Training camp is here and there is much hard work ahead for the Washington Commanders. Adam Peters rejuvenated the roster throughout a frantic offseason of recruitment. The onus now falls on Dan Quinn and his coaching staff to mold this unit into a cohesive, competitive outfit in time for Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fans are optimistic about the future. Josh Harris' ownership group has bold plans away from the gridiron. They want to turn the Commanders into an industry leader on and off the field. Success might not arrive right away, but there is a legitimate long-term strategy in place. That's something this storied organization hasn't had for some time.
Competition will rise and intensity will increase exponentially over camp. Everyone is going to get a fair chance to prove their worth. Places will be given on merit rather than previous status. Peters will also examine every available possibility outside of the organization for additional reinforcements if the situation dictates.
Heading into what promises to be a fascinating few weeks at camp, we took a look at how the Commanders' 53-man roster might look when push comes to shove.
Commanders 53-man roster projection before 2024 training camp
Commanders special teams (3)
- Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS), Ramiz Ahmed (K)
The special teams specialists were locked in just a few short weeks ago.
Tress Way is one of the team's longest-serving players but needs to punt well in a contract year. Tyler Ott is looking to solve the revolving door at long-snapper after the position became mismanaged under previous head coach Ron Rivera. The kicking position also looked set after the Washington Commanders signed Brandon McManus in free agency.
Or so we thought.
Concerning allegations of sexual assault left the Commanders with no option other than to release McManus before he'd played a competitive down. This was a problem they didn't need - especially given the need to restore Washington's reputation around the league following the countless chargers against Dan Snyder.
Ramiz Ahmed signed heading into Washington's mandatory minicamp. However, expect competition for his spot to arrive quickly if he shows some early kicking inconsistencies over camp.
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.
Commanders defensive line (9)
- Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis, K.J. Henry, Efe Obada
Much has been made about the Washington Commanders' edge rushing options heading into the season. Those in power acquired three veterans in free agency to fill the void left by Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Whether they've done enough to raise performance levels is another matter.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. looks like a player of promise after thriving under Dan Quinn over the last two seasons. Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. should help, but neither comes with exceptional production to speak of. Hopes are high K.J. Henry can develop further after flashing as a rookie. Efe Obada's previous experience and versatility are preferred over seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
Washington's defensive line strength is on the interior. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are the starting tandem and should bounce back under improved coaching. Johnny Newton is ready to be unleashed as he edges closer to a return from injury. Phidarian Mathis' potential gives him the tentative edge over John Ridgeway III, although this will be determined by how they perform over camp drills and the preseason.
Players like Jean-Baptiste, Andre Jones Jr., and Ridgeway are candidates for the practice squad if they clear waivers in this scenario.
Commanders offensive line (9)
- Andrew Wylie, Sam Cosmi, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Brandon Coleman, Cornelius Lucas, Trent Scott, Michael Deiter, Ricky Stromberg
Everything looks positive for the Commanders in 2024. However, this could disintegrate in the blink of an eye if the offensive line doesn't meet its end of the bargain.
This group was overwhelmed once again last season. Eric Bieniemy placed too much pressure on their shoulders with a pass-happy scheme that saw Sam Howell become the league's most-sacked quarterback. The Commanders brought in several fresh faces to potentially improve matters this offseason.
Tyler Biadasz is an upgrade at the center spot. Nick Allegretti could excel after starring for the Kansas City Chiefs deep into the postseason. Sam Cosmi is a stud at right guard, so the production on the interior could be pleasing if everyone stays clear of injuries.
It's more concerning on the edges. Andrew Wylie gets another shot on the right-hand side despite underperforming in 2023. Cornelius Lucas, Trent Scott, and rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman will battle for the starting left tackle position. In an ideal world, the first-year pro will transition well and become the team's long-term blindside option.
Michael Deiter is slotted as the backup center and should make the team. It's too early to give up on Ricky Stromberg, which leaves players such as Braeden Daniels, Chris Paul, and Mason Brooks on the outside looking in.
Commanders tight ends (3)
- Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, Armani Rogers
There's legitimate hope surrounding the tight-end group heading into the 2024 season. The Commanders want this unit to contribute significantly to Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. There's a nice blend of youth and experience despite Washington making Logan Thomas a salary-cap casualty earlier this offseason.
Zach Ertz knows Kingsbury well from their successful time together with the Arizona Cardinals. He's approaching the end of his career, but there looks to be something left in the tank after the Pro Bowler caught the eye consistently over early off-season workouts.
The Commanders believe Ben Sinnott can become the total package and a prolific long-term option. He does everything well - including blocking either in-line or on the move. This could lead Washington to someone with the athletic measurables of Armani Rogers over John Bates, although there's just no telling for sure.
This will be a fascinating dynamic to watch over camp. One could dismiss the possibility of Bates or Cole Turner making the team. It's also worth keeping an eye on undrafted free agent Colston Yankoff's progress.
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.