Commanders quarterbacks (2)
- Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
The Washington Commanders took three quarterbacks onto the roster last season. Those in power thought having some added security and veteran leadership around Jayden Daniels would help, and they were right. But they don't need it anymore.
Daniels is a superstar. He's the franchise quarterback Washington's loyal fan base had dreamed of. The No. 2 pick took the league by storm, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and surging into the elite conversation much quicker than anyone envisaged.
Marcus Mariota will back up Daniels once again. Most thought he'd get a chance to start elsewhere, but the veteran wants to finish what he started. That's all the Commanders need, which could see Sam Hartman continue his development on the practice squad.
Commanders running backs (4)
- Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The running back dynamic is fascinating. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge again. Both have the talent to excel further despite their regression down the stretch. Both are also in the final year of their respective deals, so the urgency to perform well is there for all to see.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's exceptional early transition could see him log playing time immediately if the same trend continues over the summer. The seventh-rounder impressed coaches with his speed, decisiveness, and work ethic. If he passes the upcoming tests effectively and shines during the preseason, he'll be rewarded accordingly.
Much will depend on how many running backs the Commanders take through, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be preferred to Jeremy McNichols when push comes to shove.
Commanders wide receivers (6)
- Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Chris Moore
Terry McLaurin held out of Washington's voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp as he awaits a new deal. The Commanders should resolve this successfully, so the second-team All-Pro will be an integral part of the plans next season once again.
Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jaylin Lane are new arrivals who'll bring a different dynamic to the equation. Noah Brown should feature prominently if the injury he suffered doesn't impact him long-term. Luke McCaffrey should improve, and his standout efforts throughout the Commanders' offseason program lend further weight to this narrative.
That leaves just one more spot if the Commanders allocate six places to the wideout unit. Chris Moore could be ahead of players like Michael Gallup after thriving when called upon so far.
Commanders tight ends (4)
- Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates, Colson Yankoff
The Commanders' tight-end group is locked in. Allocating playing time will be the most interesting element of this equation, but the quartet that'll go onto the 53-man roster is set.
Zach Ertz got a new one-year deal after reaffirming his status as one of the league's most consistent pass-catchers at the position. John Bates' extension was longer, but it's nothing the blocking specialist doesn't richly deserve after his standout efforts.
Washington is expecting bigger things from 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott this time around. Colson Yankoff is also demonstrating progression, which could lead to more responsibilities when the 2025 campaign arrives.
Commanders offensive line (9)
- Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Josh Conerly Jr., Trent Scott, Andrew Wylie, Nate Herbig, Michael Deiter
- Injured reserve: Sam Cosmi
Adam Peters spared no expense to improve the offensive line during his second recruitment period. Protecting Jayden Daniels is the most important thing above all else. That was reflected in the general manager's approach.
The Commanders acquired Laremy Tunsil via trade and spent the No. 29 pick on Josh Conerly Jr. This could be a long-term bookend tackle tandem for Daniels to depend upon if everything goes well.
Brandon Coleman will shift inside to the left guard position, with Nick Allegretti going over to the right-hand side until Sam Cosmi recovers from a torn ACL. Tyler Biadasz is the mainstay at the center spot, leaving Andrew Wylie as the versatile backup capable of playing almost anywhere.
Aside from that, the backup roles could be filled by Trent Scott, Nate Herbig, and Michael Deiter.