Joe Whitt Jr talks to the media before OTAs practice
The Washington Commanders are back in Ashburn, VA for Phase 3 of offseason activities(OTAs), and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr answered some questions about year two of his defense, and the changes that have happened since the end of the season. The Commanders made it to the NFC Championship game and are pushing forward under the leadership of GM Adam Peters, HC Dan Quinn, and QB Jayden Daniels.
Joe Whitt Jr was a first-time DC last season, and worked with a defense that was a mix of Ron Rivera’s players, draft picks, and free agents. There’s a lot more change this year with Jonathan Allen now on the Minnesota Vikings after being released. The Commanders signed former 49ers, Jets, DL Javon Kinlaw to be a starter on the line alongside Daron Payne. Whitt said that Kinlaw will be used up and down the line, and Payne has been a leader by example during the offseason programs.
Marshon Lattimore hasn’t been with the team during the voluntary portions of the offseason workouts, but Whitt said that the team has been in communication with the former Pro Bowl cornerback. The team will see where Lattimore is when he gets there…
Joe Whitt Jr
LIVE: DC Joe Whitt Jr. speaks to the media before today’s OTA https://t.co/JPnZQxogLs
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025
Javon Kinlaw:
Commanders DC Joe Whitt JR. said they’ll use Javon Kinlaw all over the line. Said he’ll be tough for TE’s to block if/when outside. Can be a problem inside. “He’s an intriguing young man to work with.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025
Joe Whitt Jr. said adding size and length were goals this offseason and that DT Javon Kinlaw epitomizes that approach (same with CB Trey Amos in the secondary).
Believes they can move Kinlaw “up and down the line of scrimmage.”
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 4, 2025
Kinlaw/Eddie Goldman adding size to the DL:
Whitt said the front will be bigger personnel wise on first and second down. Additions like Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman create better matchups against 12 and 13 personnel
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 4, 2025
Daron Payne:
Whitt said the guy who looks really good is “Daron Payne.” “I’ve been really pleased,” Whitt said. “He is leading by example. This year you can see him taking that leadership role to the next step.” Said he’s stood out.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025
Joe Whitt said Daron Payne is one guy who has really stood out with his play and leadership during the offseason so far.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 4, 2025
Marshon Lattimore:
Whitt said they’ve been in communication with CB Marshon Lattimore. “We’ll see where he is when he gets here,” Whitt said.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025
Joe Whitt Jr. said CB Marshon Lattimore has not been with the team during the offseason program. In other words, he is not here now. The staff has been in constant communication with the 4-time Pro Bowler.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 4, 2025
Improvements on defense in Year 2:
Joe Whitt Jr. addressing the media. Looking to see who steps up in the passrush. He feels like the roster up front is better, both in terms of rushing the passer and stopping the run
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 4, 2025
Whitt said “our pass rush will be better… our run defense will be better.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025
Trey Amos:
Whitt said Amos is “ahead of the curve” and doing well this offseason
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 4, 2025
Kain Medrano:
Whitt said Kain Medrano is a unique player because of his background as a receiver. Added they’re really testing him to see what he can be for the defense
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 4, 2025
Jordan Magee:
Joe Whitt Jr on Jordan Magee:
We had a package that we wanted to run with him last year, w the (knee) injury we werent able to, we want to get more three LB pkgs vs nickel to sure up vs the run. He’s he’s had great call command, and hes learned a lot from Bobby Wagner. pic.twitter.com/3COxEi4gk8— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) June 4, 2025
Jeremy Reaves:
Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. on Jeremy Reaves (@JR1ERA): “He’s our special teams ace, but I have to find a role for him on defense because he just makes plays.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 4, 2025
Quan Martin:
Whitt said Quan Martin is stepping and taking a leadership role in terms of communication. He thinks Martin has the potential to be one of the better safeties in the league
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 4, 2025
Whitt said of Quan Martin, “He has the potential to be one of the better safeties in this league. That’s what I’m expecting with him.” Said Martin and Payne have had a ‘laser focus’ this spring.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025
Daron Payne
Leadership:
Dan Quinn, Joe Whitt Jr. love what they are seeing from Daron Payne during OTA’s.
The Commanders DT is stepping up as a leader, while his work and approach is shining on the field.
Daron said, “just trying to show the young boys how to do it.” pic.twitter.com/7jskJGaCDV
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
More national attention:
Daron Payne on the #Commanders being on an upward trajectory, getting a lot of primetime games next season:
“I know they used to single us out, because they think they’d get an easy win, now they want to beat us, so it’s just been fun”@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/rmFijbokYb
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) June 4, 2025
Deatrich Wise
Get to know one of the newest Commanders players.
DE Deatrich Wise should be a great addition for the Burgundy and Gold.
He’s ready to make an impact here in Washington. pic.twitter.com/G9hTLitBMY
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
Love this answer from Deatrich Wise – power and length exactly what DQ wants pic.twitter.com/JR6qROx47o
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 4, 2025
Quan Martin
Quan Martin = football player
Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. believes he can become one of the best safeties in the league. pic.twitter.com/edzClExcZ3
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
Mike Sainristil
Year 2:
Commanders CB @MikeSainristil is looking forward to his second NFL season.
He said, “this year is about being able to stack onto what happened last year and being able to make that second year jump. This is a crucial time in my career.” pic.twitter.com/YISTVOl9tj
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
Zach Ertz
Year 13:
Year 13 in the NFL for Commanders TE Zach Ertz.
The dude is hungrier than ever and had a lot of great things to say about Jayden Daniels.
On Jayden, Ertz said, “A lot of guys love playing for him.” pic.twitter.com/NQODhDA5M0
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
Luke McCaffrey
Luke McCaffrey says it’s a big advantage going into his 2nd year, things are moving slower pic.twitter.com/Wj7ORFBBPC
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 4, 2025
Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey no longer a rookie!
He is ready to take a step forward in year two with Washington. pic.twitter.com/9SvnQg9xq1
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025
Josh Conerly Jr
Conerly Challenge:
Commanders first round pick Josh Conerly Jr. getting more and more comfortable with every rep and practice.
I asked Josh about the “Conerly Challenge” that fans have been enjoying.
He said, “it’s awesome. I posted that about a year ago and for it to blow up now is pretty cool.” pic.twitter.com/zCjpc44vYe
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025