3 forgotten players who could make Commanders’ 53-man roster
By Jerry Trotta
With training camp on the horizon, it’s hard not to take a stab at the Washington Commanders‘ 53-man roster for the 2022 season. Sure, the roster will get more clarity after the first week of camp, but you really can’t help but speculate on how some position battles and competitions will pan out.
On offense, the Commanders revamped their offensive line following the departure of Brandon Scherff. The group has questions at guard, but the front office did well to add veterans Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner on cheap contracts.
Elsewhere, the club added more depth — largely through the draft — at wide receiver, running back and tight end; all areas of need.
Like the offense, Washington’s starters on defense appear set. The secondary and linebacker rooms have major question marks, so the defensive line will take on a bigger responsibility than we’ve grown accustomed to.
With several starting roles seemingly secured, let’s highlight some under-the-radar players who could earn a spot on the Commanders’ roster.
3 overlooked players who could make Commanders roster
3. Alex Armah
The Commanders were quick to add Armah last December after New Orleans released him, reuniting the veteran fullback with former head coach Ron Rivera, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2017 draft with Carolina.
While fullbacks are a dying breed, Armah could sneak on to the 53-man roster as a fullback/tight end hybrid who could also play special teams. With a three-headed monster at running back in Antonio Gibson, JD McKissic and Brian Robison Jr., Armah’s presence would allow Washington to deploy more two-back sets.
The team’s struggles in short-yardage situations in 2021 were well-document and Armah, a bruiser of a blocker (80.2 career blocking grade from PFF) could go a long way towards improving the backfield’s efficiency in those situations.
We love the idea of Armah sticking around beyond the preseason. Even if his offensive role is limited, the physicality he brings on special teams would be worthwhile.
Keeping him will be easier said than done as Washington is stacked at running back and tight end. Just don’t be surprised if he ends up making it because there’s always room on an NFL roster for a willing blocker and special teams contributor.