Projecting Washington Commanders depth chart entering training camp
The Washington Commanders were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season. That's not even harsh. They went 4-13 and had the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, there is a great light at the end of the tunnel. That terrible season led to a massive overhaul in the organization. Washington brought in new front-office personnel, a new coaching staff, and a new franchise quarterback (among other roster additions).
With all those additions and changes, the depth chart is in serious question. Does that new rookie quarterback start immediately? Who surrounds him on the offense? Did the defense make enough changes to improve?
There are a lot of questions heading into training camp, so it's important to try and get an idea of the direction the team could be going.
And that's what we're going to try to do right now. We'll go through each position on both sides of the ball, the coaching staff, and potential schemes. From there, we will try to make the best guesses of how the depth chart will look as the Washington Commanders head into training camp.
Of course, things will change as the preseason advances, but it's still great to get an idea of the lay of the land right now.
Washington Commanders Quarterbacks
The Washington Commanders spent the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a quarterback. That should give you a pretty massive hint as to who will be number one on the depth chart.
Starter: Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels was the first-round pick for the Commanders this year and is their new hope for a franchise quarterback. The Heisman winner has had mainly fantastic reviews since being drafted.
He looked great during drills in the rookie mini-camp, and everything continues to be positive as the entire team works together. Daniels is the guy for the Commanders. Not only will he be the Day One starter, but he likely has a long leash to work out any issues and improve as the season goes on.
Daniels opens up the offense with his incredible running ability and has a few weapons to play with that should help him put up solid passing numbers.
Backup: Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota came in this offseason as the clear veteran backup for whoever the Commanders would draft later. He serves an important purpose.
Not only is Mariota there as a viable option should something happen to the starter, but he can teach him. Mariota is an NFL veteran with some winning in his history. He can impart a lot of wisdom to Daniels and help the rookie become the best possible version of himself.
Hopefully, we won't have to see him on the field because that means Daniels stayed healthy and performed well. But if Mariota is on the field, at least the Commanders won't completely collapse.
Others in line: Sam Hartman, Jeff Driskel
Jeff Driskel signed with the Commanders in April. He's a veteran that can help in camp, but that's about it.
Sam Hartman is a bit more interesting. An undrafted rookie, Hartman had a great College career (mainly at Wake Forest and ending at Notre Dame). He'll be someone that could grow on the practice squad. If things go how they should with Daniels, Hartman has no future in Washington. But he could build towards a career elsewhere.
Washington Commanders Runningbacks
The Washington Commanders will have an interesting situation going on at running back this year. With the addition of a certain veteran, it doesn't feel like there's a set starter or backup.
Washington will likely have a running back who is in there more to run down the field and pick up tough yards for the offense. He'll get the majority of the carries.
However, they have another running back who will get opportunities in the passing game. Due to that, we're not going tohave slightly different categories for this position.
Workhorse back: Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson has proven himself in his first two seasons to be a trustworthy back who can get tough yards while also breaking off some big plays. Robinson should hit career-highs in carries, yards, and touchdowns this year. The Commanders should give him plenty of opportunities this season.
Robinson also proved himself to be a solid weapon in the passing game last year. He'll get a few receptions, but Washington now has someone who is one of the top receiving backs in the NFL.
Receiving back: Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler had a down year in 2023, but you could blame poor scheming by the Los Angeles Chargers for some of that last year.
The Commanders have a great opportunity to get the most out of Ekeler by giving him a ton of targets (remember, he had over 100 receptions in 2022). Ekeler can still get some carries outside of the numbers and maybe break some big plays. But as long as Robinson is around, Ekeler won't be getting a bulk of the carries.
Others in line: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Michael Wiley, Austin Jones, Jeremy McNichols
Austin Jones and Michael Wiley are undrafted rookies. Jeremy McNichols hasn't recorded a carry or reception since 2021. That leaves Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the other legitimate option here.
Rodriguez Jr. is a bowling ball who showed promise with limited touches last season. He makes sense as the third option and could pick up the slack if one of the two main guys goes down.
Washington Commanders Wide Receivers
The Washington Commanders have had a pretty clear plan with their wide receivers in recent years. Something along the lines of "screw it, Terry McLaurin is down there somewhere."
They've tried to add help for him. Curtis Samuel had injuries but was solid. He's gone now. Jahan Dotson had a great rookie year but didn't take the leap many were expecting in year two. Who else did they add?
Starters: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey
Terry McLaurin is one of the best wide receivers in football. He has four straight seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards. The only year under 1,000 yards was his rookie campaign when he racked up 919 yards in 14 games. There are no worries about how he'll produce. You could even say there's excitement that his best seasons could be incoming, with hopefully legitimate quarterback play for the first time in his NFL career.
Jahan Dotson didn't take the big step forward that many were expecting in his second season. The Nazareth native has loads of talent, and if he's healthy and getting the attention he deserves from the play-calling and the quarterback, he'll establish himself in year three.
Luke McCaffrey is a rookie and already seems to be slotted into the slot. He could be an absolute weapon that gives Washington a lot of big playmaking ability.
Backups: Jamison Crowder, Byron Pringle, Dyami Brown
Jamison Crowder is safe. He's a good veteran presence who they can rely on if needed. Crowder's also a talented return man, which gives him more job security.
Byron Pringle is legitimately good depth. He can come into a game and make one or two nice plays while the starters are getting a rest.
Dyami Brown is very boom-or-bust. His route running and hands aren't great. He's made the occasional great catch, though, and gives the Commanders someone who can just go deep.
Others in line: Olamide Zaccheaus, Mitchell Tinsley, Kazmeir Allen, Davion Davis, Brycen Tremayne, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
Olamide Zaccheaus had a productive season for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. He could be decent deep-depth.
Mitchell Tinsley didn't get any receptions in the regular season last year but impressed a lot of people in the preseason. Maybe he will do the same thing in 2024 and get a bigger chance to prove himself.
Everyone else either has no career stats or very little, so there isn't much to say about them.
Washington Commanders Tight Ends
Tight end is another position that saw new additions this offseason. Washington added a veteran in free agency and a rookie in the draft. Who starts, though?
Starter: Ben Sinnott
You could likely make a case for Ben Sinnott or the veteran who (will be mentioned soon) as the starter. Sinnott might not be the clear-cut starter right now, but he has a chance to separate himself from the competition during the preseason.
Sinnott was the third second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft for the Commanders. Considered one of the best tight ends in the class, Sinnott is praised for his versatility.
He has lined up at tight end, full back, in the slot, and outside. That should give him a lot of opportunity to do some damage for Washington's offense.
Backup: Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz was brought in this offseason with the clear vision of getting a reliable veteran who will help your rookie quarterback. Ertz hasn't been the healthiest (17 games combined over the last two seasons), but he gives decent production while on the field.
Ertz is someone who can be a safety blanket for Jayden Daniels and who you know won't make any mistakes that shake the rookie's confidence.
Others in line: Cole Turner, John Bates, Armani Rogers, Colson Yankoff
Colson Yankoff and Armani Rogers likely won't factor in too much. Rogers tore his Achilles in 2022 and hasn't appeared in a game since. Yankoff is an undrafted rookie.
John Bates is a solid blocking tight end who will occasionally make a play in the passing game. Don't expect him to factor into the gameplan outside of blocking, but that still adds a ton of value.
Cole Turner is the receiving weapon project. He's an athlete who could give Daniels a massive target on the field (6'6", 240 lbs) once in a while. If he's forced into a bigger role, it will be interesting to see his development.
Washington Commanders Offensive Line
The Washington Commanders' offensive line has gotten a bit better this offseason. They clearly wanted to give it some focus to help out their rookie quarterback.
Starters: Cornelius Lucas (LT), Nick Allegretti (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Sam Cosmi (RG), Andrew Wylie (RT)
The offensive line is a group that could see changes during the preseason. There are a few of the backups that might work their way into the rotation at varying parts of the season.
For now, we're going with these five. Sam Cosmi is one of the best guards in football and will anchor Washington's offensive line. Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti were free-agent signings who will help make this a solid interior.
Cornelius Lucas started four games for Washington last season after making 12 starts in 2022. He feels like a placeholder but a serviceable one.
Andrew Wylie started 15 games for the Commanders last season. He didn't win over many fans during that time. Wylie's made 74 starts in six seasons for a reason, though.
Backups: Brandon Coleman, Chris Paul, Ricky Stromberg, Michael Deiter, Trent Scott
Brandon Coleman is the biggest name here. Coleman was an early third-round pick for the Commanders this season. He could absolutely find his way into the starting rotation and might even do it before Week 1.
No one else has the same potential as Coleman, but there are really good depth pieces here. Chris Paul and Ricky Stromberg are awesome interior line backups.
Meanwhile, Michael Deiter and Trent Scott give Washington two backups with a decent amount of starting experience.
Others in line: Braeden Daniels, Alex Akingbulu, Julian Good-Jones, Mason Brooks, David Nwaogwugwu
There's nothing to say here, honestly. These are depth for the depth. If they're playing in legitimate situations in the regular season, something probably went wrong. The Commanders haven't had a lot of luck with their offensive line in recent years, though, so you never know.
Washington Commanders Defensive Line
The defensive line has been the story of the Washington Commanders for a few years now. They had four first-round picks in the unit, with Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young.
It wasn't working like you'd expect, and they blew it up last season. How will the new-look defensive line stack up?
Starters: Da'Ron Payne (DT), Jonathan Allen (DT), Dorance Armstrong (DE), Clelin Ferrell (DE)
Honestly, we're not going to waste many words on Da'Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen. They might be the best interior defensive line duo in football. Those two will bring pressure to the quarterback and stifle opposing rushing attacks.
Payne and Allen have been the anchors of the defense for a while. It's time for the Commanders to get the proper roster around the duo.
Dorance Armstrong comes over from the Dallas Cowboys and has 16 sacks in the last two seasons. Armstrong gives them more production than Chase Young and is more consistent than Montez Sweat. Maybe not the sexiest addition, but a great one.
Clelin Ferrell was the fourth overall pick in the 2019 draft (Raiders). He hasn't come close to living up to that spot. Ferrell had 3.5 sacks last season (one off his career-best that he set in his rookie campaign). Ferrell's decent against the run and is still only 27.
Backups: Johnny Newton, Dante Fowler, KJ Henry, Phidarian Mathis
Johnny Newton is the big name here, getting drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Even in the second, many thought Newton fell. The Commanders will likely use him a lot in the rotation.
Dante Fowler has had a pretty successful career to this point. He'll be able to come in with fresh legs and get to the quarterback.
KJ Henry impressed in his short time as a legitimate rotation guy last year and earned the same role this season.
Phidarian Mathis was a second-round pick in 2022. He's only appeared in 10 games in the two years since. Mathis has potential, but how much will he play?
Others in line: Javontae Jean-Baptiste, John Ridgeway, Efe Obada, Haggai Ndubuisi, Andre Jones Jr., Benning Potoa'e, Norell Pollard, Jalen Harris
Javontae Jean-Baptiste is the name to highlight here. The rookie had a great season at Notre Dame last season, and if he gets a chance could make some big plays.
John Ridgeway is an absolute unit who gives the Commanders another good run-stopping defensive lineman. If injuries crop up, there are a lot worse depth options than Ridgeway.
Washington Commanders Linebackers
Another position that saw an overhaul this offseason is the linebacker corps. The Washington Commanders brought in two big names, Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. How does the unit as a whole look, though?
Starters: Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis
There's been a lot of talk about Bobby Wagner being washed. He might not be the same impact player he was in his prime, but he's a leader and someone who will help everyone on the defense. Wagner also led the NFL in tackles last season (183), so let's relax on the washed-up talk.
Meanwhile, Frankie Luvu is in his prime. Luvu has broken out in his last two seasons and gives the Commanders a linebacker who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Jamin Davis is an athlete. He's improved drastically since being moved off the middle linebacker position and getting to use his speed and athleticism to just be a disrupter. With two good linebackers around him, Davis could shine in 2024.
Backups: Jordan Magee, Mykal Walker, Anthony Pittman
Jordan Magee was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite not being an early-round selection, Magee seems to be making good impressions and could factor in this season.
Mykal Walker had a massive year in 2022. However, he appeared in just eight games last year and saw his production drop. Walker is a great backup, though. If he stays healthy and returns to form, Washington's depth is incredible.
Others in line: Anthony Pittman, Bo Bauer, Keandre Jones
Anthony Pittman and Keandre Jones have barely played in their careers. Neither is going to get the fans excited, but they are deep-depth pieces with some NFL experience.
Bo Bauer is an undrafted free agent who will be looking to impress this preseason and create a roster spot for himself.
Washington Commanders Cornerbacks
The cornerback position hasn't been extremely kind to the Washington Commanders since Champ Bailey was traded. There are some players, but as a whole, the unit hasn't been a strength.
That could be the case again this year, but at least a lot of young talent can start to turn things around for the position.
Starters: Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes, Mike Sainristil
Benjamin St-Juste has proven he's up to the task of covering the opposing team's top targets. Things don't always go perfectly, but the Commanders could do a lot worse than St-Juste. He needs to be a little less physical (too many penalties).
Emmanuel Forbes didn't have a good rookie year. The first-round draft pick has added muscle and has been aggressive during camp, impressing coaches. There's no reason to believe he won't improve in 2024.
Mike Sainristil was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's a perfect slot cornerback with great ball skills and fun athleticism. Washington will likely have no regrets about this selection.
Backups: Michael Davis, Christian Holmes, James Pierre, Noah Igbinoghene
Michael Davis is a seasoned veteran who has proven he can hang in the NFL. A great backup, Davis can step in if someone is hurt or one of the younger guys is struggling.
No one else here brings much excitement. Mainly unproven talent who would love a chance to showcase their skills given the opportunity.
Others in line: Tariq Castro-Fields, Kyu Blu Kelly, AJ Woods, Nick Whiteside, Chigozie Anusiem
Nick Whiteside and Chigozie Anusiem are undrafted free agents who will be fighting for a final spot. Tariq Castro-Fields and AJ Woods have appeared in a few games, so that's at least something to their advantage.
Kyu Blu Kelly has also appeared in a few games. He has one of the best names in football, which is the real story here.
Washington Commanders Safeties
The Washington Commanders have an exciting safety group. There's a good mixture of talent, youth, veterans, and playmakers.
Starters: Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Chinn
Darrick Forrest emerged in 2022 as a legitimate safety for the Commanders. He was a big hitter, a ball hawk, and a solid tackler. However, he only appeared in five games in 2023 due to injury. That halted his momentum.
Forrest is back in 2024 and should remind everyone of the excitement he brought in 2022. This will be a massive return for Washington, who had some issues with their secondary last year.
Jeremy Chinn is a new addition from this offseason. The former Carolina Panther had massive seasons to start his career in 2020 and 2021. However, his 2022 and 2023 seasons were largely disappointing.
The Commanders are hoping a change of scenery can bring back some of that magic.
Backups: Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler
Quan Martin could be a special talent. We saw glimpses of that last season. In his rookie campaign, Martin was one of the true playmakers on Washington's defense. Given a year to grow, this could be fun.
Jeremy Reaves didn't play much in 2023 but showed in 2022 that he can be an adequate defensive back if needed.
Percy Butler is fast. He also enjoyed an impressive second season. If the Commanders need to rely on him, we could see a decent breakout campaign.
Others in line: Dominique Hampton, Tyler Owens, Ben Nikkel
Ben Nikkel and Tyler Owens are undrafted rookies. They already have an uphill battle if they want to make the roster, and now they have to compete with each other as well.
Dominique Hampton was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has the athleticism, size, speed, and tackling ability to contribute right away. Hopefully, the Commanders won't need him to, though.
Washington Commanders Special Teams
The Washington Commanders have had one of the best punters in the NFL for a long time. However, the rest of their special teams aren't winning any awards. How do they look this year?
Kicker: Ramiz Ahmed, Riley Patterson
The Commanders ran into issues with their scheduled kicker and are now down to Ramiz Ahmed (who has never actually kicked a field goal or extra point in an NFL game) or Riley Patterson (59-for-67).
Hopefully, Washington can finally find a true long-term option.
Punter: Tress Way
Tress Way has been the MVP of this team for years now. With a miserable offense and not always a good defense, his ability to flip field position has kept Washington from some truly pathetic efforts. Way deserves a statue at this point.
Long snapper: Tyler Ott
Washington signed Tyler Ott to a three-year deal this offseason. The good news is, he has to be an improvement over their production at the position the last few seasons.
Return specialists: Jamison Crowder, Chris Rodriguez, Kazmeir Allen
Jamison Crowder is Washington's punt returner. He's not going to break big plays often, but he's safe and won't do anything dumb.
No other spot feels locked down yet. Emmanuel Forbes is likely out of the talks. Chris Rodriguez and Kazmeir Allen both could get looks as the kick returner.
Washington Commanders Coaching Staff and Schemes
The Washington Commanders have a brand new coaching staff. Dan Quinn is the head coach, Kliff Kingsbury is the offensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr. is the defensive coordinator, and Larry Izzo is the special teams coordinator.
Apologies to the other coaches, but if I listed each position coach, we'd be here forever.
It appears the Commanders will be running the ball more under Kliff Kingsbury. That makes sense to keep pressure off of their rookie quarterback. Expect a lot of quick passes and some chances for Jayden Daniels to use his legs.
This also means that Brian Robinson will likely get a lot of snaps as he gets to tote the rock early and often. A heavier emphasis on the run could mean we see more John Bates at tight end. Meanwhile, the offensive linemen would benefit from excelling at running blocking if they want to keep their starting spots.
Defensively, the Commanders seem to have shored up their run defense. They've focused on getting sure-tackling linebackers and run-stuffing defensive linemen. Meanwhile, the secondary can try to capitalize on mistakes by the quarterback.
Remember, Emmanuel Forbes was seen as a ball hawk when he was drafted. Mike Sainristil has that label, too. Those two could create a lot of turnovers for Washington.
Players like Jeremy Chinn and Darrick Forrest should get a chance to thrive in this defense. They will be allowed to fly around the field more and disrupt things with their athleticism and big-hit ability.
Having Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in the middle of the field will allow players like Chinn and Forrest to take more risks. The talented veteran linebacker duo feels like a perfect fit for what Quinn and Whitt Jr. want.
The Washington Commanders have done a great job of finding the right coaches and allowing them to fill the roster with the talent that best fits those schemes.