The Washington Commanders are coming off a disappointing season in which their defense ranked among the worst in the NFL. They finished last in total defense, allowing 384 yards per game, while also landing in the bottom five against the pass at 242.5 yards per game and the bottom three against the run at 141.8 yards per game. The unit also struggled to keep teams off the scoreboard, finishing in the bottom six in points allowed at 26.5 per game.
This season, the defense will look much different. It will be led by new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, previously an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings, and will feature a shift to a 3-4 scheme along with several new faces throughout the rotation. While Madden ratings can vary, this provides a fun snapshot of how many players with a chance to make the roster were viewed at the end of last season and offers a small glimpse of what to expect:
Safeties
Quan Martin: 77
Will Harris: 72
Jeremy Reaves: 73
Nick Cross: 81
Percy Butler: 71
Tyler Owens: 65
Cornerbacks
Trey Amos: 77
Mike Sainristil: 77
Amik Robertson: 77
Ahkello Witherspoon: 77
Linebackers
Sonny Styles: ROOKIE
Leo Chenal: 84
Frankie Luvu: 79
Jordan Magee: 67
Kain Medrano: 66
Ale Kaho: 65
Nick Bellore: 69
Edge/3-4 OLB
Odafe Oweh: 80
Deatrich Wise Jr.: 74
Josiah Josephs: ROOKIE
Drake Jackson: 73
Durance Armstrong: 79
K’Laivon Chaisson: 75
Charles Omenihu: 75
Javonte Jean-Baptiste: 66
