4 Biggest Takeaways From Commanders’ First Unofficial Depth Chart

The Washington Commanders released their first unofficial depth chart of the season Monday morning. The chart gives us a limited view of how several competitions and position groups are currently arranged after eight days of training camp.

First, it should be pointed out, in the words of Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, "I would say the unofficial depth chart was about as valuable as preseason rankings." That said, the chart is not completely useless; it gives a general idea of where things stand, but should not be treated as anything permanent. Think of it as fluid and ever-changing when needed. Also, the chart was obviously not just created, as it still lists Laremy Tunsil at left tackle and Brandon Coleman at left guard, which has now drastically changed following Tunsil's torn triceps.

Luke McCaffrey’s WR3 Placement May Mean More Than Quinn Lets On

While Quinn might say the chart means whatever he wants, when it comes to Luke McCaffrey, he was direct in what he has both seen and liked. The chart has McCaffrey listed as the number three receiver behind only Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs.

"Yeah, I would say the unofficial depth chart was about as valuable as preseason rankings. But what I can comment on is the intentional work Luke in a number of areas. He really kind of came on as a kick returner last year, so that kind of speaks to his competitive nature. He’s improved releases off the line of scrimmage the route techniques. And so just seeing him, more time on task and Year 3 at the position, it’s easy to see his ascension going up.

He’s versatile. He plays both in the slot and outside. With the addition, obviously, of Stef coming here too, how do we maneuver and put guys in different spots? But him, and there’s a number of guys at the position that are really leveling up. It’s nice to see Jaylin Lane going into Year 2 and just elevate the game, and so it’s a cool thing to see."

The part that stuck out to me was the "it’s easy to see his ascension going up" section where Quinn gives reasoning as to why McCaffrey is with the first team. Quinn also mentioned Jaylin Lane "elevating" his game, which further fuels the competition behind McCaffrey, McLaurin, and Diggs.