Commanders’ 53-man roster projection: RB, DL positions bright spots

secret secret of washington commanders Are they really not a bad team? Despite their mediocre records over the past few years, there is a lot of talent on the roster.

However, what they don’t have much of is depth.

This could lead to some very interesting decisions as Ron Rivera and General Manager Martin Mayhew trim their rosters from 90 to 53 next week. He has a few positions where he will need the extra body. And there are some positions where they clearly don’t have enough.

A lot could change in their preseason finale against Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night. But for now, here’s a look at the Commanders’ projected Final 53:

Quarterback (2): Sam Howell, Jacoby Brisset

There was no real play at the position until Howell showed competency this summer, which he clearly did. And Brissett has long been established as Howell’s backup and insurance policy. It appears the Commanders like Jake Fromm, a former fifth-rounder on their third team in three seasons. Do they like him enough to use a roster spot on him? They kept three quarterbacks last year – Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Howell – for obvious reasons: They weren’t going to forgive Howell. This year maybe there is no need to be so protective. The waiver is unlikely to be claimed from Froome. They could possibly bring him back for the practice squad.

Running Back (4): Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Jonathan Williamschris rodriguez

The top two sets are and will be key parts of the offense. Rodriguez, a sixth-round rookie, has impressed offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy this summer and is likely to find a role on the offensive end at some point. Williams likely ready to be pushed during training camp, especially if former Chiefs derrick gore Showed a little more. But Rivera likes Williams, who is strong and quick and can be relied upon when needed.

Wide receivers (7): Terry McLaurin, jahan dotson, Curtis SamuelDynami Brown, daz milne, Kazmir Allen, Byron Pringle

This is a difficult position to handicap because only the first four on the list are actually sets. Plus, with McLaurin now dealing with a turf toe and with the Commanders holding their breath that he’ll be ready for the opener, they may need to keep a seventh receiver. Shifty Allen, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, looks like he’ll be a punt returner. This could make Milne expensive, although he could be a solid receiver. Pringle spent four years with Binomi in Kansas City, giving him importance. Tinsley, an undrafted rookie out of Penn State who has impressed in practice, could potentially join the practice squad.

Tight ends (3): logan thomas, cole turner, john bates

There are definite issues with the 32-year-old Thomas, who has missed most of the summer due to a calf injury. Unless it’s more serious than he expected, he’ll make the final roster. But if it is a long-standing issue, they may have to put a stop to more than three issues. This will open things up for experienced people Alex ArmahA versatile fullback/tight end/H-back who can add some interesting stuff to the offense in a very limited capacity.

Offensive Line (10): charles leno, Sadiq Charles, nick gates, Sam Cosmee, Andrew Wylie, cornelius lucas, tyler larson, Ricky Stromberg, chris paul, braden daniels

This unit has been in dire straits, there are injury concerns, and they have a lot of questions about their starting players, which almost certainly means they’ll keep 10 so they have a full arsenal of backups. If anyone’s job is in jeopardy, it could be the 32-year-old Larsen’s if the coaches choose to go with one of the younger kids or if they feel more comfortable with the veteran guard. Aaron Monteiro, However, that seems unlikely, especially considering Larsen’s ability to play center and the Commanders’ need for depth at that position.

Defensive Line (10): Montez Sweat, chase young, Jonathan Allen, daron payne, john ridgeway, federian mathis, James Smith-Williams, efe obadaKJHenry, Andre Jones

They are very deep here and they are determined to retain rookies like Henry and Jones, which means there are probably very few roster spots available on the line. In fact, there may be only one spot that is truly available, in a battle that could come down to 31-year-old Obada and 27-year-old Twohill. Give Obada the edge in both his experience and production. He had four sacks last year and the coaches know he can help in a reserve or rotational role.

Linebackers (4): jamin davis, cody barton, khalee hudson, david mayo

These four are probably a lock and given the way the Commanders plan their defense and the way they use a third linebacker, it’s hard to imagine the Commanders going fifth. if they keep a fifth it’s probably Milo Effler, which can also help special teams. The coaches seem to be liking Hudson’s improvement so Efler probably won’t push him out of the fourth spot.

Cornerback (6): kendall fuller, benjamin saint-juste, Emmanuel ForbesWhen Martin Danny Johnson, go wild

Another situation complicated by injury after Johnson was slammed to the turf crows tight end Mark Andrews He injured his rotator cuff in a joint practice last week. he could possibly open a spot for Christian Holmes, The seventh-round selection a year ago, who has taken a long look this summer. Wildgoose hasn’t been particularly impressive, but the coaches have confidence in him and he was a starter in the second preseason game, which may have been telling.

Security (4): chamber curl, derrick forrest, percy butler, jeremy reeves

As long as everyone is healthy this group is set like a stone. Of course, Reeves makes it to his All-Pro special teams game. But Martin, who is listed as a cornerback, is more likely to work into the safety rotation. Between Curl and Martin they’ve got two defensive backs they trust to play the entire defensive backfield – safety, outside corner and slot. That gives defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio a lot to work with.

Expert (3): K joey slyP trace pathLS cameron cheeseman

Sly officially won the kicking job over the weekend, ending a little bit of uncertainty there. Have dealt with some lower back problems but feeling fine now. So this trio is all set.

Ralph Vacchiano is the NFC East reporter for Fox Sports, covering the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. He spent the last six years in New York covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV, and before that, spent 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. follow him on twitter @RalphVacchiano,

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