The Washington Commanders are set to open training camp in less than one week, and we are previewing each positional unit as we count down the days. The Commanders’ rookies reported to Ashburn this week.

Today, we focus on the defensive line. It’s been a busy offseason for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, as they reshaped the front four in an effort to improve the run defense.

Here’s a quick rundown of the players, coaches, and outlook for 2025.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.Defensive line coach Darryl TappAssistant defensive line coach Sharrif FloydAssistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist Ryan Kerrigan

All three of Joe Whitt’s defensive line assistants are former NFL players. Tapp played 12 NFL seasons, Floyd played five NFL seasons and was a former first-round pick. Kerrigan is listed as the assistant linebackers coach, but he works with Washington’s edge rushers. He, of course, is the Commanders’ franchise leader in career sacks.

Here’s the projected starters:

DE: Dorance ArmstrongDE Deatrich WiseThe rest: Von Miller, Clelin Ferrell, Jalyn Holmes, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Andre Jones Jr., Jacob Martin, Norell Pollard

On the edge, Armstrong has one spot locked down. The Commanders do not have one edge rusher who will dominate snaps. That’s OK. The 36-year-old Von Miller was signed to be a situational pass rusher, where he thrived last season. Even if he’s older, Washington believes the future Hall of Famer is an upgrade over Dante Fowler Jr., who struggled against the run. Deatrich Wise will likely see a similar number of snaps as Armstrong. Wise isn’t known as a terrific pass rusher, but he’s good against the run and does everything well.

Veteran Clelin Ferrell is a solid backup and will continue in that role. Washington has high hopes for Javontae Jean-Baptiste entering his second NFL season. Martin signed as a free agent, and he can provide some pass rush in limited snaps. Holmes was an excellent under-the-radar signing last season and can play inside or outside. He produced when he played in 2024.

Starting linebacker Frankie Luvu will also see a significant number of snaps off the edge.

Here are the projected starters:

DT: Daron PayneDT: Javon KinlawThe rest: Johnny Newton, Sheldon Day, Ricky Barber (R), Carl Davis, Eddie Goldman, Viliame Fehoko Jr.

Why is Johnny Newton not starting? Payne and Kinlaw are the likely starters at tackle, but Newton will play almost as many snaps. On some packages, Washington can line any of the three up on the edge. Payne had a tremendous offseason, and coaches believe he’s in store for a big season. The Commanders believe in Kinlaw’s potential and think he can be the linchpin to a new and improved run defense.

Day, like Holmes, was a surprise veteran addition last season and Washington brought him back. Carl Davis was also with the team last year and will compete for a spot. The Commanders signed Goldman, hoping he could give them some solid snaps against the run. He’s known as a plus run defender.

No group on the roster has more questions than the defensive line, specifically at edge rusher. Everyone wanted Peters to take a big swing on a pass rusher this offseason. He tried. So, this week, he signed Miller, who played well in limited snaps last season. Peters believes Washington’s coaching staff will do an excellent job of managing Miller’s practice time and snap counts, keeping him productive.

Javon Kinlaw was the big offseason addition, while the Commanders released former Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen. Washington thinks Kinlaw has played well and is still improving. If they’re right and his best football is ahead of him, the defensive line will be much better in 2025. Another if is Payne. Coaches praised him this offseason. If he can resemble the 2022 version of himself, that would be terrific news for the Commanders.

So much of Washington’s defensive improvement hinges on the defensive line.