Who are the Washington Commanders’ three best players entering the 2022 season?
Well, you may get different answers depending on who you ask. When you view the roster of the Los Angeles Rams, it’s hard to pick their three best players. Aaron Donald is the easy one. You see, the Rams have plenty of stars.
How many stars do the Commanders have?
Third-year defensive end Chase Young may be Washington’s biggest star, but he’s not the franchise’s best player. Most fans would tell you that defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the Commanders’ top players.
Pro Football Focus recently looked at the top three players from all 32 NFL teams. For Washington, PFF chose Allen, McLaurin and Young.
The strength of Washington’s roster, as has been the case for the last several years, is along the defensive line. That unit was hamstrung by injuries to Young and Montez Sweat last season, but the hope is that we’ll see the unit at full strength in 2022 as the Commanders’ two starting edge rushers take another step forward towards elite. Allen is the underrated star of the unit. The only interior defensive linemen with a higher PFF pass-rushing grade than Allen over the last two seasons are Aaron Donald, Chris Jones and Javon Hargrave.
On offense, McLaurin has overcome one of the worst quarterback situations in the league over the last three seasons to put up over 3,000 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s shown some of the best hands in the league since 2020, dropping just five of 254 targets.
Also considered: Edge Montez Sweat, CB Kendall Fuller, CB William Jackson III, C Chase Roullier and LT Charles Leno Jr.
It’s difficult to argue with McLaurin or Allen. They are easily Washington’s top two players. One year ago, most outsiders would’ve chosen guard Brandon Scherff among Washington’s top three, but he’s no longer here.
Potential-wise, Young could be the best defensive player in the NFL. However, he has a lot to prove. Before his Week 10 knee injury, Young had just 1.5 sacks last season. If Young proves he’s fully healthy, he’s a good bet to rebound in 2022.
So, who are your top three Commanders entering the 2022 season?