Power ranking the top 10 Commanders players in 2024 entering Week 3

It's been an up-and-down start to the 2024 campaign for the Washington Commanders. Nobody expected this to be a fully functioning football operation after so many changes throughout the offseason. That won't concern head coach Dan Quinn, who's looking for his team to show growth week to week and capitalize on winning opportunities when they arise.

The Commanders are 1-1 through two weeks, which is pretty much what everyone expected. Their loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was an indicator of how much hard work is ahead before this team can realistically challenge in the postseason. They left it late against the New York Giants, but the fact Jayden Daniels came through in the clutch was pleasing.

Just how things are going to look this time next month is anyone's guess. The Commanders are about to embark on arguably their most testing run of games this season. If they can stay competitive versus playoff hopefuls and perhaps pick up a win or two along the way, that's the best-case scenario for a rebuilding squad.

With that being said, we took a look at how things have unfolded so far and power ranked the 10 best Commanders players in 2024 entering Week 3 at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Power ranking the top 10 Commanders players in 2024 entering Week 3

10. Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

Fans could barely contain their excitement regarding Frankie Luvu's arrival this offseason. The dynamic linebacker turned down a contract extension from the Carolina Panthers to link up with Dan Quinn. His tone-setting presence over the last two years is something the Washington Commanders haven't had at the defensive second level for some time. It wasn't perfect in Week 1, but last time around was highly pleasing.

Luvu looked a lot more at home within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive schematics against the New York Giants. He was explosive to the contact point and made his tackles count. There's still some growing to do, but the former undrafted free agent out of Washington State is only going to get better with additional familiarity.

Whitt expects Luvu to evolve into the beating heart of Washington''s defense in no time. Based on his Week 2 effort, it won't be much longer before this scenario comes to fruition.

9. Austin Seibert - Commanders K

Austin Seibert has only been on the Washington Commanders for one game. The kicker became the latest in a long line to fill the starting void after Cade York was cut loose before Adam Peters had to hand over a seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. It was an opportunity he capitalized on in no uncertain terms.

Seibert came into the Commanders on the back of an encouraging preseason for the New York Jets. Fans weren't holding out much hope after the revolving door of misfortune following Brandon McManus' release. What followed was a debut for the ages.

The Commanders had difficulty converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Seibert was on hand to nail a franchise-record seven field goals, including a walk-off winner after Jayden Daniels led his team downfield. The life of a kicker is precarious, but Washington might have something here.

8. Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

The Commanders have some concerns about their cornerback unit. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s woeful first outing was swiftly followed by thumb surgery. Rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil is going through some early complications, which is all part of the adjustment process. Michael Davis was abysmal in Week 2 against the New York Giants to make it abundantly clear why he wasn't involved in the defensive rotation to start the season.

Benjamin St-Juste has done much better. He couldn't find an answer for Mike Evans in Week 1, but very few do. He was far more accomplished overall versus the Giants. That said, he needs help to flourish further.

The former third-round pick has some stiff upcoming challenges ahead. St-Juste will be tasked with locking down Ja'Marr Chase, Marvin Harrison Jr., Amari Cooper, and Zay Flowers over the next month. This will be an important stage of his assessments before general manager Adam Peters decides whether or not to offer him a new contract.

7. Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C

Tyler Biadasz might have been on the opposite side of the field to Dan Quinn during their time together on the Dallas Cowboys, but the gifted center left his mark on the former defensive coordinator. When he got the top job in Washington, it came as no surprise to see the Wisconsin product become a high-priority target in free agency.

The Commanders got almost nothing from their center spot last season. Biadasz already looks like the biggest upgrade imaginable - someone who can solve one of the team's long-running riddles and become a franchise cornerstone piece for years to come.

The fact that Biadasz held his own against All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II versus the New York Giants is all the proof fans should need. After a long time searching since Chase Roullier's injury struggles and subsequent release, the Commanders finally have an accomplished anchor for their much-improved protection.

6. Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

The Washington Commanders began a flurry of incomings this offseason by signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz. It's been a long time since he's put up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers, but fans were hopeful his previous connection to Kliff Kingsbury could bear fruit in a different environment despite his advancing years.

Ertz looks the part through two weeks. His leadership is exceptional, he's a willing blocker in run support and is developing some encouraging chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former second-round pick out of Stanford isn't the force of old, but he knows how to get open and boasts outstanding body control to make tough catches look easy.

There are 15 games left and keeping Ertz healthy is crucial. But if the same trend continues, he might be able to keep rookie second-rounder Ben Sinnott on the fringes for the entire campaign.

5. Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB

Austin Ekeler's arrival in free agency came with significant intrigue attached. Nobody - including the veteran - was expecting him to get the bulk of carries with Brian Robinson Jr. around. Having an established young running back in place was a prerequisite for the player after he departed from the Los Angeles Chargers. This decision seems to be paying off based on his performance levels over the opening fortnight.

Ekeler's been deployed more as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. It's a role he's accustomed to and is thriving despite averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the ground from 10 touches. The former undrafted free agent is providing Jayden Daniels with a dependable security blanket underneath and has no trouble gaining additional yards after contact through an exceptional blend of core strength and contact balance.

With 147 all-purpose yards over two games, Ekeler's been outstanding so far in 2024. He's also making his presence felt in the kick return game, which is a nice surprise and something that provides an extra level of dynamism that wasn't evident previously.

4. Sam Cosmi - Commanders RB

The Commanders gave Sam Cosmi a big confidence boost and some long-term security just before the season with a bumper new contract extension. This was nothing more than the former second-round pick deserved after making an exceptional transition to the right guard spot in 2023. It's also something the dominant presence is taking extremely seriously.

Cosmi knows that bigger money comes with higher standards anticipated. He's given up two penalties, but the pass protection remains accomplished and the Texas product is generating more push on running downs for good measure.

This is a tremendous start to Cosmi as he goes in search of his first Pro Bowl selection this season. The Commanders' investment in the offensive line interior seems to be paying off. Having a mobile signal-caller capable of making their life much easier is another important factor of this equation that shouldn't be overlooked.

3. Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

One doesn't have to look far around the NFL to see rookie quarterbacks - and some entering their second year - struggling with the spotlight glaring. Fortunately for everyone associated with the Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels is not one of them.

The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft hasn't thrown a touchdown as yet, but that'll come once Kliff Kingsbury opens the offense and Daniels becomes more comfortable in the pocket. His poise was much-improved in Week 2 against the New York Giants, so he's learning how to slow the game down in his head and make things happen without relying entirely on his electrifying rushing ability.

The Commanders couldn't have asked any more from Daniels over his opening two regular-season contests in the pros. He's only going to improve with additional experience, which is a scary thought for defensive coordinators around the league based on what we've seen so far.

2. Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

When the Commanders signed Nick Allegretti in free agency, they were doing so almost solely based on his performances for the Kansas City Chiefs deep into the postseason. The interior offensive lineman was thrust into the limelight after an injury to Joe Thuney ahead of the AFC Championship game. Not exactly the easiest proposition, but he excelled.

Allegretti was outstanding both in the conference showdown versus the Baltimore Ravens and the Super Bowl. He's brought this newfound momentum to a different environment, making the starting left guard spot his own and performing incredibly well over the first two games.

There is a long way to go and the two penalties aren't ideal. However, Allegretti's been almost flawless aside from that. Questions remain about the offensive tackle positions, but the interior looks assured with a quarterback who has no trouble escaping pressure when it arrives.

1. Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB

Brian Robinson Jr. came into the season with ambitions to become a genuine focal point under the new regime. The running back felt he was vastly underutilized by previous offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy despite gaining more than 1,000 all-purpose yards. He's maximized an enhanced role in the best way imaginable over the first fortnight of the campaign.

After flashing when called upon in defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the former third-round pick out of Alabama produced the final game of his professional career against the New York Giants. Robinson was nothing short of relentless, rushing for 133 yards on just 17 carries. He was breaking tackles at will and turning even the smallest creases into lofty gains.

This is a tremendous start for Robinson. The Commanders would be wise to involve him early and often no matter the opposition. He's a tone-setting force within a backfield that's demonstrated enormous promise through two weeks. Long may it continue.

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