Commanders 53-man roster prediction after the 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders DL (10)

• Chase Young, Montez Sweat, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Efe Obada, K.J. Henry, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Phidarian Mathis, John Ridgeway

Efe Obada provides the positional flexibility to slide inside on passing downs, which balances out the positions a bit. Otherwise, this isn’t very complicated.

Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat should be an elite front four. There have been rumors about a possible deal involving either of the two defensive ends, with the thought being that the Washington Commanders will not be able to extend both beyond 2023.

I suppose you always need to listen to offers, but I wouldn’t move either. Fans really want to see what this line can do when healthy and though Young’s injuries have slowed his progress, he still has the potential to be an elite player.

If all they get for him (or Sweat) is a compensatory third-round pick in 2024, so be it. James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill have proven to be reliable young backups who can also contribute on special teams, and I assume they did not trade up to draft K.J. Henry just so he could languish on the practice squad. I look for all six of these players to make a contribution this season.

In the middle, Allen and Payne are locked for the foreseeable future. Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway provide sturdy support.

Young veterans David Bada and Benning Potoa’e should wind up on the practice squad, and I am very intrigued by undrafted free agent Jordan Pryor, who also looks like he could provide some depth at both end and tackle.