DC Defenders Odds, Picks, Predictions & Depth Chart
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Below you'll find odds, depth charts and more analysis for the DC Defenders.
DC Defenders XFL Championship Odds
- Championship Odds: +500
Odds as of Thursday and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.
DC Defenders Offensive Depth Chart & Analysis
- QB: Cardale Jones, Tyree Jackson
- RB: Jhurrel Pressley, Donnel Pumphrey, Khalid Abdullah, Nick Brosette
- WR: DeAndre Thompkins, Malachi Dupre, Rashad Ross, Tyler Palka, Eli Rogers, Simmie Cobbs, Jalen Rowell,
- TE: Khari Lee, Derrick Hayward, Donnie Ernsberger
- LT: De’Ondre Wesley, Logan Tuley-Tillman
- LG: Dorian Johnson
- C: John Toth, James O’Hagan
- RG: Rishard Cook, Chris Brown
- RT: Malcolm Bunche, Cole Boozer
The Defenders may have two of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the league. Jones is the starter and will look to prove that his championship run with Ohio State was no fluke. Jones has just 11 NFL passes to his name, but he has the raw talent to light up the XFL. Behind him is Jackson, who gained a lot of momentum in the 2019 NFL draft process but ultimately went undrafted. His game needed significant refinement coming out of college, and the XFL is the opportunity for him to show that he has improved, if he can get on the field.
Although the depth chart is in flux, the wide receiver who most stands out is Ross, who dominated last year in the AAF, ranking No. 1 with seven receiving touchdowns and No. 2 with 583 yards receiving. Rogers, a former Steeler with significant NFL experience, offers quality depth at the position.
The Defenders lack recognized talent at tight end, which is concerning given head coach Pep Hamilton’s tendency to lean on the position, but Lee is a guy to watch: He could become a red-zone target with his size.
In the backfield, the Defenders have Pressley, who impressed in spurts in the AAF, and Pumphrey, who has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles even though he never registered a carry in the NFL. This offense may be one of the more fascinating in the league and has a realistic chance to steamroll opponents if it gets consistent quarterback play.
DC Defenders Defensive Depth Chart & Analysis
- DE: Tracy Sprinkle, Tavaris Barnes, Siupeli Anau
- NT: Elijah Qualis, Kalani Vakameilamo
- DT: Jay Bromley, Kenny Bigelow
- LB: Antwione Williams, A.J. Tarpley, Jameer Thurman, KeShun Freeman, Jonathan Massaquoi,, Scooby Wright, Jonathan Celestin, Sam Montgomery
- CB: Desmond Lawrence, Elijah Campbell, Bradley Sylve, Doran Grant
- S: Matt Elam, Carlos Merritt, Shamarko Thomas, Tyree Kinnel, Rahim Moore
The strength of this defense is its safeties. Elam is a former first-round pick of the Ravens, and Thomas was thought of so highly within the Steelers organization that he was the first player Hall-of-Famer Troy Polamalu ever invited to train with him. Both players' careers have gone downhill since then, but now they form a strong safety duo and have a wealth of NFL experience at their disposal.
The linebacker group also has recognizable names in Tarpley and Williams. Massaquoi has the most experience, but he was also waived by the Dallas Renegades, which is not an ideal start to his XFL career. Even so, this unit could be a stout and deep group.
The defensive line is where the Defenders will look for playmakers to emerge. None of their options look like major disruptors, but we saw in the AAF how quickly a player can make a name for himself rushing the passer.
DC Defenders Pick
Pick: To Win the XFL Championship +700
When you compare the XFL rosters, the Defenders look like a value at +700 odds. Hamilton is an experienced offensive coach who works well with quarterbacks. If he can get Jones to maximize his talent, the Defenders will be extremely hard to stop. They have talented receivers and running backs and a strong defensive spine. They will need to find a pass rusher, but if they do, they could dominate.
