Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Summer break edition

Commanders wide receivers

• Locks: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey
• Bubble: Olamide Zaccheaus, Jamison Crowder, Dyami Brown, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Damiere Byrd

Terry McLaurin is the best player on the Washington Commanders. Jahan Dotson had a disappointing sophomore season, but it is way too early to pull the plug on the potential breakout performer.

Luke McCaffrey was drafted on Day 2 by the current regime. Though still relatively new to the wide receiver position, has been impressive in his early camps. He already seems to be developing a rapport with Jayden Daniels, which should bode well for the future.

After those three, everything is up in the air.

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint was the talk of rookie minicamp with his viral one-handed catch and all-around consistent play. He has done nothing to lose that status, but as an undrafted free agent, he will need to keep building on his promising start. Dyami Brown may benefit from being one of the few big deep threats on the roster. He has been woefully inconsistent in his four seasons, but the former third-round pick may get one final opportunity in Washington.

Then three veterans can all play the slot and return kicks. In today’s NFL, any receiver might line up in the slot, so having a dedicated option may be a thing of the past.

That might not be a good sign for Olamide Zacchaeus, who at this point is probably the best pure slot receiver on the roster, but only has limited return experience. Damiere Byrd and Jamison Crowder, on the other hand, can do both.

What makes it even more complicated is that Washington may find its return man at another position, like running back or defensive back. If so, that would bode well for Zaccheaus, and perhaps leave Byrd and/or Jameson out.

The Commanders have a group of other young receivers fighting it out for spots on the practice squad. Most are undrafted free agents. The one older player is Dax Milne, but it is hard to see him overtaking any of the players mentioned previously.

Washington has routinely kept six receivers in recent years. But they may opt to hold onto a seventh, at least to begin the season, to better evaluate how to use their talent. Byrd and Crowder are very similar players, but the newer addition has some history with Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona, which could give him a slight edge.

Final roster (7): Terry McClaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zacchaeus, Damiere Byrd