ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders open the 2024 regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8 at Raymond James Stadium.
It's likely more than 50% of the players on the roster will be newcomers. Washington has multiple high draft picks from the previous several years who could be in trouble because they haven't proven themselves. If they no longer fit, the Commanders would be wise to shop some of them, whether it's linebacker Jamin Davis, working as an edge rusher, or defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, who hasn't made an impact. Adding veteran leadership was a major priority, which is why players such as linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler were signed.
Here is a 53-man roster projection as the Commanders open training camp.
QUARTERBACKS (2): Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
Whenever Daniels becomes the starter -- whether it's on day one of camp or Week 2 of the season -- he'll stay there for a while. Mariota is the insurance policy whose style would not warrant much change in the style of the offense. Either Sam Hartman or Jeff Driskel, the other quarterbacks entering camp, could be kept on the practice squad.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Brian Robinson Jr, Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols
Robinson probably will receive the bulk of the carries, but he has shown he can catch as well. Ekeler will be the third-down back but has been an effective runner throughout his career. Rodriguez showed flashes as a rookie in 2023, especially his power running. McNichols, with his 10th franchise since entering the league in 2017, had a good spring. It's possible they open with three backs, keeping a couple on the practice squad.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, Jamison Crowder
Beyond McLaurin there are question marks. Dotson needs to become a strong second option; McCaffrey, a rookie, converted from quarterback two years ago. Crowder is a respected punt returner, and this staff values the veteran leadership he provides. Brown's speed makes him valuable, but he needs to produce. Kazmeir Allen is another to watch for his return ability and potential in the slot and others such as Brycen Tremayne will have a shot at a sixth spot.
TIGHT ENDS (4): Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates, Cole Turner
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury wants to use a lot of two tight end sets, so expect the rookie Sinnott to receive plenty of time alongside Ertz. Bates serves as a solid blocker. Turner, entering his third season, has yet to establish himself and will be challenged by Armani Rogers and Colson Yankoff.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Brandon Coleman, Cornelius Lucas, Chris Paul, Michael Deiter, Trent Scott
Washington's line faces numerous questions, including: Who will start at left tackle? Coleman, a rookie third-round pick, and Lucas will compete along with Trent Scott. Biadasz and Allegretti strengthen the interior alongside Cosmi. The big key: center Ricky Stromberg's recovery from his dislocated knee injury. If fully recovered, he warrants a spot but if not then Scott -- or Mason Brooks -- could benefit. We'll opt for Scott to add tackle depth if Wylie struggles again.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., Jer'Zhan Newton, John Ridgeway III, Efe Obada, KJ Henry
It's a revamped line, but the mainstays remain: Payne and Allen. Armstrong and Ferrell will start at ends; they're not dynamic but are effective. Phidarian Mathis, a second-round pick in 2022, is the surprise cut here, but this regime has zero loyalty to anyone and he must prove himself if he wants a spot. Obada, recovering from multiple leg fractures, is in a precarious spot; Andre Jones Jr. could get the nod over him.
LINEBACKERS (6): Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Jordan Magee, Anthony Pittman, Mykal Walker
Wagner might not be the player he once was, but he'll still help Washington -- as a player and a leader. Luvu's pass-rush ability will be a big plus. Davis spent a good part of the spring working as a pass-rushing edge so look for that to continue this summer; it'll be interesting to see what happens if he doesn't develop in this area. Magee, a rookie fifth-round pick, stood out in the spring.
CORNERBACKS (5): Benjamin St-Juste, Mike Davis, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene.
Washington has all sorts of questions at this position. Forbes and St-Juste both struggled last season -- Forbes was benched. Davis and Igbinoghene were signed to provide competition, and Sainristil was drafted to play in the slot. Quinn has typically kept six corners so if that holds true then James Pierre would get a spot and the team might opt for only five linebackers. Others who impressed in the spring include undrafted rookie Chigozie Anusiem.
SAFETIES (5): Jeremy Chinn, Quan Martin, Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Reaves, Dominique Hampton
Chinn, a free-agent signee, and Martin, who can also cover in the slot, likely will start and Forrest could be the third safety. Hampton, a fifth-round pick, offers size and an ability to play in the box -- similar to Chinn. Percy Butler, a 2021 fourth-round pick, would be the odd man out in this scenario. His speed and special teams play makes him intriguing though. Reaves' special teams ability and leadership earns him a spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3): Tress Way, Tyler Ott, Ramiz Ahmed
Way and Ott will make the roster, but Ahmed is just a placeholder for now. He was signed because Washington had to cut Brandon McManus, who is being sued for sexual assault. Unless Ahmed wows in camp, look for the Commanders to sign a kicker around the time of final cuts.