Each year, we spend a great deal of time during the offseason making projections – some BOLD and some subtle.
In this Tyler’s Take, I am predicting both an offensive and defensive MVP for the 2026 Washington Commanders. As a special bonus, I also added a runner-up for each side of the ball.
Offensive MVP
Jayden Daniels
You may be thinking this is a layup prediction, but #5 just has that mentality where he wants to be the best, and after a down year, filled with injury, he’s going to come out and put the league on notice yet again.
Although we probably won’t see as many designed runs as we saw in his first two seasons, make no mistake, Daniels will destroy teams on the ground if the defense turns their backs to him in coverage.
I think we see that 2024 accuracy return in an offense that will be tailored to his strengths as a passer and I wouldn’t be surprised if he flirts with 4,500 yards through the air.
2026 Stat Predictions:
- 17 games played
- 4,395 passing yards
- 69% completion percentage
- 32 TDs
- 8 INTs
- 675 rushing yards
- 5 rushing TDs
Offensive Runner-up:
Laremy Tunsil
I was going to go with Terry here, but I decided to give Tunsil his props. In my opinion, he’s a top three left tackle in the league, and he keeps himself in phenomenal shape – so he remains in his prime.
He got a well-deserved extension this offseason and I believe he’ll reward the team with stellar play.
2026 Stat Predictions:
- 17 games played
- 2 sacks allowed
Defensive MVP
Nick Cross
We’ve all heard how important the safety position is in new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ defense. With Cross patrolling the secondary, I expect BIG things from the newly acquired free agent.
Nick Cross is an absolute disruptor in the box, acting as an extra linebacker and showing well in short-to-intermediate coverage. However, his athleticism sets him up to be much more than just a box safety. He has 4.3 speed and good ball skills that a creative coordinator can use to disguise coverages on the back end.
He’s described as an intelligent player who doesn’t mind doing the little things so others can shine, and although you may think that could take away from his stats, I think it just ADDS to his overall importance on this defense.
2026 Stat Predictions:
- 17 games played
- 117 total tackles
- 7 TFL
- 4 sacks
- 2 INT
- 7 PD
- 2 FF
Defensive Runner-up
Sonny Styles
I know there were some irate fans when Sonny Styles was not included in my top 13 list of Washington Commanders players. My reasoning behind that was simple – I need to see him play a season before I can fairly rate him.
However, I said nothing about projections…
Styles has the ENTIRE package as an off-the-ball linebacker. At 6’5” 243 lbs, he’s an absolute FREAK athletically who has that see-ball-get-ball mentality. From watching videos and hearing his former coaches and teammates speak about him, he’s all about ball, and is the “Jayden Daniels” of this defense from a mental perspective.
It’s been assumed that Sonny will get the green dot by Jones to call the defense and with a safety background, his versatility will be his biggest asset as a rookie.
I expect him to be used PRIMARILY off-the-ball, but there could be some packages where he is used as an on-the-ball linebacker in an under front.
As a run-and-hit MIKE, he will be allowed to use his speed and aggression to attack ball carriers sideline-to-sideline. I also imagine Jones dialing up some run blitzes for the youngster.
He should not be removed from the field on ANY down, and obvious passing situations are where he may make his greatest impact as a situational blitzer, tight end eraser and high-hole filler.
Athletically, he’s the complete opposite of the departed Bobby Wagner, and that will be an absolute blessing!
2026 Stat Predictions:
- 17 games
- 115 tackles
- 9 TFL
- 3 sacks
- 2 INT
- 5 PD
- 1 FF
*DROY
