9 Commanders draft picks who could be gone after 2024 preseason finale

Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL

Adam Peters doesn't care about where players were drafted under previous head coach Ron Rivera. If anyone on the Washington Commanders had any doubt about that, trading wide receiver Jahan Dotson to a division rival should be the wake-up call they needed.

Anyone not pulling their weight or failing to display improvements will be shown the door. That's the only way Washington is going to turn itself from a bottom-feeder into a postseason challenger.

Someone like Phidarian Mathis wouldn't be classed as safe by any stretch of the imagination. The former second-round selection endured rough luck on the injury front over his first two seasons. It's been a quiet training camp for the defensive lineman, so one couldn't say with any guarantee he'll be around in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Johnny Newton's injury status could be his saving grace. John Ridgeway III hasn't exactly stood out either. There's all to play for heading into Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. A huge effort is needed from the Alabama product to secure his position.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

Chris Rodriguez Jr. looked like a lock to make the Commanders' 53-man roster heading into the offseason program. The running back caught the eye when called upon last season during limited involvement. Nobody seemed particularly concerned about his No. 3 spot behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.

Things aren't so clear right now. Rodriguez's pedestrian preseason performances provided a window for others to stake their claim. Players like Jeremy McNichols and undrafted free agent Michael Wiley have impressed, so there's just no telling for sure how this dynamic shakes out with just a few short days remaining until final cuts.

All hope is not lost with Rodriguez, but his status now is less clear than when the offseason began. He can alleviate concerns and improve his status by making every carry count during Washington's last warmup outing. He'll be hoping the damage hasn't already been done and those in power are still assessing the situation.

Rodriguez has talent, he proved that as a rookie. That won't matter to the new regime, which is making everyone earn their spot rather than handing them out for past accomplishments.