Linebackers the Commanders Should Consider in the 2026 Draft Class

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) reacts to a big play during the college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Arizona State Sun Devils on September 26, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Commanders will be switching defensive schemes this season under newly hired defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Jones got his start in the NFL as an assistant defensive backs coach under Vance Joseph in Miami.

After stints with the Bengals, and one year as DC at LSU, he landed with the Vikings, where he spent four years as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator under Brian Flores. It remains to be seen how much Jones will put his own stamp on the defense. But it is a safe bet that it will strongly resemble the Flores scheme that he helped run in Minnesota.

The Vikings’ defense is linebacker-centric, and is predicated on keeping the opposing quarterback under constant pressure. It is nominally a 3-4 base, but employs variable fronts to create opportunities for linebackers to make plays in the backfield against the run and blitzing the passer. On passing downs, off-ball linebackers and edge rushers might rush the passer or drop into coverage to keep the offense guessing.

Unlike traditional defenses, blitzes are frequently supported by zone coverage, instead of man. But it also makes use of man coverage in certain pressure looks as well. If that’s what we are getting, it is an extremely demanding scheme on linebackers.