Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones should run a more creative, aggressive scheme. For that to work, the Washington Commanders desperately need to improve the personnel at their disposal.
The Commanders believe Jones has the coaching prowess and schematic ideas to take this failing unit forward. While the bar isn't exactly high for that after two years of inept production under the previous defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., this gamble has to go well for head coach Dan Quinn. Otherwise, he'll be on the chopping block this time next year.
Getting younger and more explosive is critical. Free agency will provide some clues, but there is a good chance Washington finds a blue-chip defensive difference-maker at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to become a foundational piece under Jones' guidance.
Most fans have turned their focus on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, based on their perceptions of the scheme Jones may install. However, one respected NFL Draft analyst had something else in mind.
Daniel Jeremiah throws Commanders' curveball with Sonny Styles mock draft choice
Daniel Jeremiah from the NFL Network threw a curveball at Washington's way in his first mock draft. He thought Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles might be the pick, and his player comparison was enough to raise more than a few eyebrows.
"[Sonny] Styles reminds me of Fred Warner, who was drafted by the 49ers when current Commanders GM Adam Peters was an executive in San Francisco’s front office. Keep in mind that Bobby Wagner is 35 and headed for free agency."Daniel Jeremiah
Styles is an outstanding prospect. The Commanders need to find a replacement for aging veteran Bobby Wagner, who is a free agent and will either leave or retire this offseason. Washington does have Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee, but more will be needed if Jones moves to 3-4 or 2-5 bases to implement his exotic blitz packages.
If the Commanders took Styles over the likes of Downs, Bailey, or Rueben Bain Jr., they'd better be right.
With only two picks in the first four rounds, the margin for error has diminished significantly. Still, if Jones runs something similar to the system Brian Flores deploys with the Minnesota Vikings, he needs an explosive young linebacker capable of dropping back in coverage while also being forceful on blitzes and against the run.
Pairing Styles with Luvu would rectify that problem. It doesn't solve their edge-rushing need or the desire for a legitimate game-wrecking safety, but Peters has to go down one route. And he would be wise to seek Jones' counsel before taking the plunge.
Jones only adds to the fascination heading into the recruitment period. And nothing should be off the table.