Hogs Haven
A film session breaking down how the Commanders may view their new additions to the defensive line
The Commanders added four defensive linemen during the initial free agency period. Jake Martin, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise, and Javon Kinlaw were all brought in to help shift the identity of the Washington Commanders’ defensive front. The Commanders hope to eliminate the consistent setting of soft edges and the absence of a true disruptive presence among its interior defensive line. Furthermore, in their search to find an edge rush presence following the loss of Dante Fowler Jr., who produced 10.5 sacks in 2024, they acquired OLB/Edge Jake Martin from the Chicago Bears, who already has a solid pass rush toolbox but may be maximized in the Commanders’ defensive scheme.
I took a look at the tape for each of Washington’s new veteran additions and outlined below each of their strengths below.
Martin has a good upfield burst and a rush plan that allows him to be a threat outside the tackle. Martin’s career-high is four sacks, so he has yet to break through in the NFL from a statistical standpoint. Martin plays with good pad level and hand usage, which allows him to create pressure and win on speed rushes, speed-to-power, and pure bull rushes. He has a good chop-rip rush move and a sneaky long arm, which, due to solid hand placement when engaged, can get him good enough leverage to drive his opponent into the quarterback.
From an alignment standpoint, the Chicago Bears utilized him as a 3, 5, 6, and 7-technique lineman. His athleticism can stress tackles and provide advantages for his coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr, depending on the situation. His competitiveness extends to his leg drive and a natural motor that highlights his ability to counter a lineman who defeats his initial move.
Goldman’s unique trait revolves around his ability to quickly identify and process block schemes. He shows excellent play strength in 1-on-1 blocking situations, and his mental processing heightens his play speed, allowing him to be prepared for engagements. The Falcons primarily used him as their 0 or 1-technique lineman and were able to win against downhill blocks versus perimeter run schemes. Goldman’s frame is exceptional, and he’ll naturally take on plenty of double-team and combo blocks, but he has to improve his functional strength to stalemate/withstand the combination blocks. However, Goldman is a smart football player with quality football instincts, a valuable trait among this defensive front.
Wise, similar to Goldman, has impressive football instincts and excellent mental processing. He brings power and functional strength to the unit but has solid athleticism to thrive as a run defender and situational pass rusher. Wise plays with good gap discipline and is an exceptional force defender...
