ARLINGTON, TX – November 4, 2026 – Since Shannon Harris took over as head coach of the DC Defenders, they have only ever reached the title game. In 2025, Harris secured spring glory, but his troops faced defeat in last season’s United Bowl. With the 2027 UFL Draft just two weeks away, here are three areas the Defenders could target to maintain Harris’ championship standard.
1: Add Another Explosive Receiving Threat
Despite losing their starting quarterback in Week 7 to injury, the Defenders still finished as the league’s top team in terms of overall offense. That was powered by a ridiculous 151.4 rushing yards per game, which led the UFL. However, their passing game suffered, finishing with just 172.8 yards per game, which ranked sixth.
With the 2025 UFL Championship Game MVP Jordan Ta’amu expected to return, adding a dynamic playmaker could aid the team’s aerial attack. Last year’s receiving room saw Cornell Powell lead the team with 491 yards and Ty Scott with five touchdowns, but an additional weapon seems critical. Erik Ezukanma played a big role in DC’s passing attack, but he currently resides on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
With an already strong rushing presence, adding a receiver who can stretch the field and create explosive plays could complement Powell and Scott in the receiving room perfectly. With the return of tight end Briley Moore still in question, adding a pass-catching tight end could also be an option for Harris’ offense. Moore contributed 174 receiving yards and four touchdowns in just seven games during the regular season.
The offense is a strong suit for Harris, and adding another weapon to help welcome Jordan Ta’amu back under center will not only comfort him, but also complement their already strong rushing attack.
2: Improve the Secondary’s Playmaking
There was no question that the Defenders’ defense was one of the best in the UFL last season. The secondary unit allowed just 184.9 passing yards per game. As a full unit, they allowed 282.2 yards per game, which ranked third in the UFL.
Sam Kidd was the catalyst for the Defenders and finished with 50 total tackles and two interceptions. The secondary also included former NFL Draft picks Deandre Baker and Gareon Conley, making for a strong overall unit. However, picking up a younger piece could be the difference.
Baker, 29, and Conley, 31, provide a veteran presence and the ability to contribute at a high level. In fact, Conley finished tied for second in the league with 10 passes defended and third with a pair of interceptions, including a pick-six. However, going younger and staying fresh is the name of the game in football.
Regardless of whether Baker and Conley return, adding another young, hungry, and ball-hawking defensive back could keep the Defenders’ secondary at the top of the league.
3: Add Depth and Disruption to the Defensive Line
The Defenders were just as strong up front. They allowed less than 100 rushing yards per game and ranked third in the league. The 2026 MVP finalist Derick Roberson played a large role in DC’s disruptive nature.
Roberson led the Defenders with seven sacks and nine tackles for loss. As a total defense, the Defenders wreaked havoc, recording an eye-popping 31 sacks and 60 tackles for loss. It wasn’t just an aspect of who they were in 2026; it was their identity as a defense.
However, Roberson is entering his age-31 season and represents another veteran who has been a part of DC’s long-lasting success alongside Baker and Conley. If the Defenders want to remain their disruptive selves, adding an edge rusher or interior defensive lineman who can generate a pass rush beyond their top contributors could be crucial for their success.
The Defenders had an advantage last season with most of their coaching staff and personnel returning from their title run in 2025. That remains the case as the 2027 spring season looms, but adding vital pieces remains a need in the upcoming draft.
DC’s offense is already a strength, especially on the ground, but adding another weapon for their quarterback seems vital. Focusing the draft on improving their playmaking and pass-rush depth would only make them stronger and help maintain their championship standard.