Which current Commanders defensive players will thrive under new coordinator Daronte Jones?

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Current Commanders fits with Daronte Jones’ new system

Breaking down how the current Commanders roster could fit with Jones and where there could be issues

Fits with shift to 3-4 front

One of the first changes we could see from Jones is a shift from a base 4-3 defense to a base 3-4. Typically, this isn’t as big a deal as it once was, because most defenses play live in nickel packages now anyway. Even when they aren’t in nickel, most defenses in the NFL are hybrids that use both 4-3 and 3-4 looks. But the Vikings under Flores and Jones stuck to their 3-4 principles, so I think we can expect to see that shift.

The Commanders used plenty of 3-4 looks last season, so there’s some natural fits in the current personnel for that front already, especially on the interior defensive line.

The Commanders generally had more success defending the run in a 3-4 front throughout this past season. Players like Kinlaw and Payne are big but versatile defensive lineman that can line up across the front and be effective. What we saw from the Vikings defense led by Flores and Jones was that they preferred to keep their three defensive tackles on the field as often as possible in order to remain stout against the run.

They weren’t looking for a great deal of pass rush from those big bodies, because the pass rush would come from the blitz packages. But what they needed was stout run defenders from those three defensive lineman to provide the flexibility from a coverage perspective to keep two safeties back deep and use two-deep safety coverage schemes like quarters. If you’re going to be effective defending the run from a two-deep safety structure, then you need a few stout bodies up front, which is what makes that 3-4 look so appealing to this defensive scheme.

So the profile of defensive lineman needed for this scheme is typically bigger guys like Payne, Kinlaw and Goldman. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room for a slightly undersized defensive tackle like Johnny Newton. There’s potential for this new scheme to be very beneficial for Newton. With two other defensive tackles on the field, Newton can be placed in slightly wider alignments than he saw for large parts of last season. As we saw against the Cowboys at the end of the season, he’s much more effective in those positions.

Commanders Roundtable

Defensive focus is becoming clear for Commanders in 2026

Jones brings a history disruption to the Commanders’ secondary where the Vikings recorded 73 interceptions during his four seasons with the organization, including an interception in every game during 2024. But the next question is how the Commanders address the front seven, though Nick Jhabvala of The Athletic was the first to report that the team’s defensive staff remains fluid with a “focus to bring on someone to oversee the front seven, with a focus on improving the pass rush.”

It’s the latest bit of evidence that general manager Adam Peters is focused on rebuilding the Commanders’ pass rush after noting the team needs to address “a lot of spots.” But after also being spotted scouting the edge prospects ahead of Tuesday’s Shrine Bowl, Peters also noted in his end of season press conference that addressing the pass rush in any capacity is an offseason focus.

“I think where we can look at, I think, certainly another pass rusher would be something we’d definitely be looking for. Whether that’s the draft or free agency, I think we have a lot of good options in both of those areas,” he said earlier this month.

[O]ne thing is clear – Washington will look to upgrade the defense after posting the league’s worst turnover margin and ranked middle of the league with 42 sacks.

Commanders Wire

Could recently departed Jets OC be an option for Commanders’ staff?

In his two weeks in charge of Washington’s offense, Blough has already made multiple hires. First, he hired D.J. Williams as quarterbacks coach and Danny Etling, his former Purdue teammate, as assistant quarterbacks coach. Washington also promoted assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton to offensive line coach and Shane Toub to assistant offensive line coach. All of these hires were either recommended by Blough, or had his blessing.

As of now, Washington’s offensive staff appears full. That could still change. Running backs coach/run game coordinator Anthony Lynn has interviewed for two head coaching jobs. While it doesn’t look like he’ll land one, could he want to leave? After all, the Commanders didn’t even interview him for offensive coordinator before promoting Blough.

Blough may not have a lot of coaching connections yet, but [Tanner] Engstrand is an intriguing name. A former college quarterback at San Diego State. Engstrand began his NFL coaching career in 2020 with the Detroit Lions. He quickly rose up on Ben Johnson’s offensive staff and was with Detroit for much of Blough’s time there.

In 2024, Engstrand landed his first offensive coordinator job with the New York Jets. On Tuesday, he departed after only one season. No one will hold that against Engstrand since it’s the Jets. While Engstrand could find a spot on Johnson’s staff in Chicago, what if Blough wanted to bring him to Washington? If [passing game coordinator Brian] Johnson departs, Engstrand could handle pass game coordinator duties. Or, if [David] Raih leaves, he could be tight ends coach. He handled both responsibilities with the Lions.

Commanders.com

4 players to watch during the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl

The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

More than 150 athletes are set to participate in the 2026 East-Shrine Bowl today — all eager to show off their skill sets to NFL scouts. Here are five players to watch when the game kicks off at the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility.

S Jalen Huskey

Teams will have to look more at potential over experience when it comes to Huskey. He’s only played safety for two seasons after spending the first half of his career playing cornerback at Liberty, so he’s still learning how to play the position. Still, what he’s put on film has been impressive; he had seven interceptions in two seasons at Maryland to go with 117 tackles.

Huskey is a physical safety who isn’t afraid of contact and will play close to the line of scrimmage. He also handled himself well in coverage in both team drills and one-on-ones, deflecting two passes and holding his own against prospects like Kalen Wetjen.

It might take time for Huskey to be a consistent contributor at the professional level based on how much he still needs to learn about the position. In the meantime, most of his snaps will come on special teams. But Kiper lists him as his seventh best safety, and if he can continue the progress he’s made in the last two seasons, it won’t take long for him to get in a starting lineup.

A to Z Sports

2026 Senior Bowl Day One Winners: Commanders key positions of need in NFL Draft have impressive first practice

The biggest winners on day one of the Senior Bowl were led by Kevin Coleman Jr, Colton Hood, Scooby Williams, and Nadame Tucker

Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan

Nadame Tucker was a prospect I had nowhere on my radar heading into the Senior Bowl, but now I’m finding myself doing more research on him after a stellar first day of practice. Tucker had a very productive season in 2025 with 14.5 sacks and 6 pressures, and he showed why at practice. He’s 6-3, 250 pounds, and showed a quick burst off the line that blockers struggled with all day. It’s a loaded EDGE group at the Senior Bowl, so standing out as he did really showed how impressive he was on day one. Adam Peters kept a close eye on Tucker and likely loved what he saw.

Heavy.com

Commanders paying “heavy attention” to an “explosive” potential mid-round RB in the 2026 NFL draft

Demond Claiborne has qualities Commanders need

Keeping close track of Claiborne’s health at this stage of the pre-draft process will be worth the effort for the Commanders. If only because the 22-year-old possesses true breakaway speed, something Washington’s rushing attack has been missing.

That speed was observed by Steelers Depot writer Josh Carney during the first day of practice at the Shrine Bowl. Carney described how “Claiborne immediately stood out among the running backs with his speed and burst. He later left practice due to minor back tightness, but it isn’t expected to sideline him for the rest of the week.”

Unfortunately, more injury misery befell Claiborne on the third day. He “only had a half practice before an injury on a diving catch took him out of practice. He told us in an interview (find it on the Giants official podcast network feed) that it’s not serious,” according to John Schmeelk of Giants.com.

Schmeelk did note Claiborne’s “going to be one of the fastest players at running back at 5’9 and a quarter inches and 187 pounds.”

A similar sentiment is shared by Buccaneers.com contributor Gabrial Kahaian. He believes “Claiborne’s electricity separates him from other prospects. He utilizes his lateral agility to change direction on a whim and keep his balance while navigating through traffic. Claiborne is also a dependable pass catcher, averaging 7.7 yards per reception.”

Kahaian also pointed out “Claiborne is currently projected to go in the third or fourth round and whoever drafts him is certain to reap the rewards.”

If the Commanders are the beneficiaries, they will continue a strong recent run of finding capable runners in the mid to late rounds.

Podcasts & videos

Season Review: OFFENSE Jayden Daniels + Draft Guru on TEs | Podcast | Washington Commanders | NFL

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Big Blue View

NY Giants news: Eli Manning again denied entry into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Manning falls short of needed support for second straight year

Manning was one of 15 modern-era finalists for the second consecutive year, but once again did not make the cut.

According to the Hall of Fame selection process, a maximum of five and a minimum of three modern-era players like Manning can be voted in each year. Enshrinees must received 80% of the vote to be part of that year’s Hall of Fame class.

Bleeding Green Nation

Howie Roseman’s unprompted support of Nick Sirianni feels notable

The Eagles are assuredly doing their due diligence and considering all potential candidates as they look to fill their offensive coordinator position, but as most of the people they’ve brought in for interviews have already taken other opportunities, speculation as to the quality of the role has emerged. From blaming Eagles fans to blaming Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts, there’s no shortage of guesses as to why the position hasn’t been filled yet.

While the logical answer is that the team is taking their time to make the right decision, some are also speculating about how much head coach Nick Sirianni is hindering interest.

Discussion topics

Bleeding Green Nation

Adam Schefter hints at some big non-offensive coordinator Eagles news by next week

Interesting moment from the latest edition of Adam Schefter’s weekly radio hit on 97.5 The Fanatic’s morning show with Andrew Salciunas and John Kincade.

As Schefter was signing off, the following exchange happened.

ANDREW SALCIUNAS: We appreciate the time and we’ll talk to you next week. Maybe reacting to an [offensive coordinator] hire in Philadelphia, maybe the smoke will come out of NovaCare. We’ll find out soon.

ADAM SCHEFTER: And, and, and maybe it’ll be even more than that by next week.

ANDREW SALCIUNAS: Will A.J. Brown be traded?

JOHN KINCADE: “More than that”? Wait a minute. What are you hinting at?

ADAM SCHEFTER: Maybe it’ll be even more than discussion of an offensive coordinator. We’ll see. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens here in the next week.

Here are some thoughts on what Schefter could be hinting at:

• The biggest tinfoil hat conspiracy angle I can come up with is the Eagles are interested in trading Nick Sirianni. Remember how Howie Roseman made an effort to praise the head coach unprompted shortly after the season ended? The Las Vegas Raiders still need a coach and they have plenty of former members of the Eagles in their front office.

• A retirement could be possible. Lane Johnson? That’d be a big deal.

• A trade can’t become official until March but there have been deals reported ahead of time. Maybe A.J. Brown is on the move? Maybe he makes it known he wants out?

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