Commanders' final 53-man roster prediction: Defense
Defensive Line (5): Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., Charles Omenihu, Ricky Barber
The Washington Commanders were dealt another blow on their defensive front after Johnny Newton suffered a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery, ending any hopes of his breakout campaign. Daronte Jones will have to make the best of a bad situation, and it places even more pressure on the starting trio to stay healthy.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. have the scope to be productive. Charles Omenihu offers versatility and proven production. Deatrich Wise Jr. would have been the call, but he hasn't practiced all summer and could land on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, paving the way for Ricky Barber to make the team.
Outside linebacker (5): Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Joshua Josephs, Javontae Jean-Baptiste
The pass-rush has looked much improved throughout the offseason. There are some slight injury worries heading into Week 1, but Dan Quinn didn't seem overly concerned.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson were the high-profile tandem expected to make a significant difference. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is working his way back to health and will be eager to pick up where he left off after his breakout campaign was cut short.
Fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs has flashed immense promise this summer and will make the team. And don't be surprised if Javontae Jean-Baptiste is still around, too.
Linebacker (4): Sonny Styles, Frankie Luvu, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee
Washington's linebacking corps will be a real strength, or at least it should be. But that doesn't make it any easier to figure out who'll be on the team to start the campaign.
Frankie Luvu is moving back to his off-ball role in a contract year. Free-agent signing Leo Chenal fits the athletic, explosive prototype Daronte Jones is looking for. No. 7 overall selection Sonny Styles has all the makings of a franchise cornerstone, even if he is coming in for some extremely harsh criticism on social media right now.
Behind them is the intriguing part. Jordan Magee and Kain Medrano both offer special-teams value, but Ale Kaho has also made a strong push for roster consideration.
Cornerback (5): Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Rasul Douglas, Fabian Moreau
The cornerback dynamic is slightly concerning. This largely centers on the availability of Trey Amos, who has practiced just once since early November last year after suffering a fractured fibula and ankle sprain.
Amos is talented but cannot seem to stay healthy. This is a problem, and it could lead the Commanders to take more than four cornerbacks when push comes to shove.
Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and Rasul Douglas will be the picks. If the Commanders decide that more is required, the likes of Fabian Moreau, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Darius Rush will be the most realistic candidates.
Safety (5): Nick Cross, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, Quan Martin, Percy Butler
The Commanders' safety unit underachieved last season, but Adam Peters didn't do much to strengthen the group. Even so, there are early signs that Daronte Jones' system will bring more out of those who were so inconsistent in 2025.
Nick Cross will set the tone as a free-agent signing with big ambitions. Quan Martin is enjoying a summer renaissance and could play an important role. Jones is also finding ways to maximize the exceptional athletic attributes at Tyler Owens' disposal.
Jeremy Reaves is the leader of this group. And with veteran Will Harris released after his subpar preseason outing, it frees up a place for Percy Butler.
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