Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders have taken a big risk this offseason by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz. Adam Peters is keeping the reasons in-house, which only adds to the confusion. But the fact that he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers almost immediately suggests this was not a character-related issue.
Peters has done very little to fill the void, either.
The Commanders gave Nick Allegretti an early extension, putting him in the driver's seat to take over from Biadasz. Head coach Dan Quinn also wants to see if Brandon Coleman can operate effectively from the anchor, and another new name is entering the equation.
Washington saw enough in Matt Gulbin to take a late-round flier on the Michigan State product. He's not the biggest or longest, but he's got some decent college production to call upon. If Allegretti isn't up to the challenge, the Commanders now have another viable option.
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
The Commanders were heavily linked to Ohio State safety Caleb Downs throughout the pre-draft process. They signed Nick Cross in free agency, but some experts thought the do-it-all defensive back could be the glue piece Daronte Jones needs to get this creative new system up and running.
NFL insider Tony Pauline held a different opinion. He reported that the Commanders were not going to draft Downs, which stemmed from their ongoing faith in Quan Martin. That caused a stir, but he was right.
Adam Peters chose linebacker Sonny Styles, and Downs is now with the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders didn't draft a safety with their other five selections, which was no doubt a massive confidence boost for Martin when he needed it most.
Martin's projected breakout last season flopped dramatically. The Commanders took him out of the firing line late in the campaign, leaving his future uncertain. But they clearly think there is something to be salvaged within Jones' schematic concepts.
He must deliver.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
The Commanders gave the edge-rushing room the priority it deserved this offseason. Adam Peters spent big money to sign Odafe Oweh. He also signed K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to one-year deals. However, that did not stop Washington's front-office leader from finding another explosive option during the draft.
In a somewhat surprising move, the Commanders took Joshua Josephs in the fifth round. He was projected as a Day 2 pick by most experts, so getting him midway through Day 3 could be an absolute steal with a little extra polish.
Josephs isn't the biggest edge, which may restrict him from becoming an every-down force. However, the Tennessee product has a relentless motor and a low bend that causes endless disruption if schemed around effectively.
No team can ever have enough good pass rushers. And this will no doubt raise the urgency for Dorance Armstrong Jr. in a contract year as he makes encouraging progress from a serious knee injury.
Add us as a preferred source on Google