Washington Commanders way too early 53-man roster projection

Washington Commanders way too early 53-man roster projection
Hogs Haven Hogs Haven

The doldrums of the NFL offseason are upon us, and with that comes...well, less to write about until training camp begins.

With a brand new crop of players added this offseason via trades, free agency, the NFL Draft and undrafted free agents, I wanted to take my first stab at predicting the 53-man roster and practice squad. Now, I know this will remain very fluid, as players will be added and cut before we even get to training camp, however, I will play the hand I’m dealt and give it my best shot with the current roster.

Below is my breakdown of offense, defense and special team, followed by practice squad candidates.


Offense (24)

QB (2)

Starter: Jayden Daniels

Backup: Marcus Mariota

RB (3)

Starters: Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler

Backup: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

WR (6)

Starters: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown

Backups: Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Michael Gallup

TE (4)

Starter: Zach Ertz

Backups: John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff

OL (9)

Starters: Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Andrew Wylie, Josh Conerly

Backups: Trent Scott, Nick Allegretti, Nate Herbig, Tim McKay

*Sam Cosmi to PUP


Defense (26)

EDGE (5)

Starters: Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise

Backups: Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Clelin Ferrell, Jacob Martin

DT (5)

Starters: Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw

Backups: Jer’Zhan Newton, Eddie Goldman, Sheldon Day

LB (5)

Starters: Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu

Backups: Jordan Magee, Dominique Hampton, Kain Medrano

CB (6)

Starters: Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil

Backups: Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Fentrell Cyprus

S (5)

Starters: Quan Martin, Will Harris

Backups: Tyler Owens, Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves


Special Teams (3)

Punter (1)

Tress Way

Kicker (1)

Matt Gay

Long Snapper (1)

Tyler Ott


Returners

Kick Returners

Luke McCaffrey, Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Punt Returner

Jaylin Lane


Practice Squad Candidates:

Sam Hartman (QB)

Chris Rodriguez (RB)

Michael Wiley (RB)

Lawrence Cager (TE)

Ja’Corey Brooks (WR)

Jacoby Jones (WR)

Tyre Phillips (OL)

Chris Paul (OL)

Foster Sarell (OL)

Jalyn Holmes (DL)

Norell Pollard (DL)

Andre Jones (DL)

*T.J. Maguranyanga (DL)

Kam Arnold (LB)

Allan George (DB)

Carlin Viggers (DB)

Robert McDaniel (DB)


Notes:

-I see no reason to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster.

-I went with just three running backs because Samuel could also see some carries back there.

-The fight for WR6 should be an interesting one to watch during camp.

-We kept four tight ends last year, and the staff seems to like Yankoff as a special teams contributor.

-I have us keeping nine offensive linemen, however, if another spot opens up, I could see us adding a tenth.

-With the focus on stopping the run, I think 10 defensive linemen is the number we go with.

-I see the three young linebackers being kept over the 36yr old Nick Bellore.

-I was torn on six corners and four safeties, but it seems the staff does not want to lose the leadership...