ESPN’s Ben Solak ranked the Commanders’ linebacker and edge rusher groups among the NFL’s 10 biggest position upgrades entering 2026.
We’ve probably all heard this before, but one of the most beautiful things about this offseason and every offseason is that everyone has zero losses and zero wins. Each NFL team is on equal footing. Hope remains undefeated, but Philadelphia Eagles fans have to be excited about their team now. Things seem to be heading in a positive direction. The fan base can point to its draft class, free-agent signings, and coaching changes as evidence that better days are ahead. Reality eventually arrives, but for now, optimism reigns supreme.
Philadelphia has reason to feel confident, but the rest of the NFC East is determined to catch up with them. For now, the Eagles are still the cream of the division’s crop until someone proves otherwise. They have won back-to-back division titles and possess one of the league’s most talented rosters. If a third straight crown is coming, however, it won’t be handed to them.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected by many to be their biggest challenger. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders may tussle for the right to stay out of the cellar, but the Commanders deserve some attention. They weren’t content with standing still, and after some solid additions, they have caught the attention of one of ESPN’s national voices.
ESPN highlights major upgrades to Washington’s defense
In a recent ranking of the NFL’s ten most improved position groups, Solak placed Washington’s linebackers third and its edge-rusher room tenth. The linebacker ranking stems largely from two additions: veteran free-agent signing Leo Chenal and first-round draft choice Sonny Styles.
Solak believes Styles, in particular, has the potential to transform the unit. The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout arrived with rare physical traits, including a 6-foot-5 frame, an 81-inch wingspan, and 4.46 speed.
As a converted safety, he also brings coverage ability that Washington lacked last season. That weakness became increasingly obvious in 2025. Bobby Wagner remained productive from a tackle perspective, but opposing offenses repeatedly targeted him in coverage. Solak noted that Wagner allowed a passer rating of 109.4 when targeted and surrendered more yards after the catch than any linebacker in football. Styles and Chenal should help address those issues while adding speed and versatility to the second level of the defense. Washington also invested heavily in its pass rush. They signed Odafe Oweh to a lucrative contract before adding K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. Combined with the eventual return of Dorance Armstrong from injury.
Washington suddenly possesses a much deeper and more athletic edge-rushing rotation than it fielded a year ago. Last season’s group often relied on aging veterans and emergency options. This version looks younger, faster, and significantly more explosive. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Commanders are ready to challenge Philadelphia for NFC East supremacy. The Eagles still possess the division’s best roster. They remain stronger in the trenches, more proven defensively, and far more accomplished overall. What these rankings do suggest, however, is that Washington identified two glaring weaknesses and took meaningful steps toward fixing them. That’s exactly what good organizations are supposed to do.
Whether those upgrades translate into wins remains to be seen, but if the Commanders are going to make life difficult for Philadelphia this season, their path likely begins with the improvements Solak highlighted. The Eagles may still be the team everyone is chasing, but Washington has at least given itself a better chance to stay in the race.
