Commanders defensive roster
Defensive Line (9): Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., Johnny Newton, Jacob Martin, Eddie Goldman, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Clelin Ferrell.
Linebackers (6): Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, Von Miller, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore.
Cornerbacks (6): Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Antonio Hamilton Sr.
Safety (5): Quan Martin, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens.
The Washington Commanders have a defense capable of being more competitive in 2025. Adam Peters worked hard to strengthen all three levels, and things have come together encouragingly over the summer to further increase expectations.
Washington's defensive front alleviated concerns this offseason. They were surprisingly cohesive and explosive, which bodes well for their chances of making a splash despite letting some key veteran players leave.
Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw lead the way on the interior. Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. will start at the defensive end spots, with the likes of Jacob Martin and Javontae Jean-Baptiste potentially backing them up.
Of course, future Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller can be deployed as a defensive end or a stand-up rusher from the second level. That's a luxury the Commanders have thanks to the presence of Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, who are a dynamic linebacking tandem who rarely put a foot wrong.
Jordan Magee endured another injury-hitting offseason, but should make the squad. Kain Medrano's flashed promise but remains extremely raw. Nick Bellore's exceptional special-teams prowess will see his name on the team.
Washington's cornerback room could be the biggest defensive strength if everyone stays healthy and performs as expected. Marshon Lattimore and second-round rookie Trey Amos are the starting options on the boundary. Mike Sainristil will go into the nickel role, with Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene also expected to play important roles on the rotation. Antonio Hamilton Sr.'s instant impact narrowly edges him over undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers, who'd almost certainly come back onto the practice squad if he clears waivers in this scenario.
There won't be many surprises in the safety room. Quan Martin and Will Harris are firmly entrenched as the starting duo. Jeremy Reaves is going to play a lot more this season after thriving over the summer. Percy Butler is a special-teams ace, and Tyler Owens has enough physical upside to make the team comfortably.
This has the makings of an outstanding defense. Health is the most critical factor above all else, but there have been relatively few complications on that front throughout Washington's grueling preparations for the upcoming campaign.
If the trenches excel, it's all systems go. And if Lattimore can return to his Pro Bowl-caliber performance levels, this group will take off to stratospheric regions under Joe Whitt Jr.'s no-nonsense leadership.