Commanders DB Kam Curl: 'Secretly Elite' for Washington Defense?

The Washington Commanders' offseason has been polluted by Chase Young conversations, and some are missing a true budding star on the defense.

The Washington Commanders' offseason has consisted of repeat conversations about Chase Young and his future within the organization. Amongst the clamor, though, maybe we're missing the true budding star.

That's a case that ClutchPoints.com would make, circling the seemingly unlikely Kamren Curl as a breakout player in 2023. ... causing us to ponder whether there is such a thing as "secretly elite''?

"He captures the attention of both fans and analysts alike," the outlet said. "With each game, Curl's impact on the field has grown. He leaves no doubt that he possesses the potential to become an indispensable linchpin in the Commanders' formidable defense."

This isn't the only outlet to take notice of Curl's recent play. CBS Sports named Curl a top-100 player in the league.

"Who? Pay attention. This kid has developed into one of the best young safeties in the game. He's good in both the run and against the pass," CBS Sports writes, as we reported earlier this week.

The outlet makes note of Curl's relatively low profile, an athlete who's been an afterthought for some NFL fans across the board. But Curl has made some noise during his time in Washington. The 24-year-old Arkansas product has 270 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions in his three-year pro tenure. 

As a Razorback, Curl played in just three seasons, declaring for the draft in his junior campaign. He had 175 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions in that span. 

His averages in college were actually worse than what he's totaled in the NFL. Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2020, Curl has risen to the occasion and become a defensive staple in Washington.

Just one of two commanders who made CBS' top 100 list, Curl ranks ahead of household names like Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Darius Slay and Patrick Peterson.

In case you were wondering, notable Dallas Cowboys names like Dak Prescott, Trevon Diggs and Tony Pollard were left off the list completely — falling short of Curl's star status.

These recent honors promote Curl's elite ability - well, "secretly elite'' ability - and he's put himself squarely in the conversation as one of the NFL's best young defenders.

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