Washington Commanders 2022 Season Preview – Part 4

Cornerbacks

William Jackson

William Jackson had a rough first season for the Washington Commanders, but look for him to roar back in a huge way this season.  He is still the number one cornerback and the former Houston Cougar will prove the naysayers wrong.  Reports indicate thus far that Jackson has been a shining star in training camp.

Stat Prediction: 4 interceptions, 41 tackles, 2 tackles for lost yardage, 14 pass deflections/defensed.

Kendall Fuller

Ageless wonder Kendall Fuller continues to prove he is one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL and 2022 should be no different.   Fuller returned to the Washington Commanders from Kansas City two years ago and made an immediate impact, but his stats from 2021 fail to tell the full story.  Statistically, Fuller will have a very good season this year and he will continue to be one of the better cornerbacks in the league.

Stat Prediction: 5 interceptions, 37 tackles, 1 tackle for lost yardage, 16 pass deflections/defensed, 1 fumble recovery.

Benjamin St-Juste

Benjamin St-Juste had a solid rookie season in 2021, but it was cut short by injury.  The former Minnesota standout was expected to be groomed as an eventual starter on the outside, but those plans have changed for 2022.  It looks as if St-Juste will be moved to the inside and play the slot position.  Can he make the adjustment and be effective as a slot corner?  Stay tuned.

Stat Prediction: 1 interception, 29 tackles, 9 pass deflections/defensed, 1 sack.

Danny Johnson has a knack for hanging around and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return for another season.  Quite frankly, Troy Apke is not an NFL corner or safety, but he is a special teams ace and that is his ticket to staying in town.

Corn Elder and Christian Holmes could be on the bubble.  Holmes is a definite candidate for the practice squad.

DeJuan Neal, Channing Stribling, and Josh Drayden are not a threat to make the roster, but any of these players could be a potential practice squad member.

Safeties

Kamren Curl

Kamren Curl was unexpectedly drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round two years ago and was widely expected to be a practice squad candidate or someone that would quickly fail to make the team in any capacity.  Curl’s journey has been quite the opposite and he has become one of the best safeties in the NFL.  Look for the former Arkansas Razorback to have Pro Bowl season this fall.

Stat Prediction: 4 interceptions, 1 pick-six touchdown, 104 tackles, 5 tackles for lost yardage, 6 quarterback hits, 2 sacks, 8 pass deflections/defensed, 1 fumble recovery.

Bobby McCain

Bobby McCain became much more comfortable with the defensive scheme toward the latter half of the season in 2021.  Look for McCain to produce numbers similar to last year, but have a greater overall impact than what we witnessed one year ago.

Stat Prediction: 5 interceptions, 56 tackles, 12 pass deflections/defensed.

Percy Butler

Percy Butler was a surprise fourth round selection last spring.  This Louisiana Rajun’ Cajun possesses a lot of swagger and an immense amount of confidence.  Will he be able to back up his bravado at the next level and challenge McCain for playing time?  We’ll know by the time the holiday season arrives.

Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves will battle for a roster spot and we give the edge to Forrest for now.  Ferrod Gardner will be a strong candidate for practice squad duties.

Special Teams

Tress Way is one of the most beloved players on the Washington roster and the reasons why are plentiful.  Mr. Consistency has been one of the best punters in the NFL for nearly a decade.

Joey Slye has one of the strongest legs in the league and he could become one of the best kickers in the NFL.  The Virginia Tech Hokie has no competition in camp and that is the biggest compliment a player can receive.

Camaron Cheeseman returns as the long snapper and the second-year player is settling in nicely.

Troy Apke and Khaleke Hudson will continue to be special teams aces/gunners.  Alex Erickson should make the team as a returner, but other players could share in the duties.

Final Thoughts

There is our offseason look at the Commanders’ defense and special teams units.  The summer series was spread out much further than yours truly expected, but we were able to make it work.

Very soon, we will be talking about the upcoming season and all of the rumblings coming from training camp and the preseason.  It’s nice to be back with the Riggo’s Rag gang.  See you as we go along.