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

Commanders wide receivers (6)

• Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder

If the Washington Commanders want to progress in 2024, they need more from the wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin remains one of the league's most underrated pass-catchers after securing his fourth-straight 1,000-yard receiving season in difficult circumstances last time around. He's the focal point, but the Ohio State product cannot do it alone.

Jahan Dotson is entering a make-or-break campaign in Year 3 of his professional career. His projected breakout didn't arrive last season. Perhaps things will be different under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury if the former first-round pick rids himself of some frustrating mental errors.

The Commanders believe third-rounder Luke McCaffrey can carve out an immediate role for himself. Olamide Zaccheaus is a dependable rotational piece who should make the team. The stakes couldn't be higher for Dyami Brown, who must prove himself as a vertical threat this offense desperately needs.

Jamison Crowder's prowess in the return game and dependability when called upon should be enough to make it. But that could change if the likes of Kazmeir Allen, Damiere Byrd, Mitchell Tinsley, or Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint outperform the veteran over camp.

Commanders running backs (3)

• Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Things look pretty set in the running back room. The group received an upgrade when Austin Ekeler signed in free agency following a prolific spell with the Los Angeles Chargers. He'll be a replacement for Antonio Gibson, who left for the New England Patriots without much of a fight to keep him around.

Ekeler brings experience and proven red-zone credentials. He's an asset in the passing game and wanted to find somewhere with an established young running back already in place. The Commanders have that with Brian Robinson Jr., who showed tremendous promise last season despite Eric Bieniemy adopting a pass-heavy scheme.

The former third-round pick out of Alabama looks like a potential breakout star in 2024. Robinson will shoulder the heavy burden while Ekeler stays fresh to maximize his impact. This could be a devastating duo if the offensive line is accomplished enough to carve open the running lanes needed.

There's also plenty of intrigue surrounding Chris Rodriguez Jr. He flashed when called upon as a rookie, so there are far worse No. 3 options around the league if the Kentucky product takes his game up a notch under improved coaching this offseason.

Commanders quarterbacks (2)

• Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota

Jayden Daniels is the great hope. The Commanders selected the quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to change the franchise's fortunes for the better. Expectations couldn't be higher after the Heisman Trophy winner made a seamless transition over early offseason workouts.

Daniels' exceptional work ethic and on-field performance won everybody over. Dan Quinn hasn't named him as the confirmed starter at this stage, but it's only a matter of time if the same trend continues over camp.

The Commanders surrounded Daniels with a strong support system to avoid any unnecessary problems with his initial development. Marcus Mariota will play a big role behind the scenes as the veteran backup. He knows what it's like to be a high-end draft pick with a bullseye on his back. Providing advice and helping the LSU product prepare effectively are his primary objectives throughout the campaign.

It would be a surprise if the Commanders took more than two quarterbacks onto their roster. Jeff Driskel is seen as a camp body but nothing more. Sam Hartman is a practice squad candidate, but he's also got a UFL opportunity awaiting him if things take a more concerning turn in the nation's capital.