5 vulnerable Commanders who could be sacrificed for 2024 waiver claims

Chris Paul - Commanders OL

As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders cannot hold firm with their offensive line depth if those in power get opportunities to enhance it. The last thing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs is subpar protection if a starter or two go down at any stage during the regular season. Ensuring this doesn't become a weak link remains one of the team's primary objectives.

Chris Paul got a reprieve after demonstrating slight improvements throughout the offseason. His time on the field as an offensive tackle didn't go well, but he looked sharp on the interior to get a spot on the initial 53-man squad.

Paul still faces a nervous wait before learning what comes next. It would be a shock to see Adam Peters not use the No. 2 waiver priority to his advantage. Some good candidates are available if the Commanders are intent on finding additional reinforcements. That also includes some intriguing offensive linemen who are now looking for alternative employment.

The Commanders wouldn't have taken Paul through if he didn't earn it. That's a positive working in his favor. Even so, the former seventh-round pick out of Tulsa won't be celebrating until waivers have been processed.

Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE

Arguably the most surprising name on the Commanders' initial 53-man roster was Colson Yankoff. Not many held out hope that the tight end could make a name for himself in such a crowded room before offseason workouts began. He used this as extra motivation to see off the likes of Armani Rogers and Cole Turner to book his spot.

Having four tight ends seems like too many considering the blocking capabilities of John Bates and second-round selection Ben Sinnott. Yanoff might be expendable as a result, but head coach Dan Quinn gushed about the undrafted free agent after Washington's initial 53-man roster became official. That's the biggest sign yet that he has a bright future.

Adam Peters is the man in charge. He'll know which position groups need help and won't think twice about removing unheralded players such as Yankoff to rectify issues elsewhere. That sounds harsh, but it's all part of the football operation adopting a business-first model at long last under the new regime.

Yankoff will be hoping his efforts were enough. If not, he'll be guaranteed a place on the practice squad to continue his encouraging development.

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