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 each member of the top 10 and another on others receiving votes
at the end. Plus, 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. 10:
The Commanders invested heavily in their defense this offseason, vowing to get younger and faster on that side of the ball. They didn’t burn through salary-cap space signing big names, instead betting on ascending talents with even better ahead.
Count linebacker Leo Chenal in that group. He was never a true three-down player in Kansas City, but he’s ferocious around the line of scrimmage and has the speed and agility to cover well. That’s why general manager Adam Peters paid him $24.75 million over three years.
The more you learn about Chenal, the more you like, which is why this new guy comes in at No. 10 in our ranking of the best Commanders players regardless of position.
Why Leo Chenal is ranked No. 10
This ranking was a close one. Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. nearly took the 10th spot, and you could make an argument for both to be included on the list. Chenal is here as much for his track record as for what’s possible when his defensive snap counts go up. They’ve never been above 445 or more than 53% of possible defensive playing time, but those totals should increase in 2026.
Signing with Washington could create a breakout opportunity, especially while frequently playing alongside No. 7 overall NFL draft pick Sonny Styles. Peters bet on Chenal’s potential. We are, too.
What he has done
Kansas City made Chenal, a Wisconsin product, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He has hovered around 60 tackles and two sacks, though he had three forced fumbles in 2024. His best statistical season came in 2023, when he had 65 tackles, three sacks, eight tackles for a loss and seven quarterback hits.
And, also, the man just doesn’t miss tackles. Like, ever.
He played well for the Chiefs and was liked within the fanbase, but they had significant funds tied into linebacker Nick Bolton and other defensive stalwarts. That made paying his market value too difficult a task.
What he’ll do next
Have you seen Chenal’s raw athletic score (RAS)? I mean, my goodness. That must be catnip for the Washington front office, which prizes such metrics.
Our John Portis sees a mix of off-the-ball responsibilities with some work off the edge in Daronte Jones’ new defensive scheme. Opportunity should send his stats way up. While he wasn’t asked to cover a ton in Kansas City, that will surely be a bigger part of his workload, even with Styles playing with him.
Jones wants to attack, attack, attack, and Chenal can help him fulfill that vision from the second level. Career bests in snaps and vital stats should be expected in a real opportunity for him to become more of a featured player.
