Training camp is done. Preseason games are now confined to the history books. Those looking to make the Washington Commanders' 53-man roster cannot do any more in their quest to make the squad.
Some difficult decisions are upcoming for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. They'll probably have a good indicator of how things are going to look, although their judgment may have been swayed by how some performed in their final warmup contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
There's also the chance of Peters adding some new faces to the ranks. Good players are about to be released around the league heading into the cut-down deadline. The front-office leader also has another Day 3 draft pick to potentially use in a trade after shipping running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.
It's the most torrid time of year on the NFL calendar. Dreams will be made or crushed. Even those who get a reprieve might not be on the squad for long, depending on who becomes available on the waiver wire. The Commanders will bring some who don't quite make the grade back onto the practice squad to continue their development. And it'll be fascinating to see what conclusions are made.
With this in mind, here is our final 53-man roster prediction fresh off Washington's last preseason clash.
Matt Gay (PK), Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS)
There is an odd sense of stability where the Washington Commanders' special-teams spots are concerned this summer. Just how long this remains is dependent on how kicker Matt Gay performs.
The Commanders thought Gay could provide an upgrade on Zane Gonzalez. Adam Peters gave him the most guaranteed money on a one-year deal for a kicker in NFL history, which is a sign of how much he believes in the veteran.
It's not been perfect from Gay this summer, but he's got enough proven production in critical situations to keep complications to a minimum. That is a major plus with the commanders entering the new season with raised goals.
Tyler Ott was a dependable long snapper last season. That was an overlooked yet important factor, especially after those who came before. And as for legendary punter Tress Way? He remains among the league's best on the field and a hugely respected figure in the locker room after getting a new one-year deal this offseason.
Washington could be in some tight games once again in 2025. This trio must perform according to or above expectations throughout.
Quarterback (2): Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota.
Running Back (4): Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols.
Wide Receiver (6): Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Ja'Corey Brooks.
Tight End (3): Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott.
Offensive Line (9): Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie, George Fant, Chris Paul, Nick Harris (Sam Cosmi — PUP).
There is no real need for the Washington Commanders to take three quarterbacks onto their roster in 2025. Jayden Daniels is the superstar, and veteran backup Marcus Mariota is the dependable No. 2 who'll be tasked with helping behind the scenes more than on the field.
Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson haven't performed well enough in the preseason to warrant extended stays, although the former could return to the practice squad for the second straight year.
The running back dynamic received a shake-up after the Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. This represents a strong vote of confidence in those around, which could also mean Washington allocates spots for Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Things are uncertain in the receiver unit. Terry McLaurin's contract holdout continues to cloud things, but several places remain undecided outside of the projected starting trio and first-year player Jaylin Lane. It's more cemented in the tight end room, which will be expertly led once again by three-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz and John Bates, who's among the league's most accomplished blocking specialists at the position.
Ben Sinnott will make the squad, but it's a huge year ahead. The 2024 second-round pick hasn't progressed as many had hoped. If the same plateau is evident when the regular season arrives, the Commanders could have a big problem on their hands.
Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was Adam Peters' boldest statement so far. He'll protect Daniels' blindside, with Brandon Coleman moving into the starting left guard role as a result.
Tyler Biadasz is the starting center. Nick Allegretti will probably start at right guard until Sam Cosmi recovers from his torn ACL. Rookie first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. could be the Day 1 starter at right tackle, although it wouldn't be surprising to see the Oregon product share responsibilities with Andrew Wylie during his early transition.
Washington's depth pieces received a shake-up with the late additions of George Fant and Nick Harris into the mix. Both are savvy veterans who could improve the team's options, which potentially leaves the likes of Trent Scott and Michael Deiter on the outside looking in.
Big things are expected of the Commanders' offense this season. And with a phenomenal presence such as Daniels leading the charge under center, Kliff Kingsbury's unit could be incredibly difficult to stop when it's all said and done.
Getting McLaurin happy and focused is the primary objective. Just when that'll be is anyone's guess, but it needs to happen if the Commanders want to live up to some lofty expectations.
Defensive Line (9): Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., Johnny Newton, Jacob Martin, Eddie Goldman, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Clelin Ferrell.
Linebackers (6): Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, Von Miller, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore.
Cornerbacks (6): Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Antonio Hamilton Sr.
Safety (5): Quan Martin, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens.
The Washington Commanders have a defense capable of being more competitive in 2025. Adam Peters worked hard to strengthen all three levels, and things have come together encouragingly over the summer to further increase expectations.
Washington's defensive front alleviated concerns this offseason. They were surprisingly cohesive and explosive, which bodes well for their chances of making a splash despite letting some key veteran players leave.
Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw lead the way on the interior. Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. will start at the defensive end spots, with the likes of Jacob Martin and Javontae Jean-Baptiste potentially backing them up.
Of course, future Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller can be deployed as a defensive end or a stand-up rusher from the second level. That's a luxury the Commanders have thanks to the presence of Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, who are a dynamic linebacking tandem who rarely put a foot wrong.
Jordan Magee endured another injury-hitting offseason, but should make the squad. Kain Medrano's flashed promise but remains extremely raw. Nick Bellore's exceptional special-teams prowess will see his name on the team.
Washington's cornerback room could be the biggest defensive strength if everyone stays healthy and performs as expected. Marshon Lattimore and second-round rookie Trey Amos are the starting options on the boundary. Mike Sainristil will go into the nickel role, with Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene also expected to play important roles on the rotation. Antonio Hamilton Sr.'s instant impact narrowly edges him over undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers, who'd almost certainly come back onto the practice squad if he clears waivers in this scenario.
There won't be many surprises in the safety room. Quan Martin and Will Harris are firmly entrenched as the starting duo. Jeremy Reaves is going to play a lot more this season after thriving over the summer. Percy Butler is a special-teams ace, and Tyler Owens has enough physical upside to make the team comfortably.
This has the makings of an outstanding defense. Health is the most critical factor above all else, but there have been relatively few complications on that front throughout Washington's grueling preparations for the upcoming campaign.
If the trenches excel, it's all systems go. And if Lattimore can return to his Pro Bowl-caliber performance levels, this group will take off to stratospheric regions under Joe Whitt Jr.'s no-nonsense leadership.
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