Commanders' Defense Revamped: Smart Moves, Big Impact

0:00On April 28th, the Washington Commanders came into this offseason knowing their defense was straight trash last year. At one of the league's weakest, units, no question. They went all in on free agency, grabbing ed rushers, Odefei Owe, and Caleb Anche Sahn, defensive tackle Tim Settle, and linebacker Leo Chanel to beef. Up that front, seven, they didn't stop there, adding corner-back Amic Robertson and safety Nick Cross, plus veteran corner Akela Witherspoon for the secondary. Meanwhile, the whole safety group returns intact, now with Cross mixing in. At corner, they cut ties with a few vets like Marcian Latamore and didn't chase big draft names. Instead of grabbing the top corner, Mansour Delane at number six snagged by the chiefs, they stayed true at number seven, picking linebacker Sonny, Styles, a guy they loved all along. Fans and analysts scratched their heads a bit on skipping that corner in the first round, especially with no second or fourth round picks. But assistant GM Lance Newmark shut it down post-draft, saying they're good with what they have,

1:05no forcing badfits like the older James did. What they're banking on quietly is new defensive coordinator Durante Jones and his fresh scheme, paired with that upgraded pass rush to lift the secondary. They trust starters Mike St. Restille and Trey Amos, see upside and safety duo Nick Cross and Will Harris, and think coaching can unlock Quon Martin too. Bottom line. The commanders are building smart, not desperate. Watch how this revamped D-line sparks the whole unit come fall.