Roster battles will be plentiful for the Washington Commanders at training camp. But for one newcomer, his status on the 53-man squad is already looking increasingly precarious.
ESPN insider John Keim predicted Washington's roster before camp. There were a few surprises, as expected, but things should become clearer the deeper we go into the summer. However, the longtime beat writer's decision to omit cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon fits the pulse on how things have unfolded for the player so far.
Witherspoon was acquired on a one-year deal in free agency. He's got some outstanding coverage consistency at the peak of his powers, and general manager Adam Peters knows him well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. There was quiet intrigue about his arrival, but that has now simmered.
Ahkello Witherspoon faces a real fight to secure his Commanders roster spot at camp
The 2017 third-round pick out of Colorado was lackluster over Washington's early offseason program. It wasn't a complete disaster for Witherspoon, but it was nowhere near enough to inspire much confidence. After a period of assessment during the pre-camp break, those in power decided more was needed.
Washington moved swiftly to sign Rasul Douglas to a one-year contract that could be worth up to $3.8 million with incentives. He's an accomplished player, offering the size, length, and turnover prowess that should fit well into Daronte Jones' system. This also instantly placed Witherspoon a little further down the depth chart.
And the fight is on.
The gauntlet has been firmly laid down to Witherspoon, and it'll be an uphill battle to stake a strong claim from here. He's experienced enough to know what might come next if he cannot deliver, but perhaps the injury problems that have blighted his career in recent years have finally started to catch up with him.
Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and Douglas were the only corners Keim had making the squad. This is largely down to the scheme Jones plans to run, which could involve a lot of three-safety sets and even more of Quan Martin in the nickel.
It'll be interesting to see what Peters eventually decides, but anyone who thought Witherspoon's place on the roster was assured should now be thinking twice.
On his best day, Witherspoon would be a real asset to Washington's cornerback rotation. He's got the physicality, length, and ball-tracking skills to make a difference. He's accomplished in press coverage, and he's a willing helper against the run to further enhance his influence.
Unfortunately, his best days might be long gone, and the urgency couldn't be much higher for Witherspoon in the training camp pressure cooker.
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