Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Preseason clues edition

Commanders cornerbacks (6)

• Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, Chigozie Anusiem, Tariq Castro-Fields

Benjamin St-Juste gets beat, but he remains the best perimeter corner the Washington Commanders have. This simply is not a strength right now - something that could prove to be the team's undoing defensively.

Mike Sainristil should be a playmaker in the middle of the field. Veteran free-agent signing Michael Davis may add a little stability to the other perimeter. Noah Igbinoghene has a history with both Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. He also played reasonably well in preseason.

After that, it’s anybody’s guess. Maybe this staff is ready to cut their losses with Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

The former first-round pick simply does not have the body to consistently compete against the league’s extraordinarily athletic wide receivers. Chigozie Anusiem is untested and Tariq Castro-Fields has made plenty of mistakes, but both seem like safer bets at this point.

Commanders linebackers (5)

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

Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu instantly upgraded the linebacking corps. Jordan Magee is a promising rookie who should benefit from playing behind Wagner, although he might be starting the campaign on injured reserve after having surgery.

This is Jamin Davis' year to earn his next contract, whether as a traditional linebacker or as a hybrid edge rusher. It was a difficult transition to a pure pass-rusher, but he's starting to make strides.

There will probably be one more linebacker - maybe two if Magee goes to the shelf. Anthony Pittman, who is a standout on special teams, and can provide some quality snaps on defense if he ever has to, could have the edge right now.

Mykal Walker or Keandre Jones could stick depending on Magee's recovery time.

Commanders edge rushers (6)

• Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, K.J. Henry, Dante Fowler Jr., Andre Jones Jr., Javontae Jean-Baptiste

I am counting Dante Fowler Jr. as a lineman and Jamin Davis as a linebacker, even though they may end up playing the same pass-rushing edge position. That has yet to be determined.

We haven’t heard much from Fowler during camp, but he should be a shot in the arm to an anemic pass rush. K.J. Henry has looked like the best edge the Washington Commanders at training camp, but new additions Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell should come along.

Efe Obada is on the physically unable to perform list and his return date is unknown, He is a versatile depth piece but depending on his health, he may end up with an injury release or find his way to the injured reserve when the final cuts are made.

Andre Jones Jr. and Javontae Jean-Baptiste are both young athletic pass rushers. The Commanders desperately need that kind of infusion, so they may end up keeping an extra edge. Throw Davis into this mix as well, and we may see Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. mix and match early on looking for the most productive tandem.