3 Important New Faces on Commanders’ Defense

The Washington Commanders’ defense is undergoing a significant talent transformation in 2025. Big names like Jonathan Allen and former first-round veteran Dante Fowler Jr. are now on the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, respectively, which opens the door for lesser-known defenders to carve out their place in Washington’s retooled defensive identity.

Trey Amos, Will Harris, and Javon Kinlaw aren’t guaranteed starters, but each brings a unique skill set that could help solidify a unit hungry for consistency. In a defense that aims to blend aggression with versatility, these three are firmly in the mix, and one of them could emerge as the Commanders’ next breakout star.

New Scheme, New Roles: Why These Players Matter Now

Since Dan Quinn and Adam Peters’ arrival in DC, there has been optimism and a fresh schematic approach. Known for his aggressive, fast-flowing defenses, Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have installed a system that relies heavily on rotational depth, positional flexibility, and physicality. That opens the door for under-the-radar veterans, hungry role players, and even rookies to rise.

Speaking of rookies, Amos, a second-round cornerback draftee, is drawing attention for his size and physical traits. At 6’1″, 200 pounds, Amos has the ideal build for a press-man corner and fits the mold of Quinn’s preference for longer defensive backs who can jam at the line and disrupt timing. Coaches have been impressed by his instincts and willingness to be physical.

Harris brings something else to the table: experience. After five up-and-down years with the Detroit Lions and last year with the New Orleans Saints, Harris joins Washington looking for a fresh start. While he never became a top-tier starter in Detroit, he flashed enough versatility playing safety, nickel corner, and even some linebacker in New Orleans to make him a valuable chess piece. In Quinn’s system, players like Harris can be used in hybrid roles, especially on third downs. If the Commanders lean into three-safety looks, Harris could line up as a slot defender, blitz option, or tight end eraser.

Then there’s Kinlaw, the most physically imposing of the three. A former first-round pick by the 49ers in 2020, Kinlaw’s career has been defined by flashes of dominance and stretches of injury frustration. Still only 27, he joined Washington on a prove-it deal this offseason. The 6’5″, 319-pound defensive tackle is healthy, motivated, and appears leaner and quicker in OTA sessions and minicamp. Kinlaw could be a disruptive piece to the defensive puzzle because of his versatility to play across the line in multiple places. If he can stay healthy, Washington may have struck gold.

Depth or Difference-Maker? Who Has Breakout Potential?

While all three defenders are solid, the real question is whether one can rise above and become a true difference-maker. Of the trio, Kinlaw may have the highest ceiling in 2025. His athletic upside has never been in doubt; it’s always been about availability. If Quinn and the Commanders’ staff can keep him healthy and tailor his usage, Kinlaw could thrive in a featured role that maximizes his burst and brute strength. His presence could also allow Daron Payne and second-year player Jer’Zhan Newton to stay fresher late in games.

Amos is the wild card. He’s young, raw, and untested, but his physical traits are enticing. Washington has been seeking long-term stability at cornerback, and if Amos can prove himself in camp, he could earn snaps in sub-packages. A big preseason could propel him into a surprising starting role.

Harris is less likely to break out in terms of stats, but he could quietly become a glue guy in Quinn’s defense. Coaches love players who can fill multiple roles, and Harris has already shown that he can play multiple positions. His leadership, combined with versatility, could make him an underrated asset even if his name isn’t flashing across the stat sheet.

As Washington enters a season filled with expectations and national exposure, especially with a game in Madrid and several prime-time matchups, the defense will be under the microscope. While stars like Payne, Bobby Wagner, and Frankie Luvu, will lead the charge, it’s the emergence of new complementary pieces like Amos, Harris, and Kinlaw that could elevate the defensive unit from good to great.

In a league where depth wins games and injuries are inevitable, the Commanders’ ability to get meaningful contributions from this trio could define just how good the defense will be in 2025.