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Projecting Commanders depth chart following 2022 NFL Draft selections

By Jerry Trotta

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 13: Brian Robinson Jr. #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second quarter in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 13: Brian Robinson Jr. #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second quarter in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

The 2022 NFL Draft is in the books and the Washington Commanders have added eight new players to the roster. They were originally equipped with six picks, but acquired two additional choices after trading back in the first round.

Like always, the Commanders kept fans on their toes.

That started with the selection Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson earlier than expected at No. 16 overall. From there, they netted Alabama DL Phidarian Mathis and running back Brian Robinson despite having needs at other positions.

While classified as reaches by most analysts, these three players could become immediate contributors as rookies. Could the same be said for the rest of Washington’s selections? We certainly wouldn’t rule it out.

At the end of the day, the Commanders’ picks could have a massive impact on the team’s depth chart for next season. With that in mind, let’s delve into an early projection of Washington’s updated 2022 depth chart.

Projected Commanders depth chart after 2022 NFL Draft

Special Teams 

Kicker: Joey Slye

Punter: Tress Way

Kick returner: Alex Erickson

Punter returner: Alex Erickson/Dax Milne

Long snapper: Camaron Cheeseman

No surprises here. Following the departure of DeAndre Carter, the Commanders added veteran slot receiver/return specialist Alex Erickson to assume the return role. With experience as both a kickoff and punt returner, don’t be shocked if the former Wisconsin star opens the year as the starter in both roles.

Quarterbacks

Starter: Carson Wentz

Backup: Taylor Heinicke

Third-string: Sam Howell

Practice squad: Cole Kelley

Until further notice, this is Wentz’s team. The Howell jokes were funny (not really) after Washington drafted the UNC product in the fifth round, but he’ll start the year as the third-stringer behind Taylor Heinicke … though he could leapfrog the fan favorite with an impressive training camp and preseason.

Running Backs

Starter: Antonio Gibson

Backup: Brian Robinson Jr.

Third-down: JD McKissic

Reserve option: Jaret Patterson

Obviously McKissic is higher in the pecking order than Robinson. The Alabama product just profiles as Gibson’s between-the-tackles backup. We fully expect McKissic to play a huge role on passing downs and third downs after he finished second on the team in catches the last two seasons.

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