Commanders' D-lineman has lofty comparison for new-look defense

One of the Washington Commanders' defensive acquisitions during free agency was edge rusher Charles Omenihu. After being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2019 and traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, Omenihu spent three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was part of the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII team that defeated the 49ers after the 2023 season, although he spent the game on the sideline with a torn ACL.

He started the 2024 season on the PUP list and was activated in November. When the season ended, he signed a one-year extension to remain with the Chiefs for the 2025 season. Washington GM Adam Peters didn't waste much time deciding to bring in the veteran edge rusher, signing him just two days into the 2026 free agency period.

He's only one piece of the Commanders' new defensive roster, and Omenihu joined the "On The Fence Podcast (OTF)" to discuss the Commanders' new-look defense.

"This is probably the most talented D-line group I’ve ever been around from top to bottom." 😏@charless_94 is now a Commander, and he isn't holding back expectations. While appearing on @theotfpodcast, he breaks down why this defensive front is uniquely loaded with… pic.twitter.com/rCmysDXzWi

— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) July 1, 2026

Omenihu was asked what lessons he is bringing to Washington from his experience with the Chiefs.

"Details," Omenihu replied. "Details, because, I'll be honest, this is probably the most talented D-line group I've ever been around. Literally. From top to bottom. Everywhere I was at, it was like a big name and really good players. Here is a group of really, really good players, up and down the line."

He goes on to say that at each of his stops, he's had a Hall of Fame-type player surrounded by really good players. In Washington, though, there are no "big names" or players most would consider future Hall of Famers (yet). And that's not a hit on his team; getting into the Hall of Fame is a hard feat to accomplish. But what they do have in Washington is players who were drafted in the first round, or players who have been successful in other places and are on a second contract.

"You're not getting a second contract just because you can run fast in a straight line. So you obviously have to be really good," Omenihu says. "We have eight or nine, probably 10 players that, I don't care who's out there, you're not messing with us. I truly believe that in my heart. So I truly believe that if guys are super on the details, and I compare it to the (Golden State) Warriors, where, like, if you double him, he's (a different player) gonna get off. You gotta play everybody one-on-one and hope that you just have a really good day. I don't believe you are."

Almost every defensive player who has spoken with the media has said the same thing. They are bonding. They are creating relationships. They are building trust, and each of them has a chip on their shoulder over what the season ahead may bring. And when you have multiple players, from rookies to veterans, all saying the same thing, it definitely bodes well for how this unit will perform in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' D-lineman has lofty comparison for new-look defense