The Washington Commanders are in the thick of a defensive overhaul, and the wheels are already turning. It started with the dismissal of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. back on January 6-a move that signaled a fresh start for a unit that struggled to find its footing last season. After a deliberate three-week search, Washington landed on Daronte Jones, the Minnesota Vikings’ pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, to take the reins as their new defensive coordinator.
Jones steps into a pivotal role, and this week, all eyes are on Mobile, Alabama, where the 2026 Senior Bowl is offering a close-up look at some of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. Washington’s new general manager Adam Peters is on the ground, evaluating talent that could help reshape the defense. While a few high-profile names dropped out of the game, there’s still plenty of intrigue-and one name is quickly rising to the top of that list.
Enter Lee Hunter.
At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Hunter isn’t just physically imposing-he’s making sure everyone in Mobile knows his name. On the first day of Senior Bowl practice, the Texas Tech defensive tackle wasted no time turning heads.
He dominated in one-on-one drills, showing off a blend of power and quickness that overwhelmed offensive linemen. And just like that, a player once projected as a Day 2 pick is firmly in the first-round conversation.
Hunter’s path to this point has been anything but linear. He started his college career at Auburn, transferred to UCF where he spent three seasons, and then made the leap to Texas Tech in 2025.
That move paid off. On a defense that was loaded with talent, Hunter didn’t just hold his own-he thrived.
Alongside standout linebacker David Bailey, Hunter earned All-American honors and anchored one of the most disruptive defensive fronts in the country.
Now, he’s making his case to NFL scouts and front offices, and the Commanders are undoubtedly paying attention.
Washington’s defensive tackle rotation already features some big names: Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Johnny Newton. But there are question marks.
Payne is entering the final year of his contract, and while his ceiling is high, consistency has been elusive. Kinlaw flashed in his first year with the Commanders, but he too battled with up-and-down performances.
Newton, a second-round pick, had a breakout game against Dallas but struggled to maintain that level the rest of the season.
That’s where a player like Hunter could come in and make a difference. He’s not just a depth piece-he’s the kind of player who could immediately rotate in and bring impact reps.
The challenge? Washington holds the No. 7 overall pick, which might be a bit rich for Hunter based on current draft projections.
But if Peters can find a trade partner and move down in the first round, Hunter becomes a very realistic-and very intriguing-option.
What makes Hunter stand out isn’t just his size. It’s the athleticism that comes with it.
He’s explosive off the snap, and his combination of power and quickness gives interior linemen fits. While his college pass-rushing numbers weren’t eye-popping, the tools are there.
He’s got a sturdy base, violent hands, and a motor that doesn’t quit-traits that translate well to the next level.
And that motor might be the most important piece of the puzzle. In a league where interior defensive linemen often struggle to maintain energy and effort over four quarters, Hunter shows up on every snap. He doesn’t take plays off, and that kind of consistency is exactly what Washington’s defensive line needs.
From a second-day projection to first-round buzz in just a couple of practices-Hunter is trending up, and fast. If he keeps stacking strong performances throughout the Senior Bowl week, don’t be surprised if he becomes a legitimate target for teams picking in the middle of the first round.
For Washington, the rebuild on defense is underway. And if they play their cards right, Lee Hunter could be a big part of the foundation.