The Washington Commanders are on a mission this offseason, zeroing in on the edge rusher position as a top priority. After losing Dorance Armstrong to injury in Week 7 last season, the team's pass rush faltered, putting extra strain on a secondary that was already feeling the heat.
Enter GM Adam Peters, who hit the ground running in free agency. He secured Odafe Oweh with a hefty four-year, $100 million contract and brought in K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu on one-year deals. Chaisson, fresh off a stellar season with the Patriots and just 26 years old, is a particularly exciting addition.
Peters' strategy was clear: don't wait for the 2026 NFL Draft to address the edge. However, drafting an edge rusher isn't off the table. With Armstrong's contract nearing its end and only Oweh locked in beyond 2026, the Commanders are keeping their options open.
While linked to top prospects like Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr., Washington is casting a wider net. They're set to host Texas Tech's Romello Height for a pre-draft visit.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 239 pounds, Height was a standout for Texas Tech's top-ranked defense last fall. He racked up 32 tackles, 10 for loss, nine sacks, and forced two fumbles. His performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors, and he clocked a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine.
Projected to go on Day 2 of the draft, will Height still be available at pick No. 71 when the Commanders are up for their second selection?
According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, Height is a lean, angular edge defender who will need to hit the weight room to thrive in the pros. His rush is fast and relentless, utilizing long strides to pressure and disrupt.
However, his current play strength and contact balance are areas for improvement. With some refinement, Height has the potential to stir up trouble in opposing backfields.
Height's profile aligns with what Washington head coach Dan Quinn has historically favored in his edge rushers, making him a compelling prospect for the Commanders.