Commanders 2024 rookie power rankings entering Week 1 at the Buccaneers

9. Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders OLB

Making the 53-man roster is the objective of every seventh-round pick. Most are in the same boat as undrafted free agents. Players like San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy are extremely rare. Most turn into depth pieces and special teams' assets at best.

The Washington Commanders took a flier on Javontae Jean-Baptiste with their seventh-rounder in 2024. The athletic pass-rusher is a little undersized to play defensive end, but those in power saw enough promise to take him through over ascending edge presence K.J. Henry, who was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals.

This was a supreme vote of confidence in Jean-Baptiste, but it's unclear how he'll be utilized. The Notre Dame product looks pretty far down the depth chart, so a situation could emerge where he's inactive in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That's not the end of the world at this stage of his progress by any stretch.

8. Dominque Hampton - Commanders S/LB

Dominique Hampton was in a tricky spot this off-season. The Commanders thought he had some nice qualities after using a sixth-round pick to secure his services. However, the strength in depth within the safety room meant the coaching staff had to shift course late in the summer.

Hampton was deployed among the linebackers more than the backend once fellow rookie Jordan Magee went down with a knee issue that unfortunately required surgery. That resulted in more adjustments from the player, but it was enough to book his place on the 53-man roster when push came to shove.

Had things stayed as they were, Hampton might be on the practice squad or somewhere else entirely by now. He needs to maximize this opportunity until Magee is ready to return. Things could change rapidly after that, so making every rep - especially on special teams - count is crucial.

7. Johnny Newton - Commanders DL

Johnny Newton's endured a stuttering offseason since joining the Commanders. The formidable defensive tackle dealt with several frustrating injury issues that centered on his feet and dented his progress. He was limited in practice to start Washington's preparations for Week 1, so it remains to be seen how much - if at all - he'll feature when the time comes.

Newton's raring to go, but the Commanders are right to err on the side of caution. They cannot afford their big investment in the Illinois product to suffer long-term. If that means missing some time early in the regular season until he's 100 percent ready to roll, so be it.

The Commanders haven't ruled out the prospect of Newton suiting up at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even if he does, it shouldn't be anything more than a fleeting contribution considering how much football he's missed since becoming the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.