Commanders' defensive shift has suddenly put key playmakers in an awkward bind

Washington is preparing for a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Daronte Jones, similar to Brian Flores’ approach in Minnesota. The projected defensive front uses three interior defensive linemen—Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., and Daron Payne—leaving four roles for linebackers and edge rushers, who will function as linebackers. Multiple players are in contention, including Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Odafe Oweh on the outside, plus K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu as potential flex and reserve options. Inside linebacker competition is also crowded, with Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, and Jordan Magee vying for two starting spots, while rookies and recent accolades may not be immediate full-time starters.

"New coordinator Daronte Jones is expected to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme, as Brian Flores does in Minnesota, and the Commanders have the personnel for it. In fact, if reports are any indication, they might have too many linebackers. And they're going to need to figure out how to get all of them involved."

"Indications are the Commanders will start three interior defensive linemen - Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., and Daron Payne - leaving four slots available for the linebackers and edge rushers, who will effectively be used as linebackers. And there's an awful lot of competition."

"Dorance Armstrong Jr. was playing at a Pro Bowl level last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury, and Odafe Oweh got paid the big bucks by the bank of Adam Peters. One would think they have to both be starters on the outside, but it's not that simple. Where does that leave K'Lavon Chaisson? He could thrive in a flex role a la fellow former Jacksonville Jaguars first-rounder Dante Fowler Jr. in 2024, but he needs to get snaps somewhere."

"Then, the inside linebacker situation gets even trickier. Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, and Jordan Magee would all be competing for two starting spots. One has to assume they'd go to the former two, but it's not a given that this year's No. 7 overall pick is ready from Day 1 or that the 2024 second-team All-Pro doesn't have a scaled-back role."

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