranteed to return in the wide receiver room next season. Deebo Samuel Sr. may be extended if the price is right, but he could get interest from elsewhere in free agency. Either way, the Commanders need to find a young, cheap playmaker capable of becoming part of the team's long-term future during the draft.
That's where Lewis Bond comes in. He isn't the biggest or most dynamic, but his hands are rock-solid, and Boston College prospect has the elusiveness needed to become a yards-after-the-catch threat at the next level.
If Bond lands in a scheme that suits his strengths, he's got the scope to make an immediate difference with a smooth transition over the summer. And if Samuel does end up departing in free agency, this could be an enticing slot option to fill the void.