Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Pre-training camp edition

Commanders safeties (5)

• Jeremy Chinn, Quan Martin, Darrick Forrest, Dominique Hampton, Jeremy Reaves

There are some decent options in the safety room despite the Washington Commanders letting former seventh-round pick Kamren Curl sign for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency without offering him a new deal. It's about finding the right balance in keeping with the schematic demands of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. This will be solved one way or another over the team's training camp.

Jeremy Chinn is an intriguing arrival and could form a productive partnership with Darrick Forrest on the backend. Expect to see Quan Martin feature heavily in this area of the field after some encouraging strides over the second half of 2023. The Commanders were also impressed with the way sixth-round pick Dominique Hampton applied himself over early workouts.

Washington re-signed Jeremy Reaves this offseason, who should make the team given his exceptional special teams prowess. Much will depend on how many safeties the Commanders take through, but it might leave Percy Butler as the odd man out in this scenario.

Commanders cornerbacks (7)

• Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Michael Davis, Mike Sainristil, James Pierre, Noah Igbinoghene, Chigozie Anusiem

The Commanders seem a little light of legitimate cornerback options. However, there's also a chance those around can bring their games on considerably thanks to the presence of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. - two revered coaches with proven credentials in defensive back development.

Benjamin St-Juste seems to be the No. 1 option. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is getting another chance despite a catastrophic rookie campaign. Both players must shine to prevent the Commanders' pass defense from becoming a weak link once again.

Washington spent a second-round selection on Mike Sainristil, who comes into the NFL with lofty ambitions and a big reputation. He does his best work from the slot and the Commanders want him to start immediately. Michael Davis joined in free agency and could also assist on the outside if he bounces back for an indifferent 2023 campaign.

James Pierre and Noah Igbinoghene are two experienced figures with the physical profile of what Quinn looks for in his cornerbacks. A chance is also taken on Chigozie Anusiem, who was coveted highly in undrafted free agency and might make the team if everything goes well over camp.

Commanders linebackers (6)

• Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Jordan Magee, Mykal Walker, Anthony Pittman

Things look remarkably different in the linebacking room after a busy offseason. This position group was ignored by previous head coach Ron Rivera and the defense suffered accordingly. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn weren't going to make the same mistake, investing heavily in the unit with veteran signings and an intriguing draft pick thrown in for good measure.

Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu have the makings of a highly productive tandem. Their presence on and off the field will be integral to the team's chances in 2024. They should also make things easier for Jamin Davis, who'll be moved around to create mismatches within Quinn's creative defensive schematics.

Jordan Magee gained rave reviews over early workouts for his smooth transition to the pros. The rookie has the athletic intangibles to contribute in some capacity next season, but building on this positive initial momentum over camp is crucial.

The Commanders have an experienced backup on board in the form of Mykal Walker, who should make it. Anthony Pittman's exceptional special teams production might put him ahead of others further down the depth chart.