Coachspeak is prevalent across the NFL. No wonder outsiders may tune out standard messages about offseason competitions, especially when the majority of roster and lineup decisions seem apparent. However, there are times when the statement comes closer to reality. That’s the case with the 2024 Washington Commanders.
“It’s all about our competition,” coach Dan Quinn said during the offseason program. “We want it at every position, and it’s really the central theme in what we do.”
That answer, in response to a question about helping 2023 first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. rebound after a trying rookie season, sounds generic. We get the concept of an organization not wanting players, from stars to long shots, assuming anything about the final 53-man makeup or who plays with the first team. The intrigue this time is that neither Quinn nor general manager Adam Peters has ties to Washington’s past amid recalibrating the team’s future.
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While treating player evaluations fairly is expected, neither Quinn nor Peters is burdened with hoping inherited players will contribute at levels that match previous investments. The same mindset broadly applies to some of the 20-plus free agents who signed one-year contracts since the regime overhaul. After weeks of organized team activities and minicamp, everyone involved should better understand one another. In many cases, the period of discovery is far from over.
These variables make a 53-player projection borderline crazy from an accuracy perspective. The value in the following exercise is recognizing which competitions are real, and why assuming some familiar names are safe is unwise. Over half of the 2023 roster is gone. More will join them.
First up, the offense.
Quarterback (3)
Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman
Others — Jeff Driskel
What to watch: Daniels’ development is the story. The competition for Week 1 starter isn’t. Quinn will maintain lineup battle talk. There’s a daily progression coaches have planned for the rookie, yet it’s clear the dual-threat talent is the clubhouse leader to be QB1 thanks to his sizzling potential and Mariota’s limitations.
The No. 2 pick in April’s draft said after a sweltering practice earlier this month that he isn’t sweating sky-high expectations.
“Nah, not at all. I’m just out here, just doing my job,” Daniels said. “How can I help the team get better each and every day? That’s what I’m focused on. I’m focused on learning, focused on going out here and keep competing every day and having fun, bringing that energy and that joy and that competitiveness to the team, which DQ and (the coaches) preach all the time. We want to compete in everything that we do.”
GO DEEPER
Jayden Daniels proving to Commanders teammates ‘he’s not afraid to get that work in’
Training camp and joint practices against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are next. The hype will be next-level if the reports and commentary maintain their current glow after those appearances.
Hartman receiving a $225,000 base salary with a $20,000 signing bonus suggests Washington sees the undrafted free agent from Notre Dame and Wake Forest as part of its future. Hoping he turns into a future backup should trump Driskel’s experience (12 NFL starts) for the third spot.
Running back (3)
Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Others — Jeremy McNichols, Austin Jones, Michael Wiley
It’s too early to dub Robinson and Ekeler a modern version of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, but that’s how the setup appears.
Robinson is due for more rushing touchdowns (seven in 27 career games). His new offensive coordinator’s play-calling history suggests that should happen. Kliff Kingsbury’s primary running backs with the Arizona Cardinals — Kenyan Drake and James Conner — combined for 40 rushing scores from 2019 to 2022, even with a touchdown vulture threat (Kyler Murray) similar to Daniels.
How much Ekeler eats into Robinson’s usage depends on how the veteran, who has over 1,400 career touches, holds up physically. The ex-Los Angeles Charger averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season following a Week 1 ankle injury. Ekeler offers Daniels a viable safety valve capable of turning a swing pass into a chain-moving reception. Projecting eight to 12 touches per game seems fair for now. Anything close to his 2021 and 2022 production — Ekeler led the league in touchdowns each season — would be a massive bonus.
The rugged Rodriguez as RB3/Robinson’s backup is logical. However, the second-year back entered camp needing to drop some weight, which he picked up after his late-season ankle injury. He also was not a leading participant in kick returner work even though his size and speed seem ideal for the expected congestion caused by the new rules.
Wiley or Jones, who was part of USC’s 2023 squad with Kingsbury on staff, could wiggle into roster discussion. McNichols, a six-year veteran who hasn’t received an offensive touch since 2021, provides training camp experience.
Wide receiver (6)
Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder
Others — Dax Milne, Mitchell Tinsley, Kazmeir Allen, Damiere Byrd, Brycen Tremayne, Davion Davis, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
The first three are locks, and Zaccheaus probably adds that distinction over time.
Brown made a few splashy plays in the OTA and minicamp periods, but the lack of production over three regular seasons can’t be ignored. The same goes for the previous staff putting the 2025 free agent on the trade block. Tinsley earned a 2023 roster spot as an undrafted free agent but was only active for two games.
Neither Crowder nor Milne distinguished themselves as Washington’s primary punt returner the past two years, and the coaches looked at numerous potential kick and punt returners this summer. Allen’s returner flash kept him on the practice squad last year. Tremayne’s height (6 foot-3) and hands combination make him attractive in a room where only one player (McCaffrey) is listed above 6-foot-1. Byrd has 130 career receptions, but it seems unlikely Washington would keep him and fellow undersized receiver Zaccheaus.
GO DEEPER
For Commanders’ Terry McLaurin, this offseason feels like the start of something special
Tight end (4)
Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Armani Rogers
Others — Cole Turner, Colson Yankoff
The fourth tight end doubled as my final roster decision. That’s not to say Rogers isn’t intriguing. We saw the college quarterback-turned-tight end impress to make the 2022 roster. Hopes for second-year growth were dashed when Rogers tore his Achilles during the offseason program. He’s back to face Turner and Yankoff for a spot if Washington keeps a fourth tight end over a 10th offensive lineman, extra defender or special teams contributor.
Ertz, 33, showed more speed than expected in practices. Injuries are more concerning than the three-time Pro Bowler’s remaining talent. Sinnott’s versatility, hands and agility could mean three tight ends on the active side are enough. However, Sinnott might ultimately be more H-back or fullback than tight end, yet another reason to keep a fourth.
🎙️Fun fact: I chatted last week with @SethWalder about the makeup of the Commanders’ analytics dept and potential changes. Good day to drop this conversation. Also: offseason moves, Jayden Daniels, value in the Sweat trade, receivers seeking open space. https://t.co/22HelyHOEw
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 25, 2024
Offensive line (9)
Tackles — Cornelius Lucas, Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott
Center/Guard — Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Michael Deiter, Ricky Stromberg
Others — Braeden Daniels, Alex Akingbulu, David Nwaogwugwu, Chris Paul, Mason Brooks, Julian Good-Jones
Nothing written here will alleviate long-standing concerns about this unit’s capability to protect Daniels, and no-touching-the-quarterback rules will apply in training camp. However, the nature of this analysis doesn’t allow for waiting.
The interior will be better this season with Biadasz and likely Allegretti joining Cosmi. That’s key when two impressive defensive tackles — Dexter Lawrence and Jalen Carter — are in the division, and another high-ranking force (Vita Vea) looms in the season opener at Tampa Bay. Daniels’ mobility offers a better chance to break containment from the outside if the pocket constantly collapses.
The left tackle remains the main worry. Lucas should be solid for the opening three to six weeks. Diminishing returns may follow. That timeframe provides the athletically gifted Coleman with a chance to develop. Based on minicamp usage, the third-round pick could start earlier.
Many want a free-agent signing, but the thin market means finding a better option than Scott is arguably the most realistic scenario unless two-time Super Bowl champion Donovan Smith shows up or the Commanders reunite Kingsbury and D.J. Humphries while the ex-Cardinal recovers from an ACL tear.
Oddly, the depth chart seems nearly locked. One case worth watching involves Stromberg, last year’s third-round pick. The natural center who took reps at guard before a knee injury ended his rookie year is no roster lock. Deiter is capable at all interior spots, and Paul started seven games at left guard in 2023. Braeden Daniels, a 2023 fourth-round selection, faces an uphill climb to stick.
(Photo of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson: Rich Barnes / USA Today)
