washington commanders 53 man roster projection

4 min read 21-11-2024

washington commanders 53 man roster projection

The Washington Commanders are entering a pivotal 2024 season. With a new coaching staff and key personnel changes, predicting the final 53-man roster is a challenging but exciting task. This projection considers current roster composition, player performance, and potential free agency moves. We’ll analyze each position group to give you the best possible look at who might make the cut.

Quarterbacks (3)

Sam Howell: Howell is the presumptive starter after showing flashes of potential in his rookie year. His development will be crucial.
Jacoby Brissett: Brissett provides valuable veteran experience as a reliable backup. His leadership and mentorship are assets to the team.
[Undrafted Free Agent/Camp Standout]: The Commanders will likely keep a young quarterback on the practice squad or possibly the active roster for development.

Running Backs (4)

Antonio Gibson: Gibson's versatility and receiving skills make him a key component of the offense.
Brian Robinson Jr.: Robinson's powerful running style is a valuable asset, especially in short-yardage situations.
J.D. McKissic: McKissic excels as a pass-catching back. His role in the passing game is irreplaceable.
[Rookie Draft Pick/Undrafted Free Agent]: The Commanders might draft or sign a rookie to compete for a roster spot, offering depth and potential upside.

Wide Receivers (6)

Terry McLaurin: McLaurin remains a cornerstone of the offense, providing consistent production.
Jahan Dotson: Dotson is expected to take a significant leap in his second season.
Curtis Samuel: Samuel's ability to line up both inside and outside makes him a versatile option.
Dyami Brown: Brown needs to prove his consistency to solidify his place on the roster.
[Veteran Free Agent/Draft Pick]: The Commanders will likely add a veteran receiver or draft a prospect to enhance depth and competition.
[Practice Squad Elevation]: Expect one or two talented receivers to be ready for elevation if injuries occur.

Tight Ends (3)

Logan Thomas: Thomas's experience and blocking ability are essential. His health will be monitored closely.
Cole Turner: Turner showed promise last season, but consistency will be key to securing a roster spot.
[Rookie/Veteran Addition]: Competition for the third tight end spot will be fierce. A rookie or a veteran free agent could earn this position.

Offensive Line (9)

Charles Leno Jr.: Leno remains a solid presence at left tackle.
Sam Cosmi: Cosmi could compete for a starting role at either guard or tackle.
Andrew Norwell: Norwell's experience makes him valuable at guard.
Trai Turner: Turner offers depth and competition within the offensive line.
[Draft Pick(s) / Free Agent(s)]: The offensive line is a high priority, and expect multiple additions through the draft and free agency.
[Swing Tackle/Guard]: Depth at offensive tackle and guard is critical, and this position will be highly contested in training camp.

Defensive Line (9)

Jonathan Allen: Allen is a dominant force, anchoring the defensive line.
Daron Payne: Payne’s interior pressure is vital to the defensive strategy.
Montez Sweat: Sweat’s pass-rush skills are essential.
Chase Young: Young needs to prove himself after injury and live up to his draft status.
James Smith-Williams: Smith-Williams offers depth and experience along the defensive line.
[Draft Pick(s) / Free Agent(s)]: Expect additions through the draft and free agency to bolster defensive line depth. This could mean more than one addition.

Linebackers (5)

Jamin Davis: Davis needs to improve consistency in his coverage skills.
Cody Barton: Barton brings experience and reliability to the linebacker position.
David Mayo: Mayo is a valuable depth piece and a special teams contributor.
[Draft Pick/Undrafted Free Agent]: The Commanders may look to draft or sign an inside linebacker.
[Special Teams Ace]: This position is critical for special teams coverage and this player might not be a starter.

Cornerbacks (6)

Kendall Fuller: Fuller is a reliable veteran cornerback and an important leader in the secondary.
Benjamin St-Juste: St-Juste has the potential to become a starting caliber player.
Emmanuel Forbes: Forbes's ball-hawking skills are valuable.
Danny Johnson: Johnson is a solid contributor on special teams, providing depth at cornerback.
[Rookie/Veteran Addition(s)]: This will be a position that is highly contested, so additions through the draft and free agency are possible.
[Practice Squad Elevation]: The number of corners kept on the roster might be affected by the health of the starting players.

Safeties (4)

Kam Curl: Curl is a versatile safety, capable of playing both free and strong safety.
Darrick Forrest: Forrest provides solid depth and special teams contributions.
Percy Butler: Butler will battle for playing time as a rotational safety.
[Rookie/Veteran Addition]: There will likely be competition for the last safety spot.

Special Teams (3)

Tress Way (Punter): Way is one of the league's top punters.
Joey Slye (Kicker): Slye provides consistency and reliability as the team's kicker.
[Long Snapper]: This is usually a relatively uncontested position.

Conclusion

This Washington Commanders 53-man roster projection is just a prediction. The actual roster will depend on player performance during training camp, pre-season games, and potential roster moves leading up to the season. This projection emphasizes the importance of young talent and strong depth throughout the roster. The Commanders' success will rely heavily on the development of young players and the contributions of key veterans. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one in Washington.