Projecting Commanders Week 1 Starters Right Now

The late addition of Diggs felt like the missing piece this group had been searching for all winter. While Williams may not be the biggest body on the field, his speed and elusiveness in open space will force defenders to account for him, drawing coverage away from McLaurin and Diggs.

Tight End: Chig Okonkwo

One of the more slept-on signings across the league this offseason, Okonkwo has drawn a clear vision from coach Dan Quinn about the style of play he expects from him. Expect to see plenty of crossing routes and mesh concepts that allow Okonkwo to use his speed and size to generate significant yards after the catch.

Offensive Line: Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr.

The coaching staff has the utmost confidence that Coleman can hold down the position for as long as needed while Laremy Tunsil recovers from a torn tricep. Josh Conerly Jr. returns as the starting right tackle after an impressive rookie season despite a slow start.

Edge Rushers: Odafe Oweh, Javon Kinlaw

While Dorance Armstrong is expected to be the starter for most of the season, he will have to serve a one-game suspension to begin the year. Kinlaw comes off a lackluster season in which he recorded zero sacks but has been lighting up the defense throughout training camp.

Defensive Tackles: Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton

Entering the final year of his contract, Payne needs to stand out among the rest if he wants to stay in Washington beyond this season. As the position group with the least depth, the defensive line will need the most out of its starters to create a strong pass rush.

Linebackers: K’Lavon Chaisson, Leo Chenal, Sonny Styles

With no decision yet on who will wear the green dot, Styles has been making a strong case for the responsibility throughout camp. Despite Bobby Wagner being a lock for the Hall of Fame, he simply could not keep up in the NFL anymore, and this revamped group is a massive upgrade across the board.

Cornerbacks: Trey Amos, Amik Robertson

Amos was activated off the PUP list at the start of camp and has been trending in the right direction ever since. A deep but relatively unproven group, the secondary is counting on first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to put everyone in the position they need to succeed.

Safeties: Jeremy Reaves, Nick Cross

Each bringing a different skill set to the position, Nick Cross brings the hard-hitting energy that was severely lacking all of last year.

Special Teams

• Kicker: Drew Stevens
• Punter: Tress Way