Commanders initial 53-man roster prediction after 2023 preseason finale
By Dean Jones
Commanders LBs (4)
- Jamin Davis, Cody Barton, Khaleke Hudson, David Mayo.
I was tempted to go even lower than four players at the defensive second level considering how many two or one-linebacker sets Jack Del Rio looks set to deploy next season. However, David Mayo's valuable contribution on special teams and his close association with Ron Rivera are enough to give him the nod.
This is a big season for Jamin Davis with his fifth-year option decision looming. The Washington Commanders are also hoping Cody Barton can fill the void left by Cole Holcomb despite some indifferent efforts during warmup games so far.
Khaleke Hudson could be the potential breakout candidate based on what we've seen this summer. As stated previously, Mayo's influence in different areas is something Rivera values highly.
Commanders CBs (6)
- Emmanuel Forbes, Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, Quan Martin (DB), Danny Johnson, Christian Holmes.
An inability to create turnovers within the secondary last season was the one thing preventing the Commanders' defense from being truly elite. The addition of Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft could change all that in an instant.
Forbes looks every bit the shutdown alpha cornerback the Commanders envisaged. Although he's suffered some preseason growing pains, expect to see second-rounder Quan Martin also feature prominently as a big nickel presence if the matchup is favorable.
Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller are the influential veterans of which much is expected from starting positions. If Danny Johnson's injury isn't deemed serious, he should make it along with Christian Holmes, who is preferred to Rachad Wildgoose.