Commanders 53-man roster prediction after the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders OL (10)

• Charles Leno, Jr., Andrew Wylie, Cornelius Lucas, Sam Cosmi, Nick Gates, Chase Roullier, Andrew Norwell, Chris Paul, Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels

This is still very much a work in progress. The Washington Commanders have yet to hire a replacement for John Matsko, who worked wonders with veteran castoffs over the past few seasons but could seem to develop any young, homegrown talent.

That will need to change, and fast.

I am listing Sam Cosmi as a tackle here. But I think there is an excellent chance he could wind up as the team’s starting right guard.

At this point, only one position is really locked in. That’s Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle. Gun to the head, I would say Andrew Wylie will start at right tackle.

If Chase Roullier is healthy, the veteran returns to his center position, with Nick Gates and Cosmi at guard. If he cannot play, Gates slides to center, and someone – anyone – plays guard. As much as fans hate this idea, I suspect it would be Andrew Norwell to begin the season.

But if either Chris Paul or Braeden Daniels wows during training camp, Norwell could be off the roster entirely. And if Roullier suffers any kind of injury relapse - he has missed most of the past two seasons with assorted problems - veteran Tyler Larsen will be on the roster. Unless rookie Ricky Stromberg looks like he is ready to play from Day 1.

Barring injuries, I think Saahdiq Charles is done in Washington, and I suspect another team will take a chance on him. That means the practice squad will have several young unknowns like Nolan Laufenberg or Drew Himmelman.

Like I said – work-in-progress.