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Washunton general manager Adam Peters.
Former Washington Commanders cornerback Fred Smoot praised new coordinator Daronte Lee for one specific reason. He envisions that Lee will usher in an era of aggressive defense. As a guest on 106.7 The Fan, the defensive back outlined his thoughts.
“I love it because he’s all about multiple fronts. He’s all about what we had with Gregg Williams. We call that “organized chaos going to dictate terms.” See, it’s a difference in being a bend-but-don’t-break defense and defenses that dictate terms.
When the franchise hired Lee, he explained that he wanted to attack the offense. Smoot discussed the usage of multiple fronts. That does not give the offense a look into tendencies. Instead, they could stay guessing during the duration of the game.
Lee, a disciple of Brian Flores, wants to create problems even before the snap, as the defense’s looks can change rapidly from play to play. Namely, sending an extra rusher, overloading one side, or blitzing from the other would throw off an offense.
Smoot, who played seven of his nine seasons in Washington. In 2004, he played for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. During that year, the defense ranked among the league’s best. For instance, they allowed the fifth-fewest points per game. (16.6). Williams sent pressure from every angle, to the point where cornerback Shawn Springs tied for the team lead in sacks.
The former corner embraces the possibility that the Commanders may execute aggressively from the first snap. Jer’Zhan Newton, whose game is predicated on quickness and burst, would benefit from a defense suited to his ability to disrupt, shoot gaps, and drive into the backfield.
GettyDefensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton celebrates a sack.
“That quarterback will not leave that huddle and know where he’s going to go with that ball. I do not like to sit back and counterpunch. I would rather be on attack throwing combinations.”
Last year’s defense could not get off the field. As a result, teams would embark on long drives that eventually fatigued the Washington defense, leading to points and yards surrendered.
Lee promises that this incarnation of the Commanders will play more proactively. Considering their current roster, what does that look like?
Draft Could Hold Key to Defensive Success
With the No. 7 pick, general manager Adam Peters will have a bevy of prospects to select from. For example, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who wowed onlookers with a strong combine performance, could slide to. However, his ascension up the draft board comes with a hidden benefit for Washington.
With his presence, Styles effectively dislodges someone from the Top 5. Players like Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese could tumble down to the Commanders. All they would need to do is stand pat.
Bailey, via his film and statistics, profiles as an impact rusher who can win with either speed around the edge or converting speed to power. Similarly, Reese brings a similar athletic pedigree to the team. However, the difference is that Reese can play in space, cover, and get downhill, barreling toward the quarterback.
GettyTexas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
In the NFC East, every team appears to possess a combination of a quarterback and two above-average wideouts. Philadelphia rolls out a trio of Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and AJ Brown. Dallas takes the field with Dak Prescott, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb. Lastly, even the Giants managed to cobble together a potent trio in Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Wandale Robinson.
Under those circumstances, cornerback play will not be effective if you cannot pressure the quarterback. Everything in defensive football starts at the line of scrimmage. Fortifying that and bringing in talent solves that issue in a hurry. How will the Commanders attempt to address the need?
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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