Mark Tyler’s IDEAL starters for the Washington Commanders at each position

The 2025 NFL Draft just finished, and training camp is still a few months away, however it’s never too early to begin discussing who Washington’s starters will be for the upcoming campaign.

Bill’s article - “The best five” got me thinking more BIG PICTURE about how this team could potentially look come September. Below are my ideal starters and key backup at each position.

Commanders Offense:

QB: Jayden Daniels

Backup - Marcus Mariota

RB: Brian Robinson

Backup - Jacory Croskey-Merritt

3rd Down RB: Austin Ekeler

Backup - Jacory Croskey-Merritt

WR (X): Terry McLaurin

Backup - Noah Brown

WR (Move): Deebo Samuel

Backup - Ja’Corey Brooks

WR (slot): Luke McCaffrey

Backup - Jaylin Lane

TE (Y): Zach Ertz

Backup - Ben Sinnott

TE (F): John Bates

*Backup - Ben Sinnott

LT: Laremy Tunsil

Backup - Trent Scott

LG: Brandon Coleman

Backup - Nick Allegretti

C: Tyler Biadasz

Backup - Nate Herbig

RG: Sam Cosmi (Andrew Wylie until Cosmi returns)

Backup - Andrew Wylie/Nate Herbig

RT: Josh Conerly

*Backup - Andrew Wylie

Commanders Defense:

EDGE: Dorance Armstrong

Backup - Javontae Jean-Baptiste

DT: Daron Payne

Backup - Eddie Goldman

DT: Javon Kinlaw

Backup - Jer’Zhan Newton

EDGE: Deatrich Wise (TBD)

Backup - Clelin Ferrell

LB (MIKE): Bobby Wagner

Backup - Jordan Magee

LB (WILL): Frankie Luvu

Backup - Dominique Hampton/Kain Medrano

Hybrid (LEO): Jacob Martin/Frankie Luvu (situationally)

Backup - Dominique Hampton

CB: Marshon Lattimore

Backup - Jonathan Jones

CB: Trey Amos

Backup - Car’lin Vigers/Jonathan Jones

Slot CB: Mike Sainristil

Backup - Noah Igbinoghene

Big Nickle: Tyler Owens

Backup - Dominique Hampton

SS: Will Harris

Backup - Tyler Owens

FS: Quan Martin

Backup - Percy Butler

Special Teams:

K: Matt Gay

P: Tress Way

KR: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Backup - Luke McCaffrey

PR: Jaylin Lane

Backup - Ja’Corey Brooks

Special Teams Captain: Jeremy Reaves