The Commanders receiver corps obviously got better with the Stefon Diggs acquisition. The veteran is a top-tier route runner and a steady producer with a long track record of success. While he’s 32 years old, Diggs can still move and make important catches in the clutch.
Head coach Dan Quinn has established a competitive Commanders training camp, but it’s safe to say Diggs will eventually slot into the No. 2 receiver slot opposite Terry McLaurin. He’s expected play significant time and get targeted
a ton, even though he may not be a true every-down player after playing 55% of the offensive snaps in New England last season.
He’ll also impact his position group just by joining it. A roster spot just got harder to earn at the position with Terry McLaurin, Diggs and third-round pick Antonio Williams as roster locks. Jaylin Lane’s punt-return ability makes him darn-close to one, with maybe two more roster spots available. Fierce battles will be waged for those, among talented individuals.
A few thoughts on how the Diggs addition might impact the receiver corps.
Terry McLaurin
Terry will remain scary while continuing to move around the formation as new coordinator David Blough always intended. McLaurin is the alpha around here, on a long-term deal and one of the longest-tenured players on the Commanders roster. He also has an even-keeled leadership vibe that will hold his position group together and help it improve with all the extra behind-the-scenes work he does.
None of that will change with Diggs around. The new guy commands respect and should keep defenses from focusing too heavily on McLaurin. That’s nothing but a positive for the veteran, who could be in for a monster year.
Antonio Williams
Having a savvy veteran who’s next-level creating separation should help a young rookie adept in his own right at creating separation. It should actually be a huge help in his development.
Toss out those thoughts of Diggs impeding Williams’ progress. This will allow the third-round pick to develop without the pressure of having to be a primary target early in his first professional season. Trust me, if Williams gets open a ton and builds trust, quarterback Jayden Daniels will throw him the football.
While Williams has experience and college production playing in the slot, he could move around a bunch like Diggs and McLaurin.
Jaylin Lane/Luke McCaffrey
These young guys have speed and have flashed potential as NFL playmakers. Both guys can take the top off a defense and at least expand a coverage area to create room for others. Development will be key for both players this summer, as they work to earn opportunities and provide the quality depth most good teams possess. Injuries happen, and the Commanders must be ready for them.
Treylon Burks
The Diggs signing might’ve impacted the fifth-year veteran the most. Treylon Burks was in the conversation to be Washington’s No. 2 receiver, with a shot to be a heavily-involved on-field presence. That seems unlikely now, if the top receivers stay healthy. Burks still has a lot to offer in terms of size and physicality in the pattern, but a large sum of targets potentially available to him might be gone now.
He can earn a role on the team with a solid summer, but he has more of an uphill battle to that end than he did on Tuesday.
Dyami Brown
Head coach Dan Quinn was complimentary of Brown on Wednesday morning, saying how much better he looks in this second stint in Washington. He has solid chemistry with Daniels, which puts him in serious play for a roster spot. Realistic expectations around his involvement certainly dropped on Wednesday, though.
Everything we just discussed is projection, though, with much of training camp and the preseason to sort things out now that Diggs is a Commander.
A way-too-early WR roster projection:
- Terry McLaurin
- Stefon Diggs
- Antonio Williams
- Jaylin Lane
- Luke McCaffrey
- Treylon Burks
*NOTE: I have a tough time seeing seven receivers make the 53-man roster, even with two returners in the position group. There are too many other depth needs in other spots. I also think Burks could make it over Dyami Brown because he’s a big dude and his physical, contested-catch ability could be useful within this group, but it’s a toss-up. Lane and McCaffrey provide speed. Burks and Brown will battle it out, forcing coaches to make a tough decision on the sixth receiver.
What do you think of this receiver roster projection? Who’s impacted most by the Diggs signing? Who’s helped by it? Let everyone know in the comments below.
