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

Darrick Forrest - Commanders S

As previously stated, the Washington Commanders need to navigate some tough decisions with their safety options. It's a competitive, deep group. There won't be room for everyone, so choosing the right figures is critical in pursuit of making some noise in 2024.

Darrick Forrest was an established starter heading into the 2023 campaign. His partnership on the backend with Kamren Curl was considered among the league's brightest young tandems. Unfortunately for the former Cincinnati star, an injury restricted him to five games before being put on the shelf.

The NFL waits for no man. Curl didn't get a new deal from Adam Peters and signed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Forrest lost his starting spot as the new regime moved forward with Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin. It's a drastic change in the player's prospects from a year ago. Whether it comes with being removed entirely remains to be seen.

Forrest is gifted. It's whether he's a scheme fit that represents the biggest concern. Releasing him is a big call to make given his proven production. However, the Commanders won't hesitate if they feel others are more deserving.

Ricky Stromberg - Commanders OL

Ron Rivera had a desperate need to find productive offensive linemen from the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead of prioritizing this key position group, he spent Washington's first two picks on defensive backs. The previous head coach finally relented in the third round by taking Ricky Stromberg.

Those in power thought Stromberg could potentially become the team's long-term center. The former Arkansas star's transition didn't go well due to injury and poor performance. He wasn't able to overcome this adversity and found himself lower down the pecking order than ever this offseason.

The Commanders signed Michael Deiter to be their backup center behind Tyler Biadasz. He's not exactly set the world slight, but one could argue he's a better option than Stroomberg at this juncture. Unless the second-year pro cements himself as a rotational piece on the interior - regardless of what position he's best suited to - Washington might show him the door.

The stakes are high for Stromberg and time is running out. Not even a dominant display in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots could save him when push comes to shove.