Washington Commanders 53-man roster prediction: Offense
Commanders QBs (2)
- Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
Jayden Daniels is back healthy and ready to make up for some lost time. The Washington Commanders are counting on their franchise player to lead the charge, and there is a different look in his eye this time around with fresh doubters to silence.
Daniels will be backed up by Marcus Mariota. His production may be on the decline, but he remains dependable and has developed a close bond with Washington's QB1 over the last two years.
Seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis would be the third option right now. However, there is a chance the Commanders take two through and stash the Rutgers product on the practice squad.
Commanders RBs (4)
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols
Washington's running-back dynamic is interesting. New offensive coordinator David Blough will likely move forward with a committee approach, but how carries and backfield targets are distributed hasn't been fully figured out yet.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White could be the 1-2 punch. Both are considered finesse runners, but sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen can provide the physicality needed in short-yardage situations and in the red zone.
After that, there is probably one more spot for the rest. Jeremy McNichols brings leadership and special-teams value, which could give him the edge over recent arrival Jerome Ford and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr.
Commanders WRs (6)
- Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane,
Much has been made of the Commanders needing another dependable veteran to line up opposite Terry McLaurin. Adam Peters said they will look into it, but there is also more confidence in the building than among fans in the options available.
McLaurin is the top dog. Third-round pick Antonio Williams is an intriguing scheme fit. Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown should make it as reclamation projects. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane have some untapped potential left, and Blough is aiming to get more out of them this summer.
Van Jefferson Jr. and undrafted free agent Jaden Bradley are other candidates to secure places on the squad, but that is largely dependent on how many wideouts the Commanders need.
Commanders TEs (4)
- Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
David Blough is expected to utilize the tight end position more within his system, with an emphasis on versatility and explosive plays. The Commanders didn't have much of that last season with the aging Zach Ertz, but the addition of free-agent signing Chig Okonkwo should completely change their fortunes.
Okonkwo is faster, more dynamic, and a much greater threat with the football in his hands. John Bates will continue to be an exceptional blocker who can also flash in the passing game when opportunities arise. Blough is looking for more from 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott, who has displayed some improvements over the offseason.
The Commanders have taken four tight ends onto the team in the two seasons under Dan Quinn. If this trend continues, it'll once again be Colson Yankoff.
Commanders OL (9)
- Laremy Tunsil, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr., Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, Matt Gulbin
The Commanders' offensive line emerged as a bright spot last season. Adam Peters managed to maintain continuity this offseason, but his decision to release starting center Tyler Biadasz was arguably his most contentious this offseason.
Nick Allegretti will fill the void, with sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin backing him up. The Commanders have a bookend tackle tandem in Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr., and Sam Cosmi is one of the league's most prolific right guards when healthy. Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman are fighting it out for the starting left guard role, but both are locks to make the team.
Andrew Wylie is a solid, versatile depth piece, as is veteran Trent Scott. That should be enough for the Commanders, but they could also take 10 if required.
Add us as a preferred source on Google