Joe Whitt Jr talks about getting bigger on the DL, Daron Payne leading by example, and year two for the defense

Joe Whitt Jr talks about getting bigger on the DL, Daron Payne leading by example, and year two for the defense
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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

Javon Kinlaw:

Kinlaw/Eddie Goldman adding size to the DL:

Daron Payne:

Marshon Lattimore:

Improvements on defense in Year 2:

Trey Amos:

Kain Medrano:

Jordan Magee:

Jeremy Reaves:

Quan Martin: