5 Commanders tumbling down the depth chart at 2024 training camp

There was a moderate sense of anticipation as the Washington Commanders released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of the 2024 season. This always comes with overreactions aplenty. However, it's worth remembering that it's merely an indicator rather than anything concrete at this juncture.

It's called unofficial for a reason. The Commanders are still in their assessment phase. A lot can happen between now and when their actual depth chart is revealed before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There's also the small matter of those in the fringes potentially coming to the fore in preseason to shake things up.

Players are still jockeying for positions with a few weeks left before their respective fates are sealed one way or another. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will have a good idea of how things are going to go. They are also going to leave it until the last minute to give every roster member a legitimate opportunity.

Pressure is building on some more than others. With this in mind, here are five Commanders players tumbling down the depth chart at 2024 training camp.

Commanders players tumbling down the depth chart at 2024 training camp

Armani Rogers - Commanders TE

Armani Rogers was tipped by some to become the No. 2 tight end behind Logan Thomas in 2023. His athletic intangibles coupled with a few splash plays when targets came his way in 2022 left reasons for encouragement. Any momentum accumulated by the player was brought to an abrupt halt on the first day of organized team activities.

The Washington Commanders were dealt a blow when Rogers tore his Achilles during the opening session of the team's early offseason program. This was a devastating turn of events - one that left him playing catch up in the worst possible way this summer.

Rogers was listed as the No. 5 tight end behind Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, and Cole Turner. A few short hours later, the Commanders released him.

He didn't just tumble down the depth chart, Rogers fell off it entirely. A sad end for someone who looked capable of great things heading into the 2023 preparation period.

Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders OLB

The Washington Commanders took a flier on Andre Jones Jr. with their final pick of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 233 overall. He was seen as an undersized, athletic developmental edge rusher - one that could potentially earn rotational reps and become a core special teams presence with a smooth transition.

Jones featured in 18 percent of the team's defensive snaps as a rookie but failed to record a sack. His influence on special teams - where he played 65% of snaps - was more pleasing. That said, the player is working hard to prove himself all over again to decision-makers who weren't around when he came into the organization.

If the Louisiana product was hoping to emerge as a key depth piece in 2024, he might want to think twice. Jones is listed behind a plethora of edge rushers on Washington's unofficial depth chart. Just how much this means in the grand scheme of things is debatable, but it's a wake-up call for the player nonetheless.

It looks like Jones will be relying on his special teams contribution to get him onto the roster. But it's also worth remembering that the Commanders acquired several pieces through free agency and the draft who can help in this key discipline.

Ricky Stromberg - Commanders OL

It's hard to know what the Commanders have in Ricky Stromberg. Ron Rivera thought a lot of the player after taking him at No. 97 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for the versatile offensive lineman, injuries blighted his first season in a professional environment.

Stromberg missed a considerable period, featuring in just 26 snaps on offense. The new regime didn't leave anything to chance, reinforcing the offensive line interior with quality starting options and improved depth. This leaves the former Oklahoma star facing an uncertain future just one season into his professional career.

It seems Stromberg is behind Tyler Biadasz and Michael Deiter at the center position where he spent a lot of his time in college. His position versatility could save his spot on the 53-man roster, but that's not guaranteed by any stretch of the imagination.

The Commanders will likely get plenty of reps into Stromberg over the preseason. This will provide those in power with a better assessment of where the second-year pro is and whether he can be relied upon if injury strikes. The jury is still out, and general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to cut another Rivera draft pick loose in pursuit of progression.

Percy Butler - Commanders S

Percy Butler played more than many anticipated last season. The Washington Commanders were forced into their contingency plan when starting safety Darrick Forrest went down with an early injury. He flashed some promise, but there are severe deficiencies in his game that need to be alleviated as a matter of urgency.

Butler achieved 64 tackles and made a difference against the run on occasion. However, the former fourth-round selection couldn't cope effectively in coverage more often than not, giving up 59.4 percent of his targets and a 136. 7 passer rating when targeted. This is the most concerning element of his output by a considerable margin.

The Commanders weren't going to wait around on the off chance Butler made the improvements needed. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. are moving forward with Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin as their starting safety duo. Forrest and Jeremy Reaves are listed as the two primary backups, leaving the Louisiana product and rookie Dominique Hamption as the third-string right now.

Much will depend on how many safeties the Commanders take through onto their 53-man roster. Considering how high the coaching staff is on the sixth-round selection out of Washington, a situation could emerge where Butler is deemed surplus to requirements.

Jamin Davis - Commanders OLB

Jamin Davis was the only linebacker under Ron Rivera who looked capable of half-decent production. The former first-round selection muddled along without hitting the heights expected of his lofty draft status over his first three years in the league. His performance levels were decent, but not enough to justify an undisputed starting gig under the new regime.

The Commanders are trying something different with Davis this summer. With free-agent signings Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as their starting linebacker tandem, Dan Quinn is transitioning the Kentucky product into an edge rusher, although the head coach stated that he could be deployed at the defensive second level on first and second down depending on the situation.

Davis is reportedly going through some growing pains as he adjusts to new responsibilities. He's currently listed as a backup outside linebacker behind veteran Dante Fowler Jr., who's already earned the trust of Quinn from their time working together with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

This is a huge test of character for Davis. Either he steps up and leaves no doubt as to his importance or this could be his final season with the Commanders. That's the high-stakes situation facing the once-promising prospect in 2024.

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