Commanders initial 53-man roster projection after 2024 preseason finale
By Dean Jones
Commanders defensive line (9)
- Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Clelin Ferrell, Dorance Armstrong Jr., K.J. Henry, Phidarian Mathis, Johnny Newton, Dante Fowler Jr., Javontae Jean-Baptiste
The Washington Commanders will be relying heavily on their defensive line this season. This perceived area of strength heading into the 2023 campaign turned out to be anything but. Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young didn't help, but the lack of motivation to put everything on the line was arguably a much greater concern.
Everything seems to be on track now. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne look the part this summer and seem galvanized by the new regime. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is the No. 1 edge rusher, with the likes of K.J. Henry, Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell all fighting for the starting spot opposite.
Phidarian Mathis gets one final chance to prove his worth. Rookie Johnny Newton has a much higher upside despite his injury-plagued offseason. Javontae Jean-Baptiste's flashes over the preseason mean he's a risk worth taking over players like Andre Jones Jr. and Efe Obada.
There's also Jamin Davis, who's been working as an edge rusher this offseason and could feature in obvious pass-rushing situations.
Commanders offensive line (9)
- Brandon Coleman, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie, Cornelius Lucas, Michael Deiter, Chris Paul, Trent Scott
The Commanders made some adjustments as expected to their offensive line during Adam Peters' first recruitment period. Their starting lineup looks much improved aside from a couple of question marks. Concerns remain around depth, so it'll be interesting to see if the general manager acquires additional help from outside the organization before Week 1.
Sam Cosmi is the interior stud joined by free-agent signings Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti. Andrew Wylie remains at right tackle with an urgent need to bounce back following an underwhelming 2023 campaign. Despite rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman currently dealing with an injury, he's on course to be the Week 1 starter on Jayden Daniels' blindside barring any setbacks.
Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott appear to be the backup tackles. It could go any direction on the interior, with Chris Paul, Michael Deiter, and Ricky Stromberg as the tentative choices to make the initial 53.
Comamnders tight ends (3)
- Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates
Things seem pretty straightforward in the tight-end room. It's been an encouraging offseason for the unit after Adam Peters gave it a makeover. There's a nice blend of youth and experience with differing skill sets that offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will aim to utilize effectively.
Zach Ertz is the veteran stopgap with a previous connection to Kingsbury. He's got Pro Bowl credentials and performed well enough throughout the offseason to suggest there is some good football left in the tank.
The Commanders are extremely high on second-round selection Ben Sinnott, who could make an impact right out of the gate. John Bates is developing well under the new regime, so he'll be on the squad as well.
If the Commanders decide to bring four onto the roster, it's a straight fight between Cole Turner and undrafted free agent Colson Yankoff.