Commanders 53-man 2024 roster projection: Summer break edition
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders linebackers
- Locks: Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Jordan Magee
- Bubble: Anthony Pittman, Mykal Walker, Keandre Jones, Bo Bauer
This is a total reset from 2023, with Jamin Davis the only remaining player. In Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, the Washington Commanders have two veterans who should transform the unit from a significant weakness to a major strength.
They remain very high on Jordan Magee, who is slated to move into Wagner’s shoes once the All-Pro calls it a day.
Davis has developed into a middle-of-the-road linebacker. That isn’t too bad, but it is far from what fans were expecting when the team spent a first-round draft pick on him in 2021.
The former Kentucky star has great physical tools. Everyone expects Dan Quinn, Joe Whitt Jr., and Ken Norton Jr. to get more out of him in 2024. As mentioned, that could entail moving him into more of a pass-rushing edge position.
Regardless of what happens with Davis, the backup positions are likely to be determined by special teams play. Anthony Pittman was signed primarily as a special teamer. Keandre Jones and Bo Bauer would both need to show real pop in kick coverage to have a chance.
Mykal Walker is the most complete linebacker of the group. He has a good shot of sticking regardless. Those chances increase if Davis takes more snaps on the edge. Bauer is a dark horse who could sneak onto the roster, and will almost certainly be offered a spot on the practice squad failing that.
Final roster (6): Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Jordan Magee, Mykal Walker, Anthony Pittman
Commanders cornerbacks
- Locks: Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste
- Bubble: Everyone else
The Commanders had veteran cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste, as well as two high-profile rookies on the roster in 2023. It was considered a strength. It was not.
I am counting Quan Martin as a safety for now. He would also be a lock if considered a corner. Prize rookie Mike Sainristil may be the best corner on the team before he has even seen a professional snap.
St-Juste struggled last season, but there is virtually no scenario under which he fails to make the roster this year. He is the exact type of corner Joe Whitt Jr. excelled in developing during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Emmanuel Forbes. Though he probably makes the team, and could very well be a starter, the new coaches may deem him too much of a liability and decide to cut their losses early.
The team brought in a lot of mid-level veterans. They have mostly bounced around the league without much distinction but could thrive under Whitt’s proven leadership. Veteran Michael Davis is most likely to take over as the boundary corner opposite St-Juste if Forbes is not up to the task. Sainristil can play anywhere but is best playing the slot position and patrolling the middle of the field.
Free agent signees James Pierre and Noah Igbinoghene join young veterans Christian Holmes and Tariq Castro-Fields in a battle for a couple of remaining spots.
Final roster (6): Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, James Pierre