With just one remaining preseason game left to play, coaches are going to have some tough decisions to make as to who will round out the Commanders 53-man roster.
There are still some very tight position battles going on, including QB3, WR5-6, RB3-4, center, safety and the final cornerbacks.
There may be plenty to glean from this week’s joint practice with the Ravens, so that may be even bigger than the game itself in determining the final roster.
Below is my 53-man roster projections following preseason
Week 2, with some notes and some potential practice squad candidates.
Offense
QB (3):
- Jayden Daniels
- Marcus Mariota
- Athan Kaliakmanis
Athan Kaliakmanis has shown me enough to feel comfortable letting Sam Hartman get an early start on his modeling career.
RB (4):
- Bill Croskey-Merritt
- Rachaad White
- Kaytron Allen
- Jeremy McNichols
The top three guys here are set. What has yet to be determined is how bad Jeremy McNichols ‘soft-tissue injury is. If his injury is more severe and prevents him from starting the season, a move to injured reserve could be in the cards opening the way for Robert Henry Jr.
WR (6):
- Terry McLaurin
- Stephon Diggs
- Antonio Williams
- Treylon Burks
- Luke McCaffrey
- Jaylin Lane
This is a tough one. Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams are all roster locks. Both Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey have special teams value where Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson really don’t. That’s why I have both making it over Dyami. If it were me making the decision, I would probably have Brown in over Lane, but I feel GM Adam Peters won’t want to give up on Jaylin that quickly.
TE (4):
- Chig Okonkwo
- John Bates
- Ben Sinnott
- Colson Yankoff
This group has the potential to be sneaky-good. If Ben Sinnott can find his way as more of a receiving threat, this unit should flourish in David Blough’s offense.
OL (9):
- Brandon Coleman
- Josh Conerly
- Trent Scott
- Andrew Wylie
- Sam Cosmi
- Chris Paul
- Nick Allegretti
- Matt Gulbin
- Julian Good-Jones
I do not think this one is over. Julian Good-Jones is only on here until Peters can either swing a trade for a veteran center, sign a free agent or claim one who is released on cut-down day. I’m not at all comfortable with either Trent Scott or Andrew Wylie coming into the game should something happen to Brandon Coleman or Josh Conerly, so I’d have a close eye on cuts at tackle too.
Defense
DL (5):
- Daron Payne
- Javon Kinlaw
- Tim Settle
- Charles Omenihu
- Shy Tuttle
The versatility of this group is what stands out. Each player can play multiple techniques in Daronte Jones’ new defense. There is a case to be made for Ricky Barber, but I have Shy Tuttle getting the nod over him.
EDGE (5):
- Odafe Oweh
- K’Lavon Chaisson
- Dorance Armstrong
- Joshua Josephs
- Javontae Jean-Baptiste
This is a young, fast, explosive group with great upside. Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson are both great athletes who can rush the passer and even drop into coverage when asked. Joshua Josephs boasts great length and developmental upside as a rookie. There is also a good chance we’ll see Leo Chenal walked up here in the under front.
LB (4):
- Sonny Styles
- Leo Chenal
- Frankie Luvu
- Jordan Magee
I was originally going to go with five linebackers, but I see Jones using Tyler Owens as the Big Nickel a lot, so he fills this hole. This may sound like the staff is giving up on 2025 draft pick Kain Medrano, but I feel he may benefit from some time on the practice squad.
CB (5):
- Amik Robertson
- Mike Sainristil
- Trey Amos
- Rasul Douglas
- Fabian Moreau
I have Fabian Moreau as my final corner, making the team over the likes of Antonio Hamilton, Car’lin Vigers and Fred Davis II because of his familiarity with Jones secondary during his time with Minnesota.
S (5):
- Nick Cross
- Quan Martin
- Jeremy Reaves
- Tyler Owens
- Percy Butler
In a bit of a surprise, I have Will Harris getting cut. The big decision I have is between Percy Butler and Malik Spencer. I think there is a better shot of sneaking Spencer on the practice squad, so I have Butler making the 53.
Special Teams
- K Drew Stevens
- P Tress Way
- LS Tyler Ott
Practice Squad Candidates
- Robert Henry Jr. (RB)
- Jaden Bradley (WR)
- Jacoby Jones (WR)
- Lawrence Cager (TE)
- Trey Hill (C)
- Tanoa Togiai (G)
- Nicholas Petite-Frere (T)
- T.J. Maguranyanga (EDGE)
- Ricky Barber (DT)
- Jeffrey M’ba (DT)
- Kain Medrano (LB)
- Ale Kaho (LB)
- Fred Davis (CB)
- Car’lin Viggers (CB)
- Malik Spencer (S)
- Qwuantrezz Knight (S)
