After a season of inconsistency and defensive struggles, The Washington Commanders enter the offseason with a goal of fixing what went wrong and build a roster around young superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels. With free agency completed and the draft around the corner, the organization is attempting to reset its struggles on both sides of the ball.
The biggest issue last season was the defense. Ranking as one of the worst defenses in the last ten years, Washington consistently gave up big plays, struggled to generate pressure, and lacked discipline. It was easy to blame the struggles of the Commanders last year on injuries with over half of the week one starters on both sides of the ball out due to injury by week 13. Opposing offenses took advantage week after week, including one NFL coach saying “they didn’t have to prepare much against Washington.” It became clear early in the year changes would be necessary on both the staff and the roster.
One of the most impactful additions this offseason so far is linebacker Leo Chenal, the 25-year-old former Chiefs linebacker, whose athleticism and run stopping should immediately improve a defense with one of the weakest linebacker cores in the NFL. Pairing him with edge rusher Odafe Oweh gives Washington a much needed boost in speed and pass rushing.
On the offensive side, the Commanders added the 26-year-old tight end from Tennessee Chig Okonkwo, a young and athletic tight end who stretches the field and creates mismatches. Up front, Washington made its biggest move by extending all-pro tackle Laremy Tunsil. After a season with inconsistent protection on the offensive line, Washington secured a top level tackle which gives the offense a stronger foundation moving forward.
Now, attention has shifted toward the draft, where the Commanders hold the 7th overall pick. With multiple needs to address, the team has multiple directions it could go. With the loss of Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin’s age climbing, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is a potential target who could add versatility on the offense. Another offensive option would be running back Heisman candidate Jeremiah Love whose explosive speed and strength would fill in the desperate need for running back help immediately. On the defensive side edge rushers David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr would further strengthen the defensive front paired with Oweh. In the secondary, safety Caleb Downs stands out as one of the best safety prospects in recent memory and would immediately improve coverage and playmaking in the secondary.
These moves would ultimately tie back to quarterback Daniels, who is coming off an injury shortened season in which he appeared in just seven games. While he showed he can be elite in his rookie season, his health and development remain questionable heading into next year.
There are also new leaders in place. David Blough, the former quarterbacks coach for the Commanders, takes over as offensive coordinator replacing former coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, bringing in a young mind who understands Daniels better than anyone to the offense. On defense, Daronte Jones steps into the defensive coordinator replacing former coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. hoping to turnaround the struggling defense. Overall the offseason for the Commanders is an opportunity to redefine who they are in hopes to get back to their success two years ago where they went to the NFC Championship.
