Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Offseason overhaul edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders DL (9)
- Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis, Dante Fowler Jr., Clelin Ferrell, K.J. Henry, Efe Obada.
The Washington Commanders needed to find defensive line reinforcements, especially on the edge. Those in power traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat, which negated any consistent pass rush over the second half of 2023. Thankfully, this didn't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters as part of his roster revamp.
Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. were all acquired in free agency. The Commanders also secured the services of Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall, who could be a dominant interior rusher behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen if his foot issues don't linger into the campaign.
Phidiarian Mathis is tentatively preferred to John Ridgeway III, but that's no guarantee whatsoever. Hopes remain high regarding K.J. Henry's development and Dan Quinn is a known fan of Efe Obada, which indicates he'll be on the 53-man roster when all hope seemed lost.
Commanders OL (9)
- Brandon Coleman, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie, Cornelius Lucas, Ricky Stromberg, Chris Paul, Mike Deiter.
Despite some intriguing arrivals throughout free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders' offensive line still has questions to answer. This bares more significance on the edge, with Andrew Wylie getting the opportunity to start at right tackle once again after an indifferent first campaign with the franchise.
Things look even graver on the blindside. The Commanders drafted Brandon Coleman at No. 67 overall, but many analysts believe his lack of legitimate NFL size and length make him better suited to the interior. Washington's coaching staff will give him every chance, but they also re-signed Cornelius Lucas as an insurance policy.
Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti should solidify the interior alongside the ultra-consistent Sam Cosmi. Ricky Stromberg might get a look at the rotation once again. The same goes for Chris Paul, but nothing can be said with any genuine conviction based on how things unfolded during the previous campaign.
Commanders TEs (3)
- Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates.
It's all changed in the Commanders' tight end room this offseason, which represents a refreshing change of pace and should help enormously. Logan Thomas was a salary-cap casualty as expected thanks to the savings of more than $6 million attached. Those in power opted to sign Zach Ertz in free agency thanks in no small part to his previous connection to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
That wasn't all the Commanders did to reinforce their options. Adam Peters identified Ben Sinnott as a high-priority target at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's got some work to do from a route-running standpoint, but the potential to become the complete package is there for all to see.
Much will depend on how many tight ends the Commanders take through. If the decision is three, then John Bates' blocking capabilities make him the favorite over guys such as Cole Turner and Armani Rogers.