Washington Commanders training camp kicks off next week when the veterans report. However, the 2025 rookie class is scheduled to report this week. Before camp opens, we here at Commanders Wire are previewing each unit before the players hit the field.
We will begin our previews with the cornerbacks. Washington’s cornerback room looks much different than it did one year ago at this time. Gone are failed former draft picks Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste. Since then, the Commanders have added Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos. It’s a better group overall. How much better?
Let’s dive in.
Coaching staff
- Defensive coordinator: Joe Whitt Jr.
- Defensive backs coach: Tommy Donatell
- Assistant defensive backs coach: William Gay
- Defensive pass game coordinator: Jason Simmons
- Senior defensive assistant: John Pagano
The Commanders have several coaches in the secondary with various backgrounds. Gay and Simmons were standout NFL players, while Pagano is a longtime assistant and two-time NFL defensive coordinator. Donatell was previously the Chargers‘ secondary coach before coming to Washington. This group worked well together in 2024, as young players like Mike Sainristil and Quan Martin took a significant leap. Sainristil, a rookie last season, improved throughout the season despite being asked to play inside and outside.
Starters
- Outside: Marshon Lattimore
- Outside: Trey Amos
- Nickel/slot: Mike Sainristil
Lattimore and Sainristil are locked in as starters. Much of Amos’s starting depends on when he gets signed and what type of camp he has. If he can get signed before camp and continue to impress the way he did in the spring, he will start Week 1. However, Sainristil proved he could start on the outside, which Washington could do in the interim. Or, veteran Jonathan Jones can start outside or inside. He’s also versatile and reliable and will play a lot. Noah Igbinoghene returns and will be the No. 5 cornerback. He played a lot last season and excelled in the slot.
Depth and reserves
- Jonathan Jones
- Noah Igbinoghene
- Bobby Price
- Allan George
- Kevon Seymour
- Car’lin Vigers (R)
- Fentrell Cypress II (R)
Seymour played a lot on special teams last season. He also got some time at cornerback. Price offers terrific size, but will battle George, Seymour, Vigers and Cypress for a spot. One of these players must stand out in the preseason if they expect to win a job. Washington will likely keep a cornerback or two on the practice squad.
Outlook
Much of this group’s potential hinges on Lattimore’s health. If the veteran four-time Pro Bowler can remain healthy and resemble his former self, Washington has a true No. 1 cornerback to challenge some of the NFL’s top receivers, like NFC East studs A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers. If he battles injuries, Washington will be more able to cover for him this fall with the presence of Jones and Amos. The Commanders need Amos to win a starting job and never look back. Jones is a reliable veteran who will never back down from a challenge. He’s also a feisty run defender.
Sainristil looks like a future star. He was excellent in the slot last season before moving outside. When he moved outside, he did an outstanding job against Philadelphia’s receivers, Brown and DeVonta Smith. Washington would prefer to play him inside, where he could challenge as the NFL’s top slot cornerback. Igbinoghene was a smart re-signing. He thrived in an expanded role in 2024. This is a solid group. Could one of the Commanders’ UDFAs (Vigers and Cypress) challenge for a spot? They had a strong offseason, especially Vigers.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp preview: Cornerbacks