9 players the Commanders might claim after final roster cuts in 2023

Commanders could sign a TE from the NY Jets

Though it’s tricky to predict the impact that Aaron Rodgers might have on the New York Jets' final roster decisions, one thing has been clear. The quarterback will throw the ball to anyone who can make plays.

That could include tight ends, but the recent addition of running back Dalvin Cook makes me think the Jets ultimately will keep only three at the position. And they have six pretty good ones in camp.

Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah are locks, and Jeremy Ruckert is a recent draft pick. Even if they decide to keep four, two of the following three players will be on the market.

Commanders could sign Kenny Yeboah

The knock on Kenny Yeboah has been that he simply doesn’t have the lower body strength to be a decent in-line tight end at the pro level. But you can build up strength.

Though he may never be a stud blocker, Yeboah is a very intriguing prospect as a receiver. He has good size, and he has a background in basketball, which has translated to professional success for any number of NFL tight ends.

During his final year at Ole Miss, Yeboah gained 181 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Alabama. If you watched him playing with Matt Corral that year, you saw a player with good body control and a knack for getting open.

He is worth a look, especially if Logan Thomas has trouble regaining his 202 form.

Commanders could sign E.J. Jenkins

E.J. Jenkins is a converted wide receiver who has bulked up and now looks the part of a tight end. He bounced around college quite a bit, and apart from a spectacular season at St. Francis (FCS) in 2019, was not very productive. But his measurables and athleticism have earned him a look in the NFL.

Jenkins has a higher ceiling as a receiver than either Curtis Hodges or Kaden Smith. But the player has to prove he can be a complete performer.

I don’t think he could beat out a player like Smith for the final roster spot right now. Jenkins is a younger player with a higher upside and as such, might be worth the gamble.

Cmmanders could sign Zack Kuntz

Zack Kuntz is a bit of a unicorn. He's 6-foot-8 with a 4.55-second 40-yard dash time. Near-elite numbers in the 20-yard shuttle and broad jump. Solid strength numbers. On paper, this guy is a freak.

On the field, he has not done nearly as well. Kuntz made no impact as a receiver during a few seasons with Penn State, then transitioned to tight end with Old Dominion and had an excellent 2021 campaign. But he only played in five games in 2022 and didn’t do very much.

Still, the Jets ventured a seventh-round pick on him in in the 2023 draft and would like to hold onto him for at least one season on their practice squad to see what he can grow into. If the Commanders aren’t satisfied with what they have after Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Cole Turner, I’d be eager to see him do his growing in D.C.