Editor’s note: We’ll count down the top 10 Commanders players on the 2026 roster regardless of position sporadically over the next few weeks. Before we get to it, here’s how we arrived at the ranking: Our Scott Bair, Scott Jennings and Mark Tyler compiled a top 13 – no ranking was identical — with points assigned to each ranking slot from all three lists. We used these point values to form a consensus top 10 ranking. We’ll write a story on others receiving votes at the end, and Mark will probably
have a Tyler’s Take with his thoughts. You’ll surely object to some of these rankings, though debate is kind of the point with lists like this. Well, let’s get to it with No. 8:
The Commanders need stability at every defensive level after a disastrous showing in 2025 where they couldn’t seem to stop anyone when it mattered most.
That’s why they relied so heavily on free agency to fortify that unit, adding veteran talent that didn’t need to be developed much. General manager Adam Peters went big on the defensive line, especially off the edge. He added speed and physicality at the linebacker spot.
Peters also found the defensive backfield’s anchor point in safety Nick Cross. He comes on a two-year deal and with some street cred established in Indianapolis, as a versatile, every-down safety who can play all over the place.
That proven talent instantly upgrades Washington’s roster, with Cross ranking No. 8 on our top 10 list of Commanders players regardless of position.
Our top 10: Leo Chenal | Chig Okonwko
Why Nick Cross is ranked No.8
He does a little bit of everything. Cross is capable of playing anywhere, from both safety spots, slot cornerback and on the outside. He frequently lines up from a linebacker’s positioning as well. He can make an impact from all of those spots. That’s rare, even in an NFL era where positional flexibility is prized.
Cross instantly becomes one of Washington’s defensive stalwarts and most talented players, even in a year of massive defensive upgrades.
What he has done
The new Commanders defensive back has a proven track record of success. He had 120 tackles, including five for a loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2025. He was even better the year before, with a stat line that deserves your respect: 146 tackles, five TFLs, a sack, three interceptions, five passes defensed and a forced fumble over 1,155 defensive snaps. He played every defensive down for the Colts that season, a marvel of consistency for a player who isn’t a household name but has garnered great respect within the NFL for steady and quality play.
What he’ll do next
Daronte Jones is a creative defensive coordinator, someone who will move players around the chess board. It’s also expected that the Commanders will often use three safeties in sub packages, and Cross will work well as a box safety with others playing deep.
Cross is known for some coverage lapses but is an excellent run player, and Jones will surely take advantage of that and his ability to rush the passer. We should see Cross line up all over the place and create havoc closer to the line of scrimmage and provide the type of consistency Washington desperately needs from its veteran additions.
