Multiple positions make sense for Commanders at No. 7 overall

Which do the Washington Commanders need more, offense or defense, in 2026?

It's been said many times that "offense will put people in the seats, but it is defense that wins championships." For many years, I believed that. But in the last 20 years, I've come to recognize even that sentiment is too simplistic. Truly, both, when effective, help the other. It is irrefutable. Football is the ultimate team game.

Chris Russell, who hosts an afternoon radio show on Team 980, Monday through Friday, was a guest on 106.7 The Fan on Friday. He addressed, in his own thoughts, some of the patterns of thought when debating whether a team needs more offense or defense.

"I think it's the easiest way to win, and win double digits and compete. So I would say, Yes, they need more (defense), more of their resources were spent on defense this off season. They could certainly use a whole lot more." Can't argue there, giving up the most years of any NFL defense in 2025.

The Commanders could use getting a starting corner out of the draft this year. Trey Amos looked promising last year, playing injured and as a rookie being tested in the NFL. So many fans love to crucify GM Adam Peters for his two drafts with Washington, but they seldom mention CB Mike Sainristil and how disappointing he has been from time to time. So Russell has singled out LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. And rightly so, it's understandable.

"You guys know I like Mansoor Delane, right? But I think they need that explosive, that sizzle, that pop. That something special on offense. I don't want to say that they don't have it all. But they don't have it if Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin are going to be banged up." Indeed, McLaurin and Daniels both missed substantial time last year. This team does need another weapon on the offensive side of the ball.