Commanders Senior Bowl: 5 Defensive Prospects to Watch

Continuing our look at Washington Commanders prospects participating at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl.

The Washington Commanders are going to have a new identity next season and whether or not the new coach comes from offensive or defensive roots the defense is going to need to hold its own.

Unfortunately, that's something the Commanders defense didn't do much of in the past year, meaning big changes could be coming on that side of the ball.

With the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl getting started this week we're looking at five players on the defensive side that Washington should be keeping an eye on.

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EDGE CHRIS BRASWELL, ALABAMA

After trading away two starting edge defenders the Commanders are likely to be looking for starting-caliber talent to add this offseason.

Braswell may not make it to the second Washington selection in the NFL Draft but if he does he'll be a name social media targets for the pick. 

His 13 sacks in 2023 were impressive and if he can show better than expected bend throughout the scouting process he'll solidify his status in the rookie class.

OTHER EDGE DEFENDERS TO WATCH: Laiatu Latu, UCLA - Adisa Isaac, Penn State - Javon Solomon, Troy - Darius Robinson, Missouri - Jaylen Harrell, Michigan

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN BYRON MURPHY II, TEXAS

As speculation about what may come of Jonathan Allen's future with the Commanders continues we'll be keeping an eye on some of the interior defensive linemen projected to come off the board in the top half of the NFL Draft. 

Murphy is one of two highly regarded Longhorns defensive linemen and may be the best of the two when it's all said and done. 

His first step is impressive but his ability to stand up against double teams leaves something to be desired. And something to look for this week.

OTHER DL TO WATCH: Brandon Dorius, Oregon - Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson - T'Vondre Sweat, Texas - Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State - Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

LINEBACKER PAYTON WILSON, N.C. STATE

Another year and another offseason of Washington fans clamoring for their favorite team to find a leader at the linebacker position. Or at least a consistent impact player.

Wilson is a Day 2 prospect in this year's NFL Draft looking to show off his range at the Senior Bowl in hopes that he can generate some increased buzz entering the Scouting Combine in February.

If he does, perhaps he could become the next linebacker the Commanders take a chance on.

OTHER LBs TO WATCH: Marist Liufau, Notre Dame - Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State - Cedric Gray, North Carolina 

CORNERBACK QUINYON MITCHELL, TOLEDO

Currently No. 38 on the Pro Football Focus big board Mitchell may be a little richer than most Washington fans want to see a cornerback drafted, especially after the team spent first and second-round picks on the secondary in 2023.

After the performance the secondary put on tape, however, it's hard to not put the group near the top of the needs list for the team. 

Mitchell is a perimeter cornerback who didn't allow a single touchdown last season while holding opposing quarterbacks to just a 43.5 percent completion percentage.

But stats alone don't point to a successful NFL career for these prospects so look for Mitchell's instincts to shine through at the Senior Bowl practices this week.

OTHER CBs TO WATCH: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri - Caelen Carson, Wake Forest - Kalen King, Penn State - D.J. James, Auburn - Mike Sainristil, Michigan

Commanders Final Coach Pick: Quinn or Ben Or ... ?

SAFETY TYKEE SMITH, GEORGIA

If the Commanders are in the market for another slot defender to add to the roster Smith might be the man for the job.

Playing 434 snaps from the slot in 2023 he came away with four interceptions showing off solid coverage ability and ball skills despite some length deficiencies.

He'll be looking to showcase the same and prove that lack of length isn't going to stop him from thriving in the NFL.

OTHER SAFETIES TO WATCH: Kamren Kinchens, Miami (Fl.) - Sione Vaki, Utah - Javon Bullard, Georgia - Beau Brade, Maryland - Josh Proctor, Ohio State