James Smith-Williams - Commanders DE
I’m singling out James Smith-Williams, but you could just as easily put Efe Obada or Casey Toohill in this spot. The Washington Commanders now have a roster packed with young veterans who can contribute quality snaps on the defensive line – especially on the outside.
Smith-Williams is the most complete of these players. He can rush the passer. He can make plays behind the line. He can move laterally to run stop cutbacks with supreme efficiency.
Toohill may move a little better and Obada may have a little more raw strength as a pure edge presence. However, that doesn't detract form how well Smith-Williams can do a little bit of everything.
Smith-Williams gained a lot of experience last season in place of the injured Chase Young, which he's clearly benefitted greatly from. I expect he will make significant contributions in 2023 regardless of whether the starters remain healthy for an entire campaign or not.
And I am not even mentioning 2023 draftee Andre Jones Jr., who may be the most exciting athlete of all the backup edge rushers. I think the jury is still out on him, though early signs are all very positive.