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Commanders 53-man roster prediction features tough decisions

Washington Commanders graphics
Washington Commanders graphics

The Commanders have some big decisions to make over the next month, so let's predict what that could look like in our latest projection.

The Washington Commanders are getting ready for training camp. It's the last even to check off before we actually see the Commanders on the field again.

We've learned quite a bit about this roster so far this offseason, and we'll undoubtedly learn even more during camp. For the most part, we know what the final roster will look like, but obviously there are some spots at the bottom that are up for grabs.

Today, let's go over what the final 53-man roster could look like for the Commanders. Let's see how it compares to our last version.

QBs (3)

  • Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Athan Kaliakmanis

Daniels and Mariota are obviously locks, but it will be interesting to see the team's decision on QB3. Kaliakmanis outperformed Sam Hartman in the offseason, so if the team keeps three, it looks like it'll be the rookie's job. The team could be worried about losing Kaliakmanis on waivers, plus the injury histories of Daniels and Mariota make a third QB necessary.

RBs (4)

  • Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols

The running back room seems pretty unsettled. Croskey-Merritt had some nice moments as a rookie, and White was a nice addition in free agency. Allen is a rookie who has his share of believers as well, and these first three are locks. If the team keeps four, they'll likely want it to be a special teams guy or pass-catcher. This makes me think it will be McNichols over Jerome Ford.

WRs (6)

  • Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane

This definitely isn't the deepest group on the team, but that doesn't mean it can't be better than we expect. I think Burks is the only one of these six who isn't a lock. Burks is hoping to hold off Van Jefferson, who impressed this spring. Ultimately, I think Burks' youth and potential upside give him the upper hand.

TEs (3)

  • Chig Okonkwo, Ben Sinnott, John Bates

Okonkwo is the new starter, and he should be a reliable target for Daniels. The Commanders are hoping Sinnott can take a step forward in 2026, and Bates is one of the best blocking tight ends. Colson Yankoff could make the team, but I'd rather use that spot somewhere else.

OL (9)

  • Laremy Tunsil, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, Matt Gulbin, Trent Scott

The line seems almost completely set. Allegretti is the favorite to land the center spot over Gulbin, but Gulbin should at least be the primary backup as a rookie. Scott makes the team for another year as a decent backup, and Wylie and Coleman provide outstanding depth and versatility.

DL (5)

  • Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle Jr., Johnny Newton, D.J. Davidson

The first four here are locks, meaning there's likely only one spot available. I'm going with Davidson for now, who came over this offseason after four years with the New York Giants. I don't feel comfortable keeping just one backup on the interior, so Davidson has a real shot.

EDGE (5)

  • Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Joshua Josephs, Charles Omenihu

Oweh and Chaisson were big additions this offseason and have looked the part so far. Armstrong was very good before suffering a serious injury, and he should play a big role again in 2026. Omenihu is a reliable veteran while Josephs is an intriguing rookie.

LBs (5)

  • Frankie Luvu, Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Nick Bellore

This might be the most improved group on the team. Luvu, Styles, and Chenal should all play big roles. Magee is a solid depth option, while Bellore is strictly a special teams ace. This group seems set to me.

CBs (5)

  • Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon, Rasul Douglas

Amos and Sainristil will be the boundary corners, while Robertson will be the nickel. Witherspoon and Douglas are solid veteran depth options. Don't count out Darius Rush, who could make it with a strong camp and preseason.

 Safeties (5)

  • Nick Cross, Will Harris, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens

Cross and Harris should be the starters, while Martin and Owens provide value due to their ability to play nickel. Reaves isn't going anywhere either as an elite special teamer and locker room presence. The final spot is likely between Tyler Owens and Percy Butler, but Owens clearly has more upside.

Specialists (3)

  • K Jake Moody, P Tress Way, LS Tyler Ott

Way and Ott are locks, but the kicker battle will go down to the wire. For now, I'll stick with Moody, but UDFA Drew Stevens could definitely win the job.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 53-man roster prediction features tough decisions

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