Ranking every Commanders position group before the 2024 NFL Draft

5. Commanders LBs

Arguably the worst unit on the team in 2023 has already undergone a major overhaul. Adam Peters let go of all last season’s linebackers except for Jamin Davis. In Frankie Luvu and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner, the former first-round pick out of Kentucky will be playing with the best group of fellow linebackers he has seen in his entire career.

There are several young veterans behind those three projected starters, but they will be called on primarily as special teamers. Wagner may take on a reduced role, playing mostly on early downs, where he remains a tackling machine. Even if he performs at 80 percent of his 2023 play, this constitutes a major upgrade.

4. Commanders special teams

Brandon McManus is mostly a parallel move at kicker. He has a big leg, though not as big as Joey Slye. He has been a more reliable kicker, though his poor long-range performance in 2023 bears watching.

Tress Way returns for perhaps his final season as the Washington Commanders punter. The Pro Bowler may be slowing down, but he remains a quality player - and an excellent holder to boot.

Washington currently has two snappers on the roster. After many struggles with the position last year, perhaps they want to have some competition. It would be a shock if Tyler Ott didn't win the job.

Jamison Crowder is a reliable punt returner, but Washington will need to identify a kick returner now that the league is attempting to legislate the kickoff back into the game. Having Jeremy Reaves back - along with some quality special teamers brought in during free agency such as Anthony Pittman and James Pierre - should help coverage teams quite a bit.