The Washington Commanders, unveil their NFL football team's new identity, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Landover, Md. The new name comes 18 months after the once-storied franchise dropped its old moniker following decades of criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
**Defensive End**
**On the roster:** Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Efe Obada, Dante Fowler Jr., K.J. Henry, Andre Jones, Jalen Harris, Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
**Short term need:** Medium.
**Long term need:** High.
**Analysis:**
Before the draft, the urgency for the defensive end position was considered medium. The team addressed this in free agency, inheriting a roster with a depleted defensive end spot. Dorance Armstrong was a significant free agent signing, following head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
from Dallas. Dante Fowler also followed the same route. General manager Adam Peters brought in Clelin Ferrell from the 49ers on a short-term deal to provide a reliable veteran presence, primarily to help stop the run. Additionally, re-signing Efe Obada added a flexible rusher to the rotation.
Currently, this group forms a solid, albeit unspectacular, rotation. The main issue is the lack of a true edge threat, which would improve the overall rotation. Many players are on short-term contracts, which keeps the need at medium. The draft did little to change this, as the Commanders waited until the seventh round to pick Jean-Baptiste from Notre Dame, who isn’t expected to make an immediate impact.
Despite the absence of a star, Quinn and Whitt are adept at utilizing versatile players to create pressure through strategic matchups and additional rushers from linebackers and secondary players. This approach compensates for the lack of standout talent in the rotation. Under Rivera’s more static system, this group wouldn’t be sufficient, but Quinn and Whitt’s dynamic strategy should generate adequate pressure.
Long-term, the need becomes more significant. While Armstrong has a multi-year contract, most other top rotation defensive ends are free agents after this season. This would leave the Commanders with Armstrong and younger, unproven players like Henry, Jones, and Jean-Baptiste.
Given the overhaul needed for the inherited roster, not every position could be fully stocked. Peters did well to build a functional rotation for now, but adding more young talent in the coming years will be crucial.
