Commanders 53-man roster projection after enthralling offseason program

The Washington Commanders have raised the stakes considerably after a phenomenal first year under the new regime. Ensuring this becomes the start of a prosperous time in franchise history is the next challenge.

Adam Peters set the table by becoming more aggressive this offseason. The general manager knew Washington's window for a Super Bowl opened quicker than anticipated. He's relying on experience to steer them through, but the squad looks in good shape aside from one or two problem position groups.

Now, the onus is on head coach Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff to get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. Everyone is back, which is a big plus. Having this continuity should serve the Commanders well. There's increased resolve, and everyone remains highly motivated after achieving so much during the previous campaign.

The pieces slowly came together over Washington's offseason program. It's the first stage of preparations, but an important one nonetheless. It's also the first chance players have to stake a strong claim for important roles, key rotational responsibilities, or perhaps even sneak onto the squad when it's all said and done.

Things will become clearer after training camp and the preseason. But for now, here is our Commanders' 53-man roster prediction after a fascinating offseason program in 2025.

Commanders 53-man roster projection after enthralling offseason program

Commanders special teams (3)

• Tress Way (P), Matt Gay (PK), Tyler Ott (LS)

This is pretty straightforward. The Washington Commanders have stability at their special-teams positions. That hasn't always been the case, which can hopefully bear fruit when competitive action commences.

Tress Way got another new deal this offseason. The team's longest-serving player is still performing well. He's a consistent punter and a respected leader within the locker room. There isn't much to worry about where the Pro Bowler is concerned, and that should remain the case over the 2025 campaign.

The same goes for Tyler Ott. His experience and consistency brought much-needed improvements to the long-snapper spot last season. It would be a big disappointment if he couldn't continue on this positive trajectory next season.

Washington made a big change at the kicking position. Zane Gonzalez was re-signed but quickly released when those in power thought a better option was available. Matt Gay came on board, and he got the most guaranteed money on a one-year deal any kicker had ever received.

That's a supreme vote of confidence in Gay's capabilities. However, he must improve on his 2024 efforts with the Indianapolis Colts to repay this faith.

Commanders quarterbacks (2)

• Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota

The Washington Commanders took three quarterbacks onto the roster last season. Those in power thought having some added security and veteran leadership around Jayden Daniels would help, and they were right. But they don't need it anymore.

Daniels is a superstar. He's the franchise quarterback Washington's loyal fan base had dreamed of. The No. 2 pick took the league by storm, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and surging into the elite conversation much quicker than anyone envisaged.

Marcus Mariota will back up Daniels once again. Most thought he'd get a chance to start elsewhere, but the veteran wants to finish what he started. That's all the Commanders need, which could see Sam Hartman continue his development on the practice squad.

Commanders running backs (4)

• Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr.

The running back dynamic is fascinating. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge again. Both have the talent to excel further despite their regression down the stretch. Both are also in the final year of their respective deals, so the urgency to perform well is there for all to see.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt's exceptional early transition could see him log playing time immediately if the same trend continues over the summer. The seventh-rounder impressed coaches with his speed, decisiveness, and work ethic. If he passes the upcoming tests effectively and shines during the preseason, he'll be rewarded accordingly.

Much will depend on how many running backs the Commanders take through, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be preferred to Jeremy McNichols when push comes to shove.

Commanders wide receivers (6)

• Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Chris Moore

Terry McLaurin held out of Washington's voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp as he awaits a new deal. The Commanders should resolve this successfully, so the second-team All-Pro will be an integral part of the plans next season once again.

Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jaylin Lane are new arrivals who'll bring a different dynamic to the equation. Noah Brown should feature prominently if the injury he suffered doesn't impact him long-term. Luke McCaffrey should improve, and his standout efforts throughout the Commanders' offseason program lend further weight to this narrative.

That leaves just one more spot if the Commanders allocate six places to the wideout unit. Chris Moore could be ahead of players like Michael Gallup after thriving when called upon so far.

Commanders tight ends (4)

• Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates, Colson Yankoff

The Commanders' tight-end group is locked in. Allocating playing time will be the most interesting element of this equation, but the quartet that'll go onto the 53-man roster is set.

Zach Ertz got a new one-year deal after reaffirming his status as one of the league's most consistent pass-catchers at the position. John Bates' extension was longer, but it's nothing the blocking specialist doesn't richly deserve after his standout efforts.

Washington is expecting bigger things from 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott this time around. Colson Yankoff is also demonstrating progression, which could lead to more responsibilities when the 2025 campaign arrives.

Commanders offensive line (9)

• Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Josh Conerly Jr., Trent Scott, Andrew Wylie, Nate Herbig, Michael Deiter
• Injured reserve: Sam Cosmi

Adam Peters spared no expense to improve the offensive line during his second recruitment period. Protecting Jayden Daniels is the most important thing above all else. That was reflected in the general manager's approach.

The Commanders acquired Laremy Tunsil via trade and spent the No. 29 pick on Josh Conerly Jr. This could be a long-term bookend tackle tandem for Daniels to depend upon if everything goes well.

Brandon Coleman will shift inside to the left guard position, with Nick Allegretti going over to the right-hand side until Sam Cosmi recovers from a torn ACL. Tyler Biadasz is the mainstay at the center spot, leaving Andrew Wylie as the versatile backup capable of playing almost anywhere.

Aside from that, the backup roles could be filled by Trent Scott, Nate Herbig, and Michael Deiter.

Commanders defensive line (9)

• Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Deatrich Wise Jr., Eddie Goldman, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Jacob Martin

The Washington Commanders released Jonathan Allen this offseason. They replaced him with Javon Kinlaw, who got more money than most expected and must live up to this lofty price tag from the moment he steps onto the field.

Daron Payne and Johnny Newton will play key roles on the interior. The Commanders' pass-rush is devoid of any legitimate explosiveness, so Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. have an enormous amount of pressure on their shoulders unless another capable performer arrives.

Clelin Ferrell, Jacob Martin, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Eddie Goldman could fill the backup roles. However, that might change given the fierce competition for places lower down the depth chart.

Commanders linebackers (5)

• Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore

The Commanders' linebacking corps will be led by Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner once again. This duo completely transformed the mentality of Washington's defense last season. The coaching staff is expecting the same again when the 2025 season begins.

Joe Whitt Jr. has stated his intent to get Jordan Magee more involved. The 2024 fifth-round pick's rookie momentum was dented significantly by a knee injury that required surgery. He's eager to make up for some lost time, and his performances over Washington's offseason program indicate a bigger role could be in the offing if he continues this impressive ascent.

Kain Medrano is a development project, but his exceptional athleticism could leave a considerable impression on special teams when it's all said and done. That leaves Nick Bellore out of luck, but that's not set in stone yet.

Commanders cornerbacks (6)

• Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Trey Amos, Car'lin Vigers

The Commanders' cornerback room could be an area of strength next season. Marshon Lattimore holds the key, but the four-time Pro Bowler looked healthy and explosive throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp. This provides hope that he can raise his performance levels and return to his shutdown-caliber status.

Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting after his phenomenal rookie efforts. Jonathan Jones brings Super Bowl-winning experience to the ranks. Noah Igbinoghene is looking to build on a promising campaign after getting a new one-year deal. Second-round pick Trey Amos has the physicality and athleticism to make an instant impression on the rotation.

That probably leaves one more spot. Don't be surprised if undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers gets it.

Commanders safeties (5)

• Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves

The safety position will go as far as Quan Martin takes them in 2025. He's the top dog in the building right now after Adam Peters let Jeremy Chinn walk. The former second-round pick is looking to take his game to new heights, and he's off to a tremendous start this offseason.

Will Harris was acquired to fill the void left by Chinn. Tyler Owens has the physical upside that could accumulate more reps on the defensive rotation. Percy Butler's emergence over early workouts drew praise from head coach Dan Quinn, who is seeing something different from the defensive back in a contract year.

The Commanders gave Jeremy Reaves some added financial security before the campaign. Joe Whitt Jr. wants to maximize his playmaking abilities with more defensive reps, so it'll be interesting to see what he has planned for the special-teams ace.

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