4 secret weapons Washington Commanders must profit from in 2024
By Dean Jones
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
If the Washington Commanders want to improve defensively in 2024, they need more from their edge rushing options. Those in power thought trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline was best for the team's long-term future. How well they replace them is imperative.
Signing the veteran trio of Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. should assist. Just how much remains to be seen, but head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have faith in their capabilities having been around the players during their previous stops.
The Commanders also need someone to rise from proverbial obscurity to become impactful. K.J. Henry seems like the best candidate after showing tremendous promise when called upon over the second half of 2023.
Henry displayed eye-catching explosiveness off the block. His ability to set the edge on running downs was encouraging despite needing extra refinement. Considering what was expected of the former Clemson star before the season, it went better than most envisaged.
This is a strong stepping stone for Henry, but becoming complacent is not an option. The defensive end must maintain high standards and develop further under the guidance of Quinn's outstanding staff team. Extra competition for reps is only going to improve his hopes of finding the urgency needed to firmly establish himself.
Washington isn't blessed with great depth on the edge. Henry can propel himself into contention by impressing a fresh set of eyes. Displaying the right attitude during the team's training camp and maximizing his time on the field in preseason games will go a long way to achieving this objective.
Henry's got the talent. If he can find his way into Quinn's plans in some capacity, his expansive schematic concepts could be exactly what the second-year pro needs to take his game to new heights.