Odafe Oweh's evolution mirrors Commanders defense's fast start in padded practice
Washington's prized free-agent edge rusher says he's still a run defender first, while Jayden Daniels and the offense answer back during an energetic first day in pads. Time for the Daily Install.
ASHBURN, Va. — Odafe Oweh wants to correct the record for those assessing his all-around game — and he’s got one unlikely statistic to back up his case.
Shortly after participating in the first padded practice of the Washington Commanders’ 2026 training camp, the edge defender expected to lead his new team in sacks was asked to identify the most underrated part of his game.
His answer: run defense.
“I came in as a run defender,” said the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. “I’ve had zero sacks, so people forget that.”
Oweh isn’t referencing a quarter, a half, a game or even a month of football.
His final season at Penn State ended without recording a single sack.
Mentioning that eyebrow-raising stat served two purposes.
First, it reminded everyone that stopping the run was once the foundation of his game, even if his pass-rushing success has since overshadowed it. You don’t get drafted in the first round without a sack if there aren’t other aspects worthy of praise.
“The run game was what I hung my hat on at first,” he said during his post-practice media availability.
Second, it underscored just how much he’s evolved as a pass rusher.
Watching Oweh explode around the edge or beat a blocker inside with a spin move, as he did during Monday’s 1-on-1 drills, it’s easy to assume those moves were always part of his repertoire. They weren’t.
After totaling 13 sacks and 38 quarterback hits over his first three NFL seasons in Baltimore, Oweh produced 17.5 sacks and 41 quarterback hits over the past two years with the Ravens and Chargers after a 2025 in-season trade.
“I’ve worked hard, and by the grace of God, he’s helped me get better at the pass-rushing aspect,” Oweh said.
Washington centered its defensive makeover and free-agent spending on the ascending 27-year-old, and his strong start to training camp has reinforced why.
The 6-foot-5, 251-pound defender pairs rare athleticism — highlighted by a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash entering the NFL — with the work ethic that earned him a four-year, $96 million contract this offseason.
If the first four practices are any indication, the buzz surrounding him isn’t slowing down.
Actually, the Commanders’ rebuilt front seven has been the story of camp.
Monday’s session — the first in pads and held in steamy conditions following overnight rain — continued an early trend of defenders attacking the line of scrimmage from every angle.
Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles shot downhill on the opening 11-on-11 run play, stopping Jacory Croskey-Merritt near the goal line. The No. 7 overall pick later timed two blitzes perfectly, forcing quick throws.
K’Lavon Chaisson, Washington’s other marquee free-agent edge addition, played with noticeable physicality. Defensive backs Nick Cross and Mike Sainristil inserted themselves into the action behind the line of scrimmage.
After weeks spent learning defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ aggressive, blitz-heavy system while building conditioning for the regular season, the defense has earned high marks.
“Obviously, a lot of the camp, or a lot of the time we’ve been here, we’ve just been in the classroom just learning the plays,” Oweh said. “But it’s different when you have to apply it on the field. Doing that, knowing the checks, the different things, because Daronte has a great defense, but it’s a complicated defense.”
Facing Washington’s offensive tackles, Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr., has also sharpened the edge group.
“They’re maulers,” Oweh said. “Physical guys that get their hands on you fast, have savvy ways to counter your moves and stuff like that. So, I’m having fun getting better.”
The day wasn’t one-sided, however.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered his sharpest practice of camp, repeatedly fitting throws into tight windows, including touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin and Chig Okonkwo. Second-year receiver Jaylin Lane also hauled in multiple touchdown catches.
Whether Monday was a draw or a slight edge for the defense, that side of the ball continues to command attention.
Unlike last season, it’s for all the right reasons.
“You don’t get ready for football until you play football,” Oweh said. “So, all that mixed, I’m proud of the guys.”
The upward trajectory will include fits and starts. Oweh acknowledged there will be defensive “growing pains” as the unit develops with roughly 40 days remaining before the Week 1 opener in Philadelphia.
“That’s the universe telling you that’s where you gotta get better. And even if you’re listening to fans, compartmentalizing and using it as motivation,” Oweh explained. “Like, alright, I’m going to show you guys.
“And that’s why whenever I celebrate, I’m so animated. I’m pointing. I’m talking to the crowd. I’m talking to the naysayers. It’s just like, you gotta understand, you got to use that. We play sports. You have bad reps, you have good reps, but you can’t hang your hat on the bad reps or else you’re going to continue going down the slope.”
The trend is working for Oweh and the defense early in camp. Washington practices on Tuesday and puts the pads back on Wednesday ahead of an off day.
Oweh’s pass rushing draws the headlines, but he doesn’t want anyone forgetting the rest of his game.
“I’m a run defender too. That’s a testament to how hard I work and my ability to just close out the naysayers and just grind.”
Other takeaways and notes from Monday’s padded practice:
