Commanders' defense with two of NFL's most improved position groups

After going 5-12 in 2025, it was clear that the Washington Commanders needed to make some big changes this offseason.

>That's exactly what they did, especially on defense. The team added Leo Chenal, Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Amik Robertson, and others in free agency, while adding star linebacker Sonny Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It's clear that Dan Quinn's defense should be better than it was in 2025, and if Jayden Daniels can play close to his 2024 form, this team could be scary.

>It's not just fans of the Commanders who are buying the hype, either.

>ESPN's Ben Solak recently ranked the 10 most improved position groups in the NFL, and the Commanders landed two entries. At No. 3, Solak has the Commanders' linebacker room. The team added Chenal and Styles while allowing veteran Bobby Wagner to move on.

>"Washington's linebackers were a mark for opposing offenses last season," Solak explained. "This year, they should be a far faster and more versatile group -- one that forces offensive attention elsewhere."

>Then, at No. 10, Solak has the Commanders' edge rusher group. The team brought in Oweh, Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and Joshua Josephs to replace Jacob Martin, Von Miller, Preston Smith, and Jalyn Holmes. Miller and Martin were productive in 2025, but the new additions are faster, younger, and have more upside.

>"The Commanders still don't have a true ringer of a defensive end -- Oweh was a rotational player with the Chargers even as he was breaking out," Solak said. "But they have a deep group with different body types and much more juice than last season. Good work."

>It's definitely a good sign that the Commanders' defense is seen as vastly improved. The team also has a new defensive coordinator, bringing in DMV native Daronte Jones. Add all these things up, and it's easy to get excited about what the Commanders are doing.

>This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Defense has 2 of most improved position groups