Commanders 53-man roster prediction after the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders QBs (2)

• Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett

The Washington Commanders did not draft a quarterback as many thought they would. They seem content to go into the season with Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett, and a lot of uncertainty.

Ron Rivera has said that the competition is open, but I have to believe that Howell will be given every chance to win the job. He looked pretty good in his one-game last season.

Watching from the sidelines for an entire season is a luxury for a young quarterback. There was nothing in Howell’s performance against the Dallas Cowboys to suggest the pro game is too big for him.

In case it is, Brissett is a durable, reliable backup who has proven he can step in and guide a team. He will not be as exciting as Taylor Heinicke has been over the past two seasons, but that may be a good thing.

As of now, Jake Fromm and newly signed undrafted free agent Tim DeMorat will compete for a spot on the practice squad and as the emergency quarterback.

Commanders RBs (3)

• Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez Jr.

By drafting bruising runner Chris Rodriguez Jr., the Commanders clarified their backfield plans. Brian Robinson Jr. will be the clear starter, the rookie will spell him every few series, and get some short-yardage work.

Antonio Gibson will slide into the third-down spot previously held by J.D. McKissic. He was a wide receiver in college (McKissic also began his college career as a receiver), so he should be very effective on screens, while also having the ability to take linebackers downfield.

Veterans Jonathan Williams, Jaret Patterson, and Alex Armah could wind up on the practice squad. Williams would be the logical call-up should Robinson go down.