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The Washington Commanders opened the preseason with a disappointing 48-18 loss to the New England Patriots on Friday. Of course, Washington sat 30 players, almost all of its starters, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and backup QB Marcus Mariota.
In the game, several young players stood out, despite the overall result of the game. Players like Johnny Newton, Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt and Trey Amos all stood out at different times. Even before Friday’s game, these players were all considered locks to make the 53. Yes, Croskey-Merritt, a rookie seventh-rounder, is making the roster. The team loves his potential.
Did Friday’s game change anything from last week’s 53-man roster projection? Let’s take a look. Here’s version 3.0 of our 53-man roster projection, this time after Week 1 of the preseason.
Quarterback (2)
- Jayden Daniels
- Marcus Mariota
Mariota continues to miss practice time with an injury. While the injury isn’t considered a long-term issue, it raises questions about whether it will prompt the Commanders to rethink their quarterback rotation. If they keep three, it has to be veteran Josh Johnson. Otherwise, Sam Hartman looks like he could stick with the practice squad again.
Running back (4)
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Austin Ekeler
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Jeremy McNichols
No changes here. Robinson and Ekeler are the top two backs. Croskey-Merritt looked great in Friday’s preseason game and will figure into the mix at some point. McNichols looked good in his reps on Friday, and the coaches love his dependability. It’s difficult to see Washington moving on from McNichols.
Wide receiver (6)
- Terry McLaurin
- Deebo Samuel
- Luke McCaffrey
- Jaylin Lane
- Noah Brown
- Michael Strachan
This position is far from a lock. The top five are in. Chris Moore has struggled with drops during camp and did so in Friday’s game. Washington will keep at least six receivers due to Noah Brown’s nagging injury and concern about when McLaurin will be ready to return. It’s not a stretch to see the Commanders watching what other teams do and adding a receiver after final cuts. It’s how they landed Noah Brown one year ago. For now, we’ll go with the 6-foot-5 Strachan. Ja’Corey Brooks is another player who I expect to be on Washington’s practice squad. He’s been impressive, but not quite enough for a spot on the 53 yet.
Tight end (4)
- Zach Ertz
- John Bates
- Ben Sinnott
- Colson Yankoff
Same group as last year. No changes from the first two projections. Ertz, Bates and Sinnott are locks, while Yankoff is close to a lock. Yankoff is excellent on special teams, which is critical, but he’s also made several plays on offense during training camp.
Offensive linemen (9)
- Laremy Tunsil
- Josh Conerly Jr.
- Tyler Biadasz
- Brandon Coleman
- Nick Allegretti
- Andrew Wylie
- Trent Scott
- Chris Paul
- Foster Sarell
We are sticking with the same nine as last week. Remember, we are not adding Sam Cosmi to the initial 53, but once he returns, someone will likely be released. Allegretti, Wylie and Sarell can play multiple positions, which helps Washington keep fewer offensive linemen. Chris Paul has enjoyed a solid training camp, and he’s physically stronger. Keep an eye on Trent Scott. Could he be in jeopardy? Sarell and Wylie can play tackle. The Commanders could also turn to veteran Bobby Hart.
EDGE/Defensive end (6)
- Von Miller
- Dorance Armstrong
- Clelin Ferrell
- Javontae Jean-Baptiste
- Jacob Martin
- Deatrich Wise
We are again sticking with the same group. Miller has looked great at 36. The Commanders will carve out a specific role for him — rushing the passer — to keep him fresh. Ferrell played late in Friday’s preseason game, which makes you wonder if Washington is considering moving on from him. Martin and Wise have had excellent camps. Jean-Baptiste has some upside.
Defensive tackle (4)
- Daron Payne
- Javon Kinlaw
- Jer’Zhan Newton
- Eddie Goldman
Again, same group as last week. Payne and Kinlaw will start, but Newton will play a lot. Newton was arguably Washington’s most impressive player in Friday’s preseason game, which is encouraging. Goldman is a big, veteran run-stuffer. Sheldon Day just misses the cut.
Linebacker (5)
- Bobby Wagner
- Frankie Luvu
- Jordan Magee
- Nick Bellore (special teams)
- Kain Medrano (R)
For now, we’ll stick with the same five. However, I have my concerns about Jordan Magee. Medrano has surprised everyone in camp, picking things up faster than many imagined. He’s still not ready for a prominent defensive role, but can thrive on special teams for the time being. Wagner and Luve are the entrenched stars, while Bellore is an ace on special teams. Magee has received plenty of hype, but he just can’t stay healthy. Washington signed veteran Duke Riley for depth on Sunday, so keep an eye out there.
Cornerback (5)
- Marshon Lattimore
- Mike Sainristil
- Jonathan Jones
- Trey Amos
- Noah Igbinoghene
This one is easy. The Commanders would feel comfortable with any of these five players on the field. Igbinoghene is as good as any No. 5 corner in the NFL. This group has been outstanding in training camp. Jones is the reliable veteran backup who can help inside or outside. He’s coming off a strong season with New England. Undrafted rookie Car’lin Vigers has also enjoyed a terrific training camp and looks like an ideal practice squad candidate.
Safety (5)
- Quan Martin
- Will Harris
- Percy Butler
- Jeremy Reaves
- Tyler Owens
No difficult decisions here. The staff believes Martin is on the verge of stardom. Harris is a reliable veteran whom Washington signed to replace Jeremy Chinn. Butler recently received an extension because he’s great on special teams and they trust him on defense. Reaves is an All-Pro on special teams and always delivers when called upon on defense. The Commanders believe Owens has massive potential, giving him plenty of first-team reps in camp.
Special teams (3)
- K Matt Gay
- P Tress Way
- LS Tyler Ott
No changes here. Gay missed his first kick in the preseason game and had Washington fans already thinking, “Not again.” The Commanders believe in Gay, and there will be no competition. This entire group is safe. Way and Ott are outstanding in their respective roles.
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