Washington’s Defensive Future
January 30, 2026
by David Earl
Defensive Turn Arounds
Of the three teams who missed the playoffs in 2024 listed below, the Seattle Seahawks missed the playoffs with a 10-7 record showing a good foundation already in place. They are included here because they still made significant improvements in many defensive categories in a single offseason with the help from the draft and free agency. Sure, nearly all Seattle’s full-time defensive starters came from the 2024 season into the 2025 season as they retained core players like Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Julian Love, and Jarran Reed. They built on that core by adding impact free agent DeMarcus Lawrence and draft pick Nick Emmanwori to solidify a defense that finished strong in 2024 and became one of the NFL’s best in 2025. They are a testament to the idea of building a foundation through the draft then infusing the right pieces to make a significant jump in an already good defense. Granted, Washington is not in the same position as the 2024 Seahawk defense, but it proves the point on building through the draft and adding free agents who fit the scheme.
The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars returned 8 starters heading into the 2025 season. Beginning with the Patriots, the biggest effect from their 2025 draft class but fourth-round S Craig Woodson started 15 games and made 79 combined tackles with three passes defended plus two fumble recoveries. They also added undrafted free agent edge rusher Elijah Ponder who contributed 4 sacks and 24 combined tackles in zero starts. Their biggest contributions came through free agency led by edge rusher Harold Landry III and LB Robert Spillane. Landry III finished the season with 8.5 sacks and 49 total tackles while Spillane contributed 97 total tackles and 5 pass defenses.
As for the Jaguars, yes they made an impressive defensive turnaround, but it was not necessarily all because of player acquisitions. Free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis was a solid player for the Jaguars with 2 interceptions and 39 total tackles in just 7 starts. Second year corner Jarrian Jones contributed 3 interceptions and 49 total tackles. As for the 2025 draft class you saw promise in Travis Hunter with a completion rate of 50% against, 3 pass defenses and a total quarterback rating allowed of 68.3 in 4 total starts. Maybe the biggest contributor to their defense was first-year DC Anthony Campanile. He clearly instilled a philosophy and scheme that fit his players’ strengths, resulting in a defense that was ranked 3rd in the NFL with a +17-turnover differential.
Note: The following charts show the bold marks as significant improvement from year to year.
| Points/Game | Red Zone % | Yards/Rush Attempt | ||||
| Team | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Jaguars | 25.6 (28) | 19.8 (8) | 59.3 (19) | 59.6 (30) | 4.4 (13) | 3.9 (5) |
| Patriots | 24.5 (22) | 18.8 (4) | 63.2 (25) | 67.5 (30) | 4.4 (16) | 4.2 (13) |
| Seahawks | 21.6 (12) | 17.2 (1) | 52.6 (10) | 50.0 (5) | 4.6 (26) | 3.7 (1) |
| Washington | 23 (18) | 26.5 (27) | 60.4 (22) | 67.7 (31) | 5.4 (29) | 4.8 (27) |
| QB Rating | Sack % | Hurry % | ||||
| Team | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Jaguars | 103.4 (31) | 78.5 (5) | 5.5 (30) | 4.8 (30) | 6.5 (25) | 9.3 (8) |
| Patriots | 96.9 (26) | 93.1 (21) | 5.0 (32) | 6.2 (20) | 7.3 (20) | 5.8 (29) |
| Seahawks | 90.9 (13) | 77.9 (4) | 7.3 (12) | 7.3 (11) | 7.3 (21) | 10.6 (3) |
| Washington | 93.9 (19) | 104 (28) | 8.0 (6) | 7.2 (15) | 7.9 (16) | 5.3 (32) |
As we see, Seattle had the most significant improvement over move categories, but they were a steady build over time. The addition of head coach Mike McDaniel and the 2025 offseason only cemented the Seahawks as a dominant defense, which Washington is not remotely close to emulating. Now, if corner Mike Sainristill can rebound from a poor sophomore season and Trey Amos can continue his growth, the secondary will potentially have a good future. Beyond those two young players, linebacker Jordan Magee and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton stand out as potential solid building blocks. In 8 starts this season, Jordan Magee was strong against the run, totaling 54 tackles but was not utilized much as a pass rusher not recording a single sack or quarterback hit. Jer’Zhan Newton only started 2 games all year while primarily being a rotational piece with Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw logging in more significant time. In his limited time, Newton recorded 38 total tackles and 5 sacks plus 9 total quarterback hits alongside 4 tackles for loss.
Beyond these players the defensive side of the ball needs an infusion of both rookie and veteran players, much like the teams mentioned above. Maybe new defensive coordinate Daronte Jones can have a similar effect as Anthony Campanile for the Jaguars, but Washington cannot hang their hopes on just that move. They lack a true impact player which offensive coordinators need to scheme against while the overall speed of this defense simply scares no one. Here are some options through the draft and free agency that can go a long way in changing this defenses makeup.
Free Agency
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 in 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 bursts as he could be a very strong piece the next couple years at 27 years of age. Linebacker Devin Lloyd would provide Washington with a good pass defender at the second level which they have lacked for a very long time. At 27 years old he is coming off a season with 5 interceptions and an additional 7 pass defenses. These are a few names that could be 2–3-year impactful players as Washington continues to build through the draft. Of course, names like Trey Hendrickson, Joey Bosa, and Kevin Byard will be fan favorites but Peters should be focusing more on the long-term younger free agents in my opinion.
Through the Draft
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 are some names to watch on day one and two of the draft:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.