David Harrison · Jul 6, 2026
Harrison completes his ranked list of Washington's 2026 defensive breakout candidates — Sonny Styles first, Johnny Newton second, Trey Amos third with Mikey Sainristil as "3a," and rookie defensive lineman Joshua Josephs fourth — and projects specific stat lines for Sainristil and Josephs, plus a rotational backup role for Josephs behind Caleb Von Chaisson. He also hands out breakout superlatives to several Commanders on offense.
“Already have Sonny Styles at number one, Johnny Newton at number two, and Trey Amos at number three for our breakout candidates list on the defensive side of things here in 2026.”
said on air, transcribed by us · Locked On Commanders (podcast) · read the original →
8 checkable claims from this
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Top Player ListsJul 6, 2026
“Already have Sonny Styles at number one, Johnny Newton at number two, and Trey Amos at number three for our breakout candidates list on the defensive side of things here in 2026... Mikey Sainter still he's he's three a... Number four, Joshua Joseph's defensive lineman, the rookie.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Mike Sainristil to record 4 interceptions
“For me, it's probably, like, 70 tackles, 12 passes defense, four interceptions, one or two forced fumbles.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Joe Joseph to record 2.5 sacks
“I think statistically, 250 snaps overall, 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, two and a half sacks, a couple of forced fumbles”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Josh Conerly Jr. to outplay his draft cost
“Most important quiet breakout, Josh Connolly Junior.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Joshua Josephs to be 2nd on the depth chart
“currently, I think right now, the best projection for Joshua Joseph is behind Caleb on Chase on when they're standing up as an outside linebacker... So you're kind of a backup rotational use type of guy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt to outplay his draft cost
“Most likely for a national breakout, I think it's running back to Corey Cross.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Ben Sinnott to outplay his draft cost
“Most misunderstood offensive breakout, Ben Sennett.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
Luke McCaffrey to outplay his draft cost
“Most fan fascinating breakout, Luke McCaffrey... potentially, you could get it this year at least to a better tip. Again, not wide receiver one type stuff, but certainly better involvement.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.