The biggest question mark for the Commanders all offseason has been Washington's run defense.
Veteran leader and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is no longer with the Commanders, and in his place, GM Adam Peters signed former San Francisco 49er defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. One item to note is that the Commanders might have pursued and signed Kinlaw because defensive line coach Darryl Tapp, who had previously worked with Kinlaw at the 49ers, was involved in the process.
Kinlaw is not only glad to be in Washington, but he is also glad to be reunited with Tapp again. Kinlaw believes in Tapp's ability to coach and lead; therefore, he is feeling confident about his relationship with Tapp this upcoming season.
"Coming from a guy who actually knows me pretty well, even outside of the game of football, it's always a beautiful thing," Kinlaw said, via Zach Selby of the team's official website. "He knows what he's getting when it comes to me. I'm excited, for sure, because he brings a lot of energy."
There are, however, questions about Kinlaw. Being a first-round choice (14 overall) in 2020, he couldn't stay healthy and didn't meet expectations. He played four seasons with the 49ers and did not get a fifth-year option from the team. Thus, he went to the Jets for a season (2024).
The Commanders are looking for Kinlaw to provide sturdiness in the middle of the defensive front, to better defend against the run. In addition, the Commanders have paid Kinlaw quite handsomely, considering what actual production Kinlaw provided to San Francisco or the NY Jets.
On the other hand, Tapp likes what he sees in Kinlaw thus far. Allen may not have been a Hall of Fame defensive tackle, but he did provide leadership and set a standard in the middle. Kinlaw will need to stay healthy and produce, or the run defense will be in deep trouble again.
Kinlaw is going to be counted on heavily in the run defense, plugging the middle, and he is expected to provide pressure through the middle of the line in passing situations. But Tapp has remained confident throughout the offseason workouts.
"He's doing a lot of big things and really come into his own as far as his play style," Tapp said.
