4 Commanders with soaring stock after 2024 offseason workouts
By Dean Jones
Joe Whitt Jr. - Commanders DC
Dan Quinn wants to make the most of his second NFL head coaching opportunity. He's deserving of another shot after galvanizing his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He wasn't every fan's choice, but the Washington Commanders had him among their top candidates from the outset and became convinced this was the leader to bring them back to prominence.
Quinn cannot do it alone. The head coach needed to form an outstanding staff to help put his ambitious plans into motion. He used his vast contacts around the league and those he trusted from his previous stop to achieve this objective.
One of the more notable arrivals was Joe Whitt Jr. The respected figure gained a phenomenal reputation for developing defensive backs with the Cowboys. He helped the likes of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland reach All-Pro-caliber levels. Now, he gets the chance to increase his blossoming résumé as Washington's new defensive coordinator.
It's hard not to be impressed by the way Whitt goes about his business. He's a no-nonsense individual who has high demands for himself and his players. What you see is what you get with him, which instantly earns respect.
Players are firmly aware of their responsibilities within Quinn and Whitt's creative defensive system. They want them to be fast, physical, and turn opportunities into turnovers. There is no sugarcoating anything. Anyone not meeting these increased standards won't last long.
This attitude and newfound ethos galvanized the roster. Previously unmotivated individuals such as veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen have a new lease on life. They are looking forward to taking the field. Everything seemed like a chore last season as another campaign under Ron Rivera spiraled into oblivion. That's not the case anymore.
Whitt deserves all the credit in the world for establishing cohesion quickly. This was a defensive unit on its knees last season. Expect the urgency to increase exponentially with Washington's new coordinator leading the charge.