The Washington Commanders were a seven-win team last season. Yet, their 53-man roster was good enough before the start that many believed they could compete for the NFC East title, even with Taylor Heinicke leading the offense. Instead, the defense disappointed, and Heinicke proved that while fun, he’s a backup quarterback.
Washington Commanders 53-man roster projection
The Commanders have a much better roster than their record from last season suggests. They had massive expectations heading into the season for their defense but ended up finishing in the bottom five instead of the top five. Can they right the ship in 2022 and realize some of their potential?
Starters will be annotated with an asterisk.
Washington Commanders offense (25)
Quarterback:
Carson Wentz*
Taylor Heinicke
Sam Howell
Running back:
Antonio Gibson*
J.D. McKissic
Brian Robinson Jr.
Jaret Patterson
Wide receiver:
Terry McLaurin*
Curtis Samuel*
Jahan Dotson*
Dyami Brown
Dax Milne
Cam Sims
Tight end:
Logan Thomas*
John Bates
Cole Turner
Offensive tackle:
Charles Leno Jr.*
Sam Cosmi*
Cornelius Lucas
Rashod Hill
Offensive guard:
Andrew Norwell*
Trai Turner*
Wes Schweitzer
Saahdiq Charles
Center:
Chase Roullier*
Washington Commanders defense (25)
Defensive end:
Montez Sweat*
James Smith-Williams*
Casey Toohill
Shaka Toney
William Bradley-King
Defensive tackle:
Jonathan Allen*
Daron Payne*
Phidarian Mathis
Daniel Wise
Justin Hamilton
Linebacker:
Cole Holcomb*
Jamin Davis*
David Mayo
Khaleke Hudson
Nate Gerry
Cornerback:
Kendall Fuller*
William Jackson III*
Benjamin St-Juste*
Danny Johnson
Christian Holmes
Troy Apke
Safety:
Kamren Curl*
Bobby McCain*
Darrick Forrest
Percy Butler
Washington Commanders specialists (3)
Joey Slye (K)
Tress Way (P)
Cameron Cheeseman (LS)
PUP/IR
C Tyler Larson
DE Chase Young
The Commanders are attempting to resurrect Carson Wentz’s career a year after Frank Reich tried to. But the team won’t have near the expectations heading into this season, so the pressure is off them to perform.
Chase Young must get healthy and remain so for Washington’s defense to find success because they’re thin at the position behind him and Montez Sweat. They also need to stay healthy at cornerback.
