The Commanders were plenty active this offseason, making a number of free agent signings — particularly on defense — and upgrading through the draft, including with the No. 7 overall pick.
Which newcomers have made the biggest impact through three weeks? Here’s our ranking:
1. Amik Robertson, Defensive Back
The Commanders added so many new faces to their defense that Robertson’s arrival may have been overlooked. But he has brought stability to the Commanders’ secondary, especially in light of fellow cornerback Mike Sainristil’s recent struggles.
Trending
Tasked with covering Seahawks star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Sunday’s upset win, Robertson had four pass deflections and a forced fumble. His six deflections for the season put him among the league’s leaders. In addition to thriving in pass coverage, Robertson has also shown an ability to contribute against the run.
“He’s been an excellent addition to our group,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said on Sunday of Robertson. “For him, coming up like he did, there was a giant chip on his shoulder. And what’s cool about it, it ain’t never left. He is one of those guys that is down for the fight.”
2. Sonny Styles, Linebacker
The rookie out of Ohio State has been as good as advertised, making himself an early candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. On Sunday he recorded an interception and a forced fumble, and he previously had a sack in the season opener against the Eagles (trucking Philadelphia star running back Saquon Barkley in the process). The former All-American is already a versatile part of Quinn’s defense, proving he can contribute to the pass rush, drop back in coverage and tackle.
“He’s capable of producing the ball based on the speed and length,” Quinn said of Styles. “For that to come to fruition, that was a big deal.”
Sign up for The Washington Sun Metro newsletter for essential coverage of the D.C. region.
3. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Diggs has brought experience to a receiver room that doesn’t have much outside of Terry McLaurin, and has provided an early boost to the offense (despite his costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the season opener). He is second on the team in receiving yards with 135, and has three touchdowns in as many games.
“I liked the fire that he has in him,” Quinn said in August. “I knew he was good [in] zones. He’s probably better in beating the man-to-man than I thought just from the good route running. But I do like the competitor a lot. I really do.”
4. K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Rusher
General manager Adam Peters looked to address the team’s pass rush, or lack thereof, after last season, and Chaisson has been a strong and consistent threat. In free agency, Chaisson turned down a three-year contract with the Saints to sign a one-year, $11 million deal with Washington in an attempt to get a bigger contract next year. So far the bet he made on himself is paying off.
He entered Sunday’s game with an 18.6% pressure rate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, which is the best among the Commanders’ primary pass rushers. While Chaisson only has one sack on the season, he had a tackle-for-loss and quarterback hit against the Seahawks.
5. Rachaad White, Running Back
White returned on Sunday after suffering a shoulder injury in the middle of the game and had a 19-yard run with less than two minutes left to help seal the win. He also scored a six-yard receiving touchdown in the first half.
While White is better known for his work on passing downs, he had an efficient Week 2 against the Cowboys, rushing for 43 yards on seven carries.
Author
