Have the Commanders Done ENOUGH on Defense? + Trade Targets & NFC East Breakdown
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The Locked On Commanders podcast dives deep into the Washington Commanders' defensive improvements ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, evaluating whether the team has done enough to bolster a historically weak unit. Hosts Ross Jackson, Anthony Armstrong, David Harrison, and Nick Ashu debate the value of drafting a defensive player in the first round versus addressing offensive needs, with a strong consensus favoring defense due to the team's clear vulnerabilities and the impact of key additions like Nick Cross, Leo Chanel, and Charles Amenehu. They explore multiple trade scenarios, including a detailed mock trade-up with the Tennessee Titans that would net the Commanders Sonny Stiles at No. 4 while gaining additional picks, and a trade-down strategy to accumulate more draft capital. The discussion also covers the NFC East’s overall instability, with the Giants facing internal turmoil over Dexter Lawrence’s trade request, the Eagles’ quarterback drama with Jalen Hurts, and the Cowboys’ ongoing roster questions. The hosts conclude that the Commanders are in a strong position to make a playoff push if healthy, with a realistic path to 10 wins and a competitive division race.
The Commanders' defense has improved from a 3/10 to a 6/10 on paper, but still needs a franchise-altering piece like Sonny Stiles to reach its full potential.
Trading up for a top-tier defensive talent like Sonny Stiles is a viable and compelling strategy, especially with the potential to gain additional draft picks.
The NFC East is more vulnerable than ever, creating a prime opportunity for the Commanders to rise in the standings.
The team should prioritize defensive upgrades in the first round, as the offense has more depth and flexibility in later rounds.
Health and continuity will be critical—especially on offense—to capitalize on the improved defense and schedule advantages.
The Draft Countdown & Draft Strategy Overview
The hosts kick off the episode with a countdown to the NFL Draft, setting the stage for a deep dive into the Commanders' draft strategy, trade possibilities, and defensive upgrades. They emphasize the importance of the upcoming draft and the team’s flexibility in navigating the first round.
Evaluating the Commanders' Defensive Upgrade
“I think six out of 10 is good. Seven, if you hyped up off some of the videos of seeing the new additions...”
Trade-Up Scenario with the Tennessee Titans
“If that pick is 64, let me tell you something. This historically talented 2027 NFL draft class has about 30 players that are first round players.”
Trade-Down & Draft Capital Strategy
The hosts debate the value of trading back to accumulate more picks, with Nick Ashu highlighting the importance of additional draft capital and the potential to land players like Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon.
NFC East Chaos & Division Outlook
“The fact that everybody else has drama and we don't. I'm good with that.”
“I would say give me Sonny Stiles. Oh, we are across the board all of us. Sonny Stiles.”
“If that pick is 64, let me tell you something. This historically talented 2027 NFL draft class has about 30 players that are first round players.”
“I think six out of 10 is good. Seven, if you hyped up off some of the videos of seeing the new additions...”
Hosts
Washington Commanders
other
David Harrison
person
Anthony Armstrong
person
Nick Ashu
person
Sonny Stiles
person
Caleb Downs
person
Tennessee Titans
other
New York Giants
other
Dexter Lawrence
person
Jalen Hurts
person
COMMANDERS SQUAD | Kyle Shanahan's COLD Response To Aiyuk + NO Center Reassurance From Dan Quinn
Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders • 59m • 3/31/2026
Dan Quinn Reveals the Plan for Brandon Coleman & the Commanders Front
Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders • 26m • 4/1/2026
TRENDS: DRAFTING Jeremiyah Love Could Help Jacory Croskey-Merritt Avoid Year Two Regression
Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders • 26m • 4/3/2026
SEPARATE: Commanders Could REVAMP Defensive Play-Calling With Leo Chenal and Will Harris
Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders • 19m • 4/5/2026
FRANCHISE-ALTERING: Why a TRADE UP for Sonny Styles Makes Sense for the Commanders [Mock Draft]
Locked On Commanders - Daily Podcast On The Washington Commanders • 27m • 4/6/2026
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