Commanders’ 53-man roster projection surprisingly drops once-promising draft pick

We've made it. Training camps around the league begin this week. And for the Washington Commanders, the stakes are higher than they've been in decades.

Dan Quinn and Adam Peters masterminded a revolution of epic proportions in their first year of leadership. The Commanders went from having the No. 2 pick to the NFC Championship game during a remarkable campaign that galvanized a fan base and put the franchise back into the national spotlight for all the right reasons.

That was immensely positive. But the next challenge is to ensure this fleeting success becomes the start of a prosperous new era for the organization.

This is often much trickier.

The Commanders' schedule is tougher. They won't be a surprise package anymore. Expectations are high with so many games in primetime or standing alone, which means there will be almost no routine from week to week. There are stumbling blocks aplenty, but the roster looks in tremendous shape after another aggressive offseason of recruitment.

It's also a strong-willed group. Last season was great, but nobody is getting complacent. Everyone is working towards the next goal, which centers on toppling the Philadelphia Eagles and other legitimate contenders in the NFC en route to the Super Bowl.

The foundations will be laid at training camp. Ahead of the most critical stage of preparations, we projected how the Commanders' 53-man roster could shake out before the twists and turns commence.

Commanders' 53-man roster projection before training camp chaos begins

Commanders' special teams projection

Special Teams (3): Tress Way (P), Matt Gay (PK), Tyler Ott (LS)

There's nothing big to figure out at the key special-teams spots where the Washington Commanders are concerned. It's been a long time since the franchise had stability in this critical area, so this cannot be seen as anything other than positive heading into training camp.

Tress Way is the legendary team punter who's back for another season. The Pro Bowler is still performing at a high level despite his advancing years. There is nothing to suggest a drop-off in production is coming, which could lead to another new deal when the 2025 campaign concludes.

The Commanders pivoted at the kicking position. Zane Gonzalez was initially re-signed, but those plans changed quickly once Matt Gay became available on the open market.

Washington believes this is an upgrade. They also gave Gay the most guaranteed money on a one-year deal for any kicker in NFL history, which raises expectations that must be met.

Tyler Ott is back for another year as the team's long-snapper. His assured performance levels last season should continue when competitive action begins in the coming weeks.

Commanders offensive roster projection

Quarterback (2): Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota

Running Back (3): Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Wide Receiver (7): Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, K.J. Osborn, Michael Gallup

Tight End (4): Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates, Colson Yankoff

Offensive Line (9): Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Josh Conerly Jr., Nate Herbig, Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, Chris Paul, (Sam Cosmi — IR)

The Washington Commanders took three quarterbacks onto the roster last season. That enhanced the support system around rookie phenom Jayden Daniels, but it might not be the cast this time around.

Daniels is firmly established as an elite-level presence under center. The Commanders re-signed Marcus Mariota to be the backup. That could be all Washington needs if someone like Sam Hartman can stick around on the practice squad for emergency purposes.

The running back dynamic is fascinating. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge again. However, the presence of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt could shake things up after his impressive start to Washington's offseason program.

Washington might keep just three running backs when push comes to shove. This is thanks in no small part to the additions of Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jaylin Lane, who are wide receivers but can also be deployed in the backfield if the situation dictates.

Terry McLaurin should (hopefully) have his new contract sewn up in the not-too-distant future. The Commanders won't get far without him this season, but the pass-catching group looks much improved on paper.

Luke McCaffrey could be in line for a breakout. Lane and Samuel are notable acquisitions. Noah Brown will make it. K.J. Osborn and Michael Gallup could too, especially if the Commanders go with seven wideouts.

If not, then the likes of Gallup, Osborn, Ja'Corey Brooks, and Chris Moore will be fighting it out for the sixth spot. And the player who performs best is going to be rewarded accordingly.

Washington's offensive line became Adam Peters' top priority this offseason. The general manager sacrificed substantial resources to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who represents a game-changing acquisition in no uncertain terms. If that wasn't enough, the Commanders also took Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, who'll start at right tackle if everything goes well this summer.

Brandon Coleman will move inside to left guard. Tyler Biadasz will start at the center spot, and Nick Allegretti will move to the right-hand interior until Sam Cosmi recovers from a torn ACL.

Andrew Wylie should move into the swing tackle role. Nate Herbig, Trent Scott, and potentially Chris Paul could make it, but others will also fancy their chances of finding roster spots lower down the pecking order if they shine enough at training camp.

The tight end unit looks stable. Zach Ertz is the veteran pass-catcher. John Bates is the blocking specialist. Ben Sinnott is the breakout candidate who must make a bigger contribution. Colson Yankoff is the intriguing development project out for more.

Commanders defensive roster projection

Defensive Line (9): Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., Von Miller, Jacob Martin, Sheldon Day, Eddie Goldman

Linebackers (5): Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore

Cornerbacks (6): Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Car'lin Vigers

Safeties (5): Quan Martin, Will Harris, Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler

If the Washington Commanders want to go one better in 2025, their defense must raise its consistency. Nothing else will do, and it could legitimately go either way upon further examination of their options.

This all starts in the trenches. Jonathan Allen is gone, replaced by Javon Kinlaw. The free-agent signing got more money than most anticipated, but those in power are confident his unique blend of size, power, and athleticism can make a significant difference.

Daron Payne will lead the way, and he's reportedly thriving with more responsibilities on his shoulders. Bigger things are also expected of Johnny Newton, last year's second-round pick who flashed real promise as a rookie.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. will likely start as the defensive end tandem. Recent signing Von Miller brings glittering credentials to the table, but the future Pro Football Hall of Famer will probably become a pass-rushing specialist at this late stage of his career.

Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day could provide useful depth on the interior. The same goes for Jacob Martin on the edge, which leaves Clelin Ferrell on the outside looking in.

Washington's linebacking corps will once again be spearheaded by Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who both earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Jordan Magee could be in line for more involvement after his rookie campaign was hindered by injury. Sixth-round selection Kain Medrano is rough around the edges, but his athleticism is absolutely off the charts. Veteran Nick Bellore should also go through as a special-teams force.

That leaves once-promising draft pick Dominique Hampton out of luck, although much will depend on what improvements the linebacker/safety hybrid has made this offseason.

Marshon Lattimore looks healthy and explosive after the cornerback finally got the required time to fully recover from a hamstring issue. Second-year standout Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting. Jonathan Jones brings experience and proven production. There's also hope that second-round pick Trey Amos can make an instant impact on the boundary.

Noah Igbinoghene should also make it after impressing last season. That probably leaves one cornerback spot for the rest, which might just be taken by undrafted free agent Car'lin Vigers if he catches the eye at camp and when preseason reps come his way.

The Commanders took a big risk at the safety spot by letting Jeremy Chinn walk for the Las Vegas Raiders. Will Harris was signed to replace him, but those lower down the depth chart can surge up into more prominent roles.

Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Percy Butler have all drawn praise this offseason. But don't be surprised if Adam Peters adds another experienced presence into the mix if he isn't satisfied with how things are unfolding.

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