ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders open the 2023 NFL regular season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 10 at FedEx Field.
The Commanders' roster includes a group of defensive linemen that should rank among the NFL's best -- if defensive end Chase Young returns to his rookie form. They have not abandoned a desire to keep him longterm, but he must play better. Their defense could rank among the best, particularly if rookie first-round corner Emmanuel Forbes intercepts passes the way he did at Mississippi State.
But there are questions about two key areas on offense: the line and quarterback, where Sam Howell enters camp as the starter. Another focal point: how new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy use his skill talent, namely Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson -- two playmakers.
Here is the 53-man projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett
Ron Rivera has consistently said Howell would earn the first shot at the starting job, but still needs to earn it for the season. They liked his progress during the spring so he further cemented his hold on the job. But Brissett also progressed in a new offense for him and provides excellent insurance. Washington likely will keep a third quarterback on the practice squad, whether it's Jake Fromm or Tim DeMorat.
RUNNING BACK (3): Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Robinson will be the main runner with Gibson serving as a versatile back, capable of playing every down because of his pass-catching skills. Rodriguez, for now, will be a power runner but they hope he develops as a receiver. Jonathan Williams would be the tough cut; he would provide insurance. Jaret Patterson could be kept around on the practice squad; it'll be interesting to see if they make room for a fullback.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown, Marcus Kemp, Dax Milne
There's a solid dropoff after the top three wideouts. Brown, a third-round pick in 2021, needs to make more of an impact but the coaches are hopeful the scheme will help feature his speed more. McLaurin is a top wideout; Samuel needs a big season. Dotson could break out with his quickness and route-running skills. Kazmeir Allen could earn a spot as a punt returner if Milne disappoints. Kemp provides needed size.
TIGHT END (4): Logan Thomas, John Bates, Cole Turner, Curtis Hodges
With Thomas another year removed from a torn ACL in his left knee, Washington's coaches remain optimistic he can again provide a lot of help -- especially in the red zone. Turner looked terrific last summer until a hamstring injury slowed him and impacted his season. Hodges will be the key; the 2022 undrafted free agent spent last season on injured reserve with a thigh injury, but he's versatile and could help them.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Charles Leno Jr., Saahdiq Charles, Nick Gates, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie, Cornelius Lucas, Tyler Larsen, Ricky Stromberg, Chris Paul, Braeden Daniels
Washington could keep nine linemen, but that would leave them with several inexperienced backups. They have new starters at four positions -- they should be an improved front, but how long will it take them to mesh? Gates and Wylie were key free agent signings and Cosmi shifted from right tackle to right guard. Larsen adds center depth with the ability to play guard. Stromberg (third round) and Daniels (fourth round) are rookies.
DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Chase Young, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Phidarian Mathis, John Ridgeway, Efe Obada, KJ Henry
Washington has a strong starting group as well as quality depth -- provided Mathis, a second-round pick in 2022, develops inside one year after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. Young must return to his 2020 form when he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors; if that happens this defense will be among the best. Washington will find a way to keep rookie Andre Jones Jr., around to develop as a pass-rusher.
LINEBACKER (5): Jamin Davis, Cody Barton, Khaleke Hudson, David Mayo, Milo Eifler
The Commanders did not adequately address a lack of depth, though they use a lot of packages where a safety will play a linebacker role. Also, they like how Hudson finished 2022 and that he had a good spring -- he could provide the depth. Barton replaces Cole Holcomb, who signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. Davis improved in 2022, but must ascend higher in his third season, particularly behind one of the NFL's top lines.
CORNERBACK (5): Benjamin St-Juste, Kendall Fuller, Emmanuel Forbes, Danny Johnson, Christian Holmes
Washington drafted Forbes at No. 16 because of his ability to create turnovers; he also provides more depth at a position that needed more help. The Commanders like him on the outside, which means in a three-corner set St-Juste likely would play the slot -- like he did last season. Rachad Wildgoose could factor here as a slot corner if they want to keep six -- or if he beats out Holmes or Johnson.
SAFETY (5): Kamren Curl, Jartavius "Quan" Martin, Percy Butler, Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Reaves
Washington has a young, versatile and smart safety group. Curl can play multiple spots, including their hybrid safety/linebacker role when needed. Martin can cover in the slot and also play that hybrid role, giving Curl a break. Butler is more of a true free safety while Forrest provides physical play. Reaves, a special teams standout, can help anywhere when needed.
SPECIALISTS (3): P Tress Way, K Joey Slye, LS Camaron Cheeseman
Way, coming off his second Pro Bowl berth, remains one of the league's best punters. In the last five seasons, Way is ninth in average, fifth in net yards and second in punts inside the 20. Slye has a strong leg but needs to be more consistent. He ranked 23rd in field goal percentage among kickers with at least 20 attempts and was 29th in extra points among those with at least 20 attempts.