We're less than a month away from the Washington Commanders reporting to Ashburn, Virginia, for training camp, and it's time we got to know the roster a little better.
The Commanders outperformed expectations in the first year with general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn at the helm. Jayden Daniels put together one of the most electrifying rookie seasons in NFL history, and the team was one game away from appearing in the Super Bowl.
Now, with more primetime games on the horizon and a much higher standard to reach, the Commanders must prepare for an encore performance. Like last year, that work will begin in training camp, and Commanders.com will look at every position ahead of the first practice day on July 23. Next up are the defensive linemen.
On the roster
- DE Dorance Armstrong
- DE Clelin Ferrell
- DE Jalyn Holmes
- DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste
- DE Andre Jones Jr.
- DE Jacob Martin
- DE Norell Pollard
- DE Deatrich Wise
- DT Ricky Barber
- DT Carl Davis
- DT Sheldon Day
- DT Viliami Fehoko Jr.
- DT Eddie Goldman
- DT Johnny Newton
- DT Daron Payne
- DT Javon Kinlaw
What to watch
- Can the Commanders maximize Kinlaw? There were plenty of questions when the Commanders signed Kinlaw to a multi-year deal, but they believe they have the tools to get the most out of his skill set. For one, Peters was part of the front office that drafted him, so he has a strong idea of his strengths and potential. Washington's defensive line coach, Darryl Tapp, worked with Kinlaw with the San Francisco 49ers and helped improve his skill set after dealing with multiple injuries early in his career. Quinn, who played defensive line in college, also has a strong working knowledge of the position and can offer assistance throughout the year. Plus, the Commanders believe Kinlaw is an ascending player, and they hit on signing players at the right time last year when they brought in Frankie Luvu and Tyler Biadasz. Kinlaw has a 6-foot-5, 319-pound frame and used it well at times to stop the run for the 49ers. He also has some skills as a pass-rusher, which the Commanders will need after releasing Jonathan Allen. Although it's a gamble, like all free agent signings, the Commanders believe Kinlaw has more to give, and they're going to help him maximize those traits.
- Will Newton take the next step? The Commanders were surprised when Newton fell to them in the second round, and they took him believing he could provide a boost to their interior pass rush. Newton took more time to develop last season because of injuries, but he made a good impression on his coaches during OTAs and minicamp. Newton believes he is ready for a bigger role, and Quinn said he saw an "uptick" in his play strength. The key will be for him to remain healthy, but assuming he can do that, he looks primed to compete for a starting job opposite Payne.
- Can they stop the run? This is the biggest question the Commanders had to answer during the offseason. Saquon Barkley is going to remain in the NFC East for a while longer, and if they hope to get past him and the Eagles, both in terms of the division standings and the playoffs, they must find ways to contain him. Although they didn't make any flashy signings at defensive line, they did raise the talent level up front by bringing in bigger, more physical players who have a history of being solid run-stoppers. Martin and Wise both know how to set edges in the run game -- a problem for the team last season, and players like Goldman have the size profile to stop up the middle of Washington's defense. In theory, the Commanders have the pieces to at least be better at containing running backs, but those new pieces must mesh with the veterans to create a more cohesive position group. It's often unwise to make aggrandizing proclamations in the summer, but much of Washington's success in 2025 will hinge on whether they can be better on the ground.
