4 pre-draft Commanders questions that received emphatic answers
By Seth Jones
The first NFL Draft under the new regime led by general manager Adam Peters was a success. A lot of team needs were met and the future of the Washington Commanders is the brightest it has been in a very long time.
Several questions surrounded the Commanders heading into the first draft process with Peters leading the charge. To the delight of every Washington fan, many of them were answered.
Let’s take a look at those questions that were answered, including one that has a lot to do with the new Commanders' head coach, Dan Quinn.
How much emphasis would be on Commanders' defense?
With the arrival of Dan Quinn as the Washington Commanders' new head coach and Joe Whitt Jr. as the defensive coordinator, there was a solid chance there would be a lot of prospects on this side of the football being selected at various stages of the 2024 NFL Draft. That seemed to become true, as five of the nine picks made by general manager Adam Peters were defensive players, two of them being in the second round.
Defensive lineman Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristil, linebacker Jordan Magee, safety Dominique Hampton, and edge rusher Javonte Jean-Bapiste should provide immediate help in the starting lineup or fill out key depth pieces in 2024. Some fans aren’t completely happy about this, but it was a good decision.
The defense had holes all over, and most of them were filled or at least boosted with the draft. Couple this with some intriguing signings in free agency, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Quinn and Whitt's defensive unit make significant strides when competitive action resumes.
This new and improved defense under Quinn and Whitt Jr. is young and hungry. I’m ready to see what this coaching staff can do with it looking at the enhanced options available following a busy offseason recruitment period.