Projecting Commanders’ 53-man roster as training camp gets underway

1. Sam Howell
2. Jacoby Brissett
3. Jake Fromm

We almost went with two here. There’s a chance that head coach Ron Rivera feels comfortable with only Howell and Brissett. It would make sense, considering the Commanders believe in both quarterbacks. This is a spot that could change throughout camp, but for now, we are giving Fromm the nod as the third quarterback.

1. Brian Robinson Jr.
2. Antonio Gibson
3. Chris Rodriguez Jr.

This is another position where we could see three or four players. The Commanders like Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson. If Washington thinks they can slip Patterson back to the practice squad, then keeping three makes sense. Williams is a good, tough runner who has shined in limited opportunities. But the Commanders may want to keep an extra offensive lineman or receiver just to return kicks.

1. Terry McLaurin
2. Jahan Dotson
3. Curtis Samuel
4. Dyami Brown
5. Byron Pringle
6. Kazmeir Allen

The top four are easy. Pringle just signed with the Commanders and has had some NFL production. He’s also played for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. So has Marcus Kemp. However, Kemp’s role is more on special teams. We give Pringle a nod here. The Commanders could opt for younger depth, bringing Dax Milne back or keeping undrafted rookie Mitchell Tinsley. Allen gets the nod as the final receiver because he’s expected to be the kick and punt returner as a rookie. Milne doesn’t make it in our initial projections.

1. Logan Thomas
2. John Bates
3. Cole Turner

Washington has kept four tight ends in recent years and could this season. If so, Curtis Hodges, who the Commanders like, is the guy. But our initial projection has Washington going with three tight ends. Thomas starts, Bates plays a lot, and Turner is the one to watch. Don’t be surprised if Washington keeps four, though.

• T Charles Leno Jr.
• T/G Andrew Wylie
• T/G Sam Cosmi
• C Nick Gates
• T/G Saahdiq Charles
• T Cornelius Lucas
• G Chris Paul
• T Braeden Daniels
• C Ricky Stromberg
• C Tyler Larsen

This is likely considered the weakest position on the team. The Commanders added two starters and two rookies, so they should be improved. While 10 seems like a high number, if you consider the injuries that have ravaged the center position in the last two years, keeping three centers does make sense.

Gates are Stromberg are locks, and Larsen is a dependable veteran with starting experience. Washington may choose to keep just nine and go with an extra back or tight end, but much of that depends on if there is a third quarterback. If you’re adding an extra body, it’s smart to add to the offensive line.

1. Montez Sweat
2. Chase Young
3. James Smith-Williams
4. Efe Obada
5. Casey Toohill
6. K.J. Henry

This is a deep position. Six seems like a lot to keep, but the Commanders love each player. Young and Sweat start, but Smith-Williams, Toohill and Obada have plenty of experience and have played well for Washington. Henry is a promising rookie that the Commanders aren’t going to expose to waivers.

1. Jonathan Allen
2. Daron Payne
3. Phidarian Mathis
4. John Ridgeway

This is an outstanding group. Washington has elite starters in Allen and Payne and two promising second-year backups who can give the starters a rest. Veteran Abdullah Anderson does not make the cut.

1. Jamin Davis
2. Cody Barton
3. Khaleke Hudson
4. David Mayo
5. Milo Eifler

The top three are easy. Mayo is a reliable backup who can start in a pinch and is strong on special teams. That’s why he makes the roster. Eifler beats out De’Jon Harris for a spot. The Commanders only keep five because they rarely use more than two linebackers at the same time and employ the Buffalo nickel as a part of the defense.

1. Kendall Fuller
2. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
3. Benjamin St-Juste
4. Danny Johnson
5. Christian Holmes

We could see four players here, considering we have rookie Quan Martin listed as a safety. Martin can play inside or outside cornerback, safety, and could move down to play Buffalo nickel. The Commanders have an excellent top three if they can remain healthy. Johnson had his best NFL season in 2022. Holmes is entering his second year, played well on special teams and showed promise at times last season. Holmes will battle Rachad Wildgoose for a spot.

1. Kamren Curl
2. Darrick Forrest Jr.
3. Quan Martin
4. Jeremy Reaves
5. Percy Butler

Another deep position. Curl and Forrest will start. All five players will see the field. Reaves