This position group will look much different for Commanders in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

What will be the Washington Commanders' strongest position group next season?

The free-agency surge back in March, combined with last week's 2026 NFL Draft, means the Commanders' roster will look much different in this 2026 season than it did last season. Is there one position group that will change the most? Yes, the linebacker group was virtually remodeled by Washington GM Adam Peters.

• Leo Chanel is a good athlete with quickness and strength that he brings to the group. He will be able to cover running backs and tight ends, plus he is physically strong in defending the run game.
• Sonny Styles with his speed and length, it would not surprise to see him used not only to blitz but also drop into coverage in the middle of the field to utilize the range he brings to the defense.
• Over the last few seasons, the Commanders have played two linebackers in their primary look. But now with more size, speed, and length at linebacker, it makes sense they might determine to play three at a time. Seeing it would allow the Commanders to have another good athlete on the field. Don't be surprised if we see 3 linebacker schemes this season.
• New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will be installing the new scheme that he brings from the Minnesota Vikings. Jones served under DC Brian Flores, who will be bringing different looks and pressure groupings.
• K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh were both signed in free agency to bring more athletic ability and quickness off the edge, rushing the passer. Then last week, the Commanders added another edge to bring the heat to the quarterback when they drafted Joshua Joseph. Joseph, at 6-3, 240, will be someone they want to use in punt and kickoff coverage units. He will also need to adjust from being a defensive end with his hand on the ground to a stand-up outside linebacker.
• Frankie Luvu is really going to enjoy the new scheme. Last season, due to injuries, Luvu was mostly used as a defensive end and was not nearly as effective, having to battle offensive tackles much larger than himself. But 2026 looks to be a year where he can return to linebacker full-time.
• Jordan Magee is a player head coach Dan Quinn talked about numerous times in his first two seasons, who did not get to play much. At 6-3, 225, Magee, in limited action, did display quickness and range. He also displayed good tackling technique.
• Then we can't forget Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho, who were rookies last season and showed promise on special teams. Finally, third-year former DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste is now listed as an outside linebacker on the roster.

Certainly not all of these players will make the roster in September. Yet, there can be no doubt that the linebacker group will be much different in 2026 in scheme and personnel.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Linebacker position will look much different

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