Commanders NFL Draft: 3 Biggest Defensive Needs

What do you get a team that already has so many top picks spent on defense? Any of these three Washington Commanders' defensive needs.

It doesn't feel like that long ago we were talking about what the Washington Commanders needed to do to secure a spot in the 2022 NFL Playoffs. 

Unfortunately, that didn't pan out, but if the Commanders make the right decisions this weekend then we could see postseason football return to the Nation's Capital as early as next January. 

What are those right decisions? Well, on defense, any of these three needs being filled would be a good start. 

NEED 1: Nickel Corner

One way or another Washington needs to get a guy to man the slot for its defense. 

Cornerback Danny Johnson isn't a bad option, per se, and second-year safety Percy Butler certainly showed some potential last year but with Benjamin St-Juste taking big strides outside we'd like to see him stay there this year.

There are good options on Day 1, but honestly, we like the players likely to be available at No. 47 on Day 2 a little bit better.

NEED 2: Defensive End

Every defensive end on the Commanders' current roster has just one year left on his deal after the team will reportedly decline Chase Young's fifth-year option. 

At the time of this writing, the only defensive end Washington has under contract for next season is Shaka Toney, and that's because his one year remaining won't count this season due to his suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy.

Not exactly the counter to this need we'd like to take it off the board. 

In fact, this second need could almost serve as another top need, as both edge and cornerback need to be priorities during the NFL Draft.

NEED 3: Linebacker

Similar to the quarterback position with a tad less optimism about the man they have slated to start there this season, the Commanders would help their cause by coming away with a linebacker in this year's draft.

Of course, we said that last year as well, and not only did the team not take one early - they didn't take one at all.

Expect that to change this year, but with the addition of Cody Barton via free agency, it may not be a top need. 

Especially when you look at how diminished the linebacker position was last year in defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's scheme.

Perhaps by saying linebacker is the last of three top needs for Washington, the team will actually take one early on. 

It's hard to view that position as a bigger area to address than the other two, and when you add the offensive list to it, then the linebacker position moves down to fifth on our list of six. 

How the NFL Draft unfolds for the Commanders will depend on how they rank their own needs, and if it turns out as good as last year's the fan base will be happy with the results.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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