​Rewriting my Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven gathers a wide array of articles, podcasts, and tweets from across the web to keep you connected with the Washington Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL, and the broader world of sports, sprinkled with a touch of eclectic content. Enjoy!
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ESPN
5. Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 31 | Last year’s ranking: 7
The Commanders’ offense faced a challenging season, but one bright spot was Laremy Tunsil, who was acquired last offseason via trade from Houston. “Underrated to me and bulletproof in both phases,” an NFC executive said. “He has another gear that others don’t. Still violent.” Tunsil allowed four sacks across 393 pass-blocking opportunities last year, posting a 91.5% pass-block win rate. He also drew only five penalties after recording 17 the previous season.
Commanders Roundtable
Gulbin’s most realistic year-one path is as Washington’s backup center and interior swing lineman—the player who can step in at center, left guard, or right guard if injury creates a gap. Washington’s projected starter at center heading into training camp is veteran Nick Allegretti, meaning Gulbin has time to develop behind a proven interior lineman rather than being thrown into the fire immediately. That’s the best-case scenario for a player with just one year of center experience.
The ceiling here is becoming a starting center on a zone-blocking offense within two to three years. Every analyst who has watched significant Gulbin tape reaches the same conclusion—the power floor is legitimate, the leadership is real, and the trajectory of his career has been consistently upward. From a three-star recruit to an All-ACC honorable mention, Wake Forest backup to Michigan State team captain, sixth-round pick to eventual starter—the franchise has seen late-round offensive linemen outperform their draft position before. Don’t be surprised if Gulbin follows the same path and becomes a starting center for Washington.
Commanders.com
Will the Bengals’ defense improve? The Bengals’ defense has long been its Achilles’ heel, but there are signs it could shift in 2026. Lawrence, whom the Bengals acquired in a trade, is a force inside the defense, though he had a down year in 2025. The Bengals are hoping that’s an aberration and that Lawrence returns to the dominant All-Pro form he displayed for much of his career. Players like Mafe, who notched 20 sacks in four seasons with the Seahawks, and second-round pick Cashius Howell should bolster a pass rush that produced only 34 sacks in 2025. Burrow’s injuries haven’t helped, but defensive struggles have kept Cincinnati from being a perennial playoff threat. If they can strengthen that side of the ball, they could become a serious AFC contender.
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Can the offensive line protect Joe Burrow? Burrow was sacked only 17 times last season, but continued protection improvements will be crucial for SEO and for sustaining the offense at a high level.