Washington Commanders 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of preseason

Defense

DL (9): *Chase Young*- PUP – Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Phidarian Mathis (R), Daniel Wise, Efe Obada, Shaka Toney

With Young likely beginning the year on PUP, meaning he doesn’t count against the 53-man roster, the Commanders elect to keep nine defensive linemen. Daniel Wise flashed in a big way, as a pass rusher against the Panthers. He posted a sack and multiple pressures. He is well on his way to being a lock, with the others ahead of him.

Toney edges out William Bradley-King for the final spot on the defensive front with his ability to play on special teams.

LB (5): Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo, Khaleke Hudson, Nathan Gerry 

Welcome to a very mediocre, yet fairly easy to diagnose the names making the roster, linebacker room. The only name really in contention here is Gerry. Signed just a few weeks ago, the Commanders like his ability to run and cover. Another name to watch is undrafted free agent Tre Walker.

CB (5): Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III, Benjamin St-Juste, Danny Johnson, Christian Holmes (R) 

Danny Johnson survives to live another day, as he continues to keep a roster spot for the Commanders. Johnson edges out Corn Elder given his positional flexibility and ability to return kicks. Holmes has looked impressive, as he is an older, more advanced rookie.

As you can tell, the depth behind the top three is, well, lackluster to say the least. The Commanders could be “buyers” at this position, especially post cutdown.

S (5): Kam Curl, Bobby McCain, Darrick Forrest, Percy Butler (R), and Steven Parker 

Write the first four names in pen, they are locks. Curl and McCain, with a second year under their belt, can be a solid safety tandem for the Commanders. Forrest and Butler both will be core special teamers, that also play on defense. Parker, who received the highest PFF grade on the team against the Panthers edges out Jeremy Reaves due to having more experience on special teams.

He also is a bit more versatile than Reaves, playing almost a dead-even split of his snaps in the box and at free safety.

Defense: 24

Specialists (3): K Joey Slye, P Tress Way, LS Camaron Cheeseman 

Sharpie.

Just Missed the Cut: S Jeremy Reaves, TE Curtis Hodges, CB Corn Elder, WR Alex Erickson, WR Kelvin Harmon, RB Jaret Patterson, RB Jonathan Williams 

These players will all be strong candidates to land on the practice squad.