Washington: A Plan Going Forward, Part 2

December 5, 2025

by David Earl

The Defensive Side

Yes, Washington has had to deal with the loss of defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. off the edge early in the season. Wise only played 2 games, and had just 4 tackles and no sacks, so his contribution is incomplete this season. Armstrong, on the other hand, was beginning to put together a career year, with 14 tackles and 5.5 sacks in four complete games. He helped Washington achieve the a 9th ranked pass rush with 8.12% sack rate. His presence, along with free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, helped improve one of the league’s worst run defenses in 2024 into a more respectable unit allowing 4.3 yards per carry. During the time since Armstrong’s injury, Washington’s pass rate fell to 18th ranked in the league with a 6.52% sack rate and one of the leagues worst over the last 3 games with a 3.85% sack rate. The lack of talent and depth mixed with aging players like LB Bobby Wagner, Washington will need to focus heavy at both levels of the from seven. The core pieces are in place to build on the run defense, but an underperforming secondary did not help this front 7 as a whole unfortunately.

Aside from rookie corner Trey Amos, this secondary has been terrible for the most part all season. They are currently ranked 27th in the NFL, allowing a 67.6% completion rate with a near league worst 108.3 total quarterback rating. Between an ineffective secondary allowing a league worst 12.1 yards per reception and the aforementioned drop in sack rate, Washington’s defense has allowed 26.9 points per game average. While they looked more cohesive against the Denver Broncos this pas weekend, there is not doubt this unit will need a serious overhaul, especially in team speed. They will certainly need to tap into the free agency well next season, so here are some options through the draft next season. Of the names on this list, linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs offer this biggest immediate impact. These are the two most dynamic players in this group who offer potential elite lever 3 down play in any situation or scheme which this team sorely lacks.

Peter Woods, Clemson, 6’3″ and 315lbs (DL/Edge)

• Strengths: Explosive off the snap and rare athletic traits for a player his size. Closes gaps quickly and has strong violent hands at point of attack. Has versatility with his agility to play outside edge in a 3 technique. Great instinctual run defender and lower body strength allows for a tremendous bull rush. Has advanced level hand technique allowing him to easily shed blockers.
• Weaknesses: Will need refinement on pass rush technique as he can rely to heavily on his first move and bull rushing. will get too upright at times and struggles to disengage quickly leaving offensive lineman the opportunity to gain leverage.
• Conclusion: While his production does not exactly match his physical and athletic abilities, his versatility to align in multiple different schemes gives him a high floor. His combination of raw power, technique and explosiveness puts him in the category of Fletcher Cox when he entered the NFL as long as he can refine aspects of his game.

L.T. Overton, Alabama, 6’5″ and 278lbs (DE/Edge)

• Strengths: Has excellent lateral movement and has a strong anchor making him very formidable against the run. Brings enough athleticism and change of direction ability that makes him a true 3 down interior defensive lineman but versatile enough to flex out on the edge in certain packages. Shows good hand technique while creating leverage often at the point of attack.
• Weaknesses: Too often relies on his athleticism instead of technique. Maintains an inconsistent pad level too often and his off the snap reaction can be a bit delayed. Will need refinement in his counter moves thus will get swallow up by the interior offensive lineman at times.
• Conclusion: He comes with a rare combination of size and speed but still raw in some of his techniques. His core strength and anchor may be his biggest asset from day one against the run as he continues to refine his pass rush. Thrives at the point of attack more often than not and is not stiff off the edge placing him in more favorable opportunities against athletic tackles at the next level.

Arvell Reese, Ohio State, 6’4″ and 243lbs (LB)

• Strengths: Elite explosiveness and advanced instincts against the run. Exceptional at the point of attack and his lateral movement sideline to sideline allows him impressive range for a player his size. His hand technique and quick first step makes him a formidable pass rusher. Versatile to play many roles and schemes plus a violent sure tackler.
• Weaknesses: Can get to aggressive over shooting the gaps which will find him out of position at times on misdirection plays. Lacks consistency in change of direction when in coverage and will be fooled at times during play-action. Will have moments of taking too many blocks squared up making it easier for the offensive lineman to gain leverage.
• Conclusion: While he will need some refinement in pass coverage, his overall tools plus size, speed and strength creates a complete impact player day one. Fits the mold of today’s middle linebacker with great lateral movement and instincts against the run. He processes real time quickly and rarely makes the same mistake twice. His athleticism, processing ability and quick redirection on the move will lend to an impact player against the pass provided he improves on some of his weaknesses.

David Bailry, Texas Tech, 6’3″ and 250lbs

• Strengths: Great first step explosion allows him to gain advantage off the snap again offensive tackles. Has violent hands at the point of attach plus possess multiple moves with precise hand techniques makes him tough to block off the edge. Excellent verity of counter moves and a relentless motor off the edge. Exceptional instincts in the passing game and his outstanding footwork and lateral movement makes him a perfect matchup against athletic tight ends. Highly productive finisher and scheme versatile.
• Weaknesses: Lacks the ideal bulk to consistently win off the edge against your more athletic offensive tackles. Keeps his frame too vulnerable at times allowing blockers to gain quick leverage at the point of attack. Struggles against zone reads and will over pursue off the edge leaving open lanes too often.
• Conclusion: He is a premier pass rusher off the edge who also offers coverage options against tight ends. After some refinement in engagement with offensive line and recognizing zone reads more efficiently, he offers the potential of being a 3 down defender off the edge. As of now he offers more of a passing down specialist and short yardage passing downs in zone coverage.

Caleb Downs, Ohio State, 6’0″ and 205lbs (Safety)

• Strengths: Elite level processing and recognition on the field as he is diagnosing the play on the field. This processing is not limited against the passing game as anticipation in the run support is a very rare combination. Rarely takes bad angles and is a very sure tackler. Moves with a conerback-caliber fluidity in man coverage and is exceptional in locking down athletic tight ends in coverage. Manipulates quarterbacks in zone coverage creating contested ball opportunities. A punishing hitter also and takes the level of command on the field you’d want from a safety.
• Weaknesses: Needs
• Conclusion: Clearly

Kamari Ramsey, USC, 6’0″ and 205lbs (Safety)

• Strengths: Diagnoses plays with exceptional precision and transitions without losing a step. Ramsey’s level of processing the play and excellent play recognition makes him versatile to also play in the slot. Between his play recognition and transition, he closes in on routes fast timing the ball to the receiver generating many pass defenses. Works especially well in zone coverage as rarely manipulated by the quarterbacks eyes.
• Weaknesses: Need to work on his hands as his pass defenses do not often generate into interceptions when they probably should. can play too aggressive at time taking poor angles and will rely too much on the physical part of his game when he is far better as a technical player.
• Conclusion: While there is still refinement in his game, he potentially fills a duel role as a free safety and a slot corner depending on the scheme and defensive packages. Has exceptional coverage instincts and his saze makes him a matchup option against more athletic tight ends in the league. Will need to be more consistent in finishing tackles as his missed tackle rate went from 9% in 2024 at UCLA to 18% this past season.

Daylen Everette, Georgia, 6’1″ and 190lbs (CB)

• Strengths: Elite straight line speed and a strong natural instincts for the ball. Excellent in press man coverage utilizing his length but has the versatility to play in multiple schemes. Brings a physical mentality to the run game and an aggressive play that generates turnovers.
• Weaknesses: Can be a bit stiff against quicker route runners and will occasionally bite on the first move within the route. Although his hand technique serves him well in press coverage Evertte’s footwork is inconsistent allowing him to lose leverage at times.
• Conclusion: Everette’s size and speed combined with his length should translate very well to the next level. While some refinement is needed in footwork and route recognition, his overall scheme versatility makes him an immediate impact player in specific packages while refining his game.

 

Note: All scouting reports from NFL Draft Buzz