XFL DC Defenders roster analysis: Does DC have it in them to go all the way? 

DC Defenders will play their inaugural game on February 19th. Defenders, based in Washington D.C was formed by Vince McMahon's Alpha Entertainment.

Even though the XFL has undergone numerous modifications, some aspects of the league have not changed since we last saw them. That includes the DC Defenders, who have the same moniker and home base as in their previous incarnation.

Reggie Barlow will be the head coach of the Defenders this time around. He replaced Pep Hamilton, who led the squad during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Barlow has occupied the big chair before, serving as the head coach of the Virgina State Trojans from 2016 to 2021 and the Alabama State Hornets from 2007 to 2014.

---

DC Defenders Roster

The DC Defenders roster has also changed. With former collegiate standouts Eric Dungey, D'Eriq King, and Jordan Ta'amu vying for the starting position, there is debatably no XFL squad with more star power in the starting lineup. Ta'amu will start in Week 1, although, unlike many XFL quarterback positions, his position is not guaranteed for the whole year.

Besides being a quarterback, DC has a few prominent skill-position players, including running back Ryquell Armstead and wide receiver Chad Hansen, who were both selected in the NFL draft. Running back Abram Smith, who was selected first overall in the non-QB XFL selection, will start.

The defense appears ready to hurl the ball all over the yard because QB has been so heavily invested. Naturally, that would be good news for the team's pass catchers, but it doesn't follow that one of these quarterbacks will gain from it.

During the final season of the XFL, the quarterbacks frequently changed, with DC switching between Tyree Jackson and Cardale Jones in particular. Approach with some caution unless and until Ta'amu, King, or Dungey prove they are undisputed starters.

---

DC Defenders Week 1 depth chart

Quarterback

1 Jordan Ta'amu

2 D'Eriq King

3 Eric Dungey

Running Back

1 Abram Smith

2 Ryquell Armstead

Wide Receiver

1 Josh Hammond

2 Jequez Ezzard

3 Lucky Jackson

4 Chad Hansen

5 Pooka Williams

6 Chris Blair

7 Josh Malone

Tight End

1 Ethan Wolf

2 Briley Moore-McKinney

3 Trae Barry

Kicker

1 Matt McCrane

2 Daniel Whelan