Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: We’ll count down the top 10 Commanders players on the 2026 roster regardless of position sporadically over the next few weeks. Before we get to it, here’s how we arrived at the ranking: Our Scott Bair, Scott Jennings and Mark Tyler compiled a top 13 – no ranking was identical — with points assigned to each ranking slot from all three lists. We used these point values to form a consensus top 10 ranking. We’ll write a story on each member of the top 10 and another on others receiving votes at the end. Plus, Mark will probably have a Tyler’s Take with his thoughts. You’ll surely object to some of these rankings, though debate is kind of the point with lists like this. Today we focus on No. 1:
Our roster rankings: 10. Leo Chenal | 9. Chig Okonwko | 8. Nick Cross | 7. Sam Cosmi | 6. Sonny Styles | 5. Daron Payne | 4. Odafe Oweh | 3. Terry McLaurin | 2. Jayden Daniels
Adam Peters made a trade with the Houston Texans on May 15 last year, exchanging NFL draft compensation and made for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. It wasn’t cheap, but nothing is while adding a player of Tunsil’s caliber.
His long-term services were secured with the trade and a two-year, $60 million contract extension that will keep him in Washington through the 2028 season.
Tunsil has been a wall for Washington, a pillar of stability and leadership during his time in burgundy and gold.
There was some heary debate on Monday afternoon, when it was revealed that quarterback Jayden Daniels was No. 2 on our Commanders roster ranking, with many believing he should be the top guy.
There’s no doubting Daniels’ talent and skill, but Tunsil’s one of the NFL’s best at his position, which is also a premium spot. Tunsil is someone who does his job well every single game, someone to be counted on as a pass protector and run blocker.
The five-time Pro Bowler has played at least 90% of his team’s offensive snaps every year save one since 2016. He probably should’ve been the No. 1 overall draft pick back in 2016, save a draft-night controversy that sent him tumbling down the board.
Tunsil was a top 10 player in terms of pressure rate and time before getting a pressure, per NFL NextGen Stats. While stats don’t always tell an offensive lineman’s story, Tunsil has gained universal respect as one of the NFL’s top left tackles.
He was an anchor on the left side, as he was expected to be, and has fit in well with the Commanders offensive line and the roster overall.
It’s fair to expect a sustained high level of play from Tunsil during the 2026 campaign. Tunsil works his way into elite shape while training in Auburn, Ala., but it was a positive sign that...
