The Washington Commanders went to work this offseason to help build up the defensive side of the ball, and Adam Peters chose the guys he wanted, even if they weren't the most popular signings. Dan Quinn knows defense, and it's always good news when you get named dropped by the head coach.
Quinn was asked by Mike Golic Jr. on Bleacher Report's B/R Gridiron stream who has impressed him the most when it comes to the newest additions, and he went straight to the defense to give credit to three guys specifically.
Hearing this kind of update from Quinn should ease fans' opinions of these three signings, especially at positions that needed an upgrade the most.
Javon Kinlaw
The Commanders' run defense finished 3rd worst in the league in yards given up on the ground, and Javon Kinlaw was brought in to bring size and energy on the line. Kinlaw came to Washington and went straight to work to lean up after playing bigger in the New York Jets' scheme. He is still a mammoth of a man when you see him in practice, but he looks fast and strong.
Quinn has mentioned it before practice in his press conferences, but the trenches can't show everything they want to until the pads come on. Kinlaw wasted no time in letting the offensive line feel his presence, and he made a handful of plays breaking into the backfield to stop the run or put pressure on the quarterback.
I think fans will love the energy Kinlaw brings on the defensive line and see that Peters made a great decision bringing in Kinlaw and letting him play more freely at a size he's comfortable with.
Deatrich Wise
Speaking of the defensive line, the Commanders needed to add someone on the edge who can stop the run and also get to the quarterback. Wise has been a consistent veteran in the league, and he's going to bring strength and length off the edge to win his reps. I've been saying for a while that Wise will be one of the unsung heroes of the defense this year, and clean up the dirty work that may not be noticeable.
His ability to stop the run will be a big improvement compared to what the Commanders had with Dante Fowler Jr, and Wise will still get to the quarterback and produce as well. He made one of my favorite plays at practice on Saturday when the offense was working red zone drills, and Wise saw something on the play presnap and pointed it out. He then found his way in the backfield and stopped RB Brian Robinson Jr. in the backfield, who was headed to the opposite side of Wise.
Will Harris
The Commanders needed to replace Jeremy Chinn, who went to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, and versatile defensive back Will Harris was the answer. Harris was the one player that I went into camp with no idea what to expect, and was my biggest unknown. I liked what I saw in his coverage ability back at safety, and I think that's where he brings improvements to the secondary.
Quinn has talked about his versatility, and I've seen Harris back at strong safety in team drills and even down in the slot at corner when they run an extra DB in dime packages. Washington's secondary finally has stability and depth for the first time, and Harris looks to fit in smoothly, primarily at safety with Quan Martin.
Jayden Daniels and the offense need the defense to step up and be much improved from last season, and the Commanders can do that if they get the most out of the newest additions Kinlaw, Wise, and Harris. So far, they're making a strong impression on Coach Quinn, and we will see more as preseason starts this week.
