The Washington Commanders made a decision at the NFL trade deadline to reboot the defensive end position. Washington traded away both former first-round picks (Montez Sweat and Chase Young) for a second and third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, respectively.
This offseason, general manager Adam Peters aggressively restocked the position, adding three veterans and one late-round pick. Head coach Dan Quinn’s goal was to bring players from Dallas to Washington with him. Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. both followed Quinn, and Peters signed Clelin Ferrell, giving the Commanders some veterans who can contribute immediately in 2024.
While there isn’t a Sweat on the current roster, the Commanders believe Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt’s scheme can help create more pass-rushing opportunities for the front seven. Washington also expects to use linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jamin Davis as situational pass rushers.
We continue our training camp positional previews by looking at the defensive ends.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Of the veterans Washington signed, Armstrong was the only one signed to a multi-year deal. Quinn believes Armstrong is ready to become a full-time starter on the edge. In 2022, Armstrong had 8.5 sacks, participating in 47% of the defensive snaps and 7.5 sacks in 2023 (42%). Quinn likes to rotate his pass rushers, but you can be certain Armstrong will play well over 50% of the defensive snaps for the Commanders.
Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) reacts from the field against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
A former top-five pick, Fowler has been a bit of a journeyman in recent years but a successful one. After missing his rookie season with an injury, Fowler has played in 14 or more games in every season since. He played in 25% of the defensive snaps for the Cowboys last season and could see an increase in 2024, although probably not a significant one. Fowler is a Quinn guy. He was brought to Washington to provide good depth at defensive end and be a mentor in the locker room.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (94) gestures…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Commanders Wire…