Anthony Hill Jr.
Getty
Former Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. exalts during 2025 Cotton Bowl.
The Washington Commanders sit less than two months away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak believes the franchise needs to attack the front seven on the second day of the draft. The Commanders allowed 27 points ten times last year. In an interview on 106.7 The Fan, he outlined several talents that could land on the Commanders’ radar.
“I like Gabe Jacas, an edge out of Illinois. Big, long, strong, and physical player. I think Washington is in a position that they need to add some more size and intensity on that defensive line when it comes to run defense from the edge rusher position.”
Neither Dorrance Armstrong nor Deatrich Wise provides the necessary explosion off the edge. Wise is a free agent along with Von Miller, who doesn’t look to return. Jacas possesses the size (6’3″, 275 pounds) to set the edge on run plays.
However, his main attribute appears to be rushing the passer. Jacas, a former college teammate of Jer’Zhan Newton, tallied 27 sacks and seven fumbles in 50 games. While power and leverage remain his preferred rush moves, he can develop others over time with intense coaching. A former standout wrestler, he brings that mentality to the field, constantly keeping his feet moving.
Gabe Jacas
GettyIllinois pass rusher Gabe Jacas completes the sack versus Rutgers.
Solak offered high praise for a linebacker who he believes could eventually slide into a starting role in Washington.
“The linebacker spot, Anthony Hill out of Texas, is a guy to watch. He’s young and extremely undersized, but he’s very fast. He sees it quickly. One year in the NFL or two years in the NFL, this guy’s going to become a three-down linebacker.”
Hill is unofficially listed at six-foot-three and 238 pounds. Now, if colleges tend to inflate measurements, you can figure him to stand an inch shorter and weigh five to eight pounds less.
However, what he accomplished on the field and what his tape displays probably matter more. As a Longhorn, Hill tallied 249 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and three interceptions. Additionally, he forced eight fumbles. While the term “sideline-to-sideline” is frequently used, Hill gets to the ball on either side of the field.
Bobby Wagner is a free agent. At 35, the Commanders could feel it may be time to move on. However, if they can lure him back with a short-term deal, Hill could serve as his understudy. Subsequently, with time and gained experience, he could supplant the future Hall of Famer.
Anthony Hill Jr.
GettyTexas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. forces a San Jose State fumble.
Front Upgrades Could Serve as Impetus for Secondary Renaissance
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones learned from Brian Flores. Each of them started out as defensive backs and later transitioned into coaching the secondary. Last season, the Commanders held the No. 30 spot in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. They ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards allowed, touchdowns, and fewest interceptions.
While the team will most likely pursue free agency and the draft to add help, the refrain remains the same. No matter how strong a secondary competes, they need a pass rush and pressure up front to make their jobs easier. Pressure allows the secondary to cover for a shorter amount of time. Plus, rushed throws can easily turn into incompletions and interceptions.
With six draft selections and none in rounds two and four, the Commanders could attempt to hone in on critical areas of need. Improving the defensive front seems like the best place to start.