Washington Season Review Part 2: Defensive Decisions

January 16, 2026

by David Earl

Defense Needs Work

Joe Whitt Jr. is out as defensive coordinator, and for understandable reasons. Yes, Washington 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 9th ranked pass rush with 8.12% sack rate. While their run defenses started the season allowing a respectable 4.3 yards per carry average, they finished ranked 27th in the league, allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Here is where they finished defensively in a few major categories:

• Ranked 22nd in points per game at 24.9
• Ranked 26th in yards per play at 5.7
• Ranked 32nd in total yards per game at 384
• Ranked 23rd in first down percentage allowed at 41.31%
• Ranked 31st in yards per rush at 5.0
• Ranked 6th in completion percentage at 62.74%
• Ranked 18th in quarterback rating at 93.4
• Ranked 8th in sack rate at 7.58%

There are a few deceiving numbers here in Washington’s ranking, such as allowing a 62.74% completion rate and a 7.58% sack rate. When Dan Quinn took over defensive calling duties, he did well, adjusting within these games to mitigate some of the passing attack against this defense down the stretch. Even with that they still finished 23rd in 4th down conversion rate against at 62.50% and ranked 28th in time of possession against. This defense struggled all year getting off the field, which was aided by an ineffective offense for the majority of the season. As Washington prepares for the draft there are some free agent targets that could very well flip this defense’s performance almost immediately.

While it may not be in GM Adam Peters’ cards to make big free agent splashes, these are a few names I would make my focus. Linebacker Quay Walker, coming off his rookie deal, has averaged 117 total tackles every year totaling 9 sacks over that time frame. He did not exhibit elite athletic movement sideline to sideline but was very capable and he was highly effective in the box against the run. He could be a key piece to help plug the middle of the defense. Another name to watch is edge rusher Odafe Oweh from the Chargers. Before being traded to the Chargers, he recorded 0 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens in 5 games (17 total the previous 2 seasons), then finished the season with 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Chargers. He goes off the edge with great balance and burst as he could be a very strong piece the next couple years at 27 years of age.

Washington cannot rely solely on free agency, so heading into this offseason the draft will need to be defense-heavy. Edge rusher David Bailey, linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs offer the biggest immediate impact. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr is this draft’s top edge rusher and a projected top 3 pick in this draft. If he slides as did Jalen Carter a few years ago, there should be no hesitation in DC to make that pick, but that is unlikely. While Auburn’s Keldric Faulk is a popular name above David Bailey from Texas Tech, I see Bailey closer to a foundational defensive selection you build the defensive line around. Here is a short list of names to watch on day one and two of the draft:

David Bailey, 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.

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.

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: Can get too overly aggressive leading to running himself out of a play or taking bad angles at times. Will try to overthink a developing pass play on occasion trying to read the quarterback causing him to lose track of the wide receiver with his route. Can get swallowed up quickly by an offensive line against the run as his hand techniques does need improvement.
• Conclusion: Clearly the best defensive back in this draft as he brings a Derwin James mentality to the defense plus many scouts see signs of a Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed processing speed. Simply put he has a unique football IQ combine with a perfect blend of size, speed, and athleticism that made these two Hall of Famers so special. What Downs brings potentially on defense Washington has not see since the great Sean Taylor.

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.