With three preseason games down, it’s time to starting culling the roster in advance of Washington’s first regular season game, against the Buccaneers. Below is my prediction of the final 53, and much of the practice squad.
Offense (24):
Quarterback (2):
In the first season of the Dan Quinn regime, the team gets a complete re-boot at the QB position. Thankfully, the rookie, Daniels, has looked the part of a starting NFL QB so far this season, and has won the job from seasoned veteran Marcus Mariota. If all goes according to plan, Mariota should serve primarily as a mentor for Daniels this year, and ride off into the sunset of retirement in 2025. For the time being, rookie Sam Hartman heads the practice squad, eventually being slotted in as QB2 next season.
Jayden Daniels
Marcus Mariota
Running Back (3):
I’m excited by the 1-2 punch of Robinson and Ekeler, and I think both could have great seasons this year. Beyond them, the team has some options. I lean towards UDFA Michael Wiley as RB3, as he’s shown some nice burst, and has solid hands out of the backfield. That said, I get the impression that veteran Jeremy McNichols may have the inside track for the role, with Wiley going to the practice squad. I think Chris Rodriguez could be cut altogether.
Brian Robinson
Austin Ekeler
Michael Wiley
Tight End (3):
There are only three tight ends on this roster worth keeping, but it could end up being a very good room, particularly if Ertz is healthy. Cole Turner and Colson Yankoff are potential practice squad candidates.
Zach Ertz
Ben Sinnott
John Bates
Offensive Line (9):
Washington’s offensive line has struck fear into the hearts of many fans. I certainly think this is a transition year for the unit, but I expect it to be in the average range by the end of the season.
Brandon Coleman
Nick Allegretti
Tyler Biadasz
Sam Cosmi
Andrew Wylie
Cornelius Lucas
Chris Paul
Ricky Stromberg
Trent Scott
Wide Receiver (7):
Washington’s WR room leaves a lot to be desired, on paper, and as of this writing, I’m still not sure Brandon Aiyuk doesn’t end up in DC before the season. If this group remains the final list, however, expect Kliff Kingsbury and Jayden Daniels to spread the ball around a ton.
Terry McLaurin
Dyami Brown
Olamide Zaccheaus
Luke McCaffrey
Byron Pringle
Kazmeir Allen
Jamison Crowder
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Defense (26):
Last year’s biggest defensive weakness – linebacker – is probably this season’s greatest defensive strength, with the addition of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. The defensive line remains talented, and has added some interesting EDGE rushers, while the cornerbacks remain a concern.
Defensive End (6):
Dorance Armstrong
Dante Fowler
Clelin Ferrell
KJ Henry
Andre Jones
Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Defensive Tackle (5):
Jon Allen
Daron Payne
John Ridgeway
Johnny Newton
Benning Potoa’e
Linebacker (5):
Wagner and Luvu are great as starters, but beyond that, there are a lot of question marks. Magee, in particular, is likely to be out for several weeks, but will still require a roster spot initially.
Bobby Wagner
Frankie Luvu
Jamin Davis
Jordan Magee
Mykal Walker
Cornerback (5):
Will the team only carry 10 defensive backs? Seems a little thin, but I’m sticking with it.
Emmanuel Forbes
Benjamin St-Juste
Mike Sainristil
Tariq Castro-Fields
Chigozie Anusiem
Safety (5):
Quan Martin
Jeremy Chinn
Darrick Forrest
Jeremy Reaves
Tyler Owens
Special Teams (3):
I think Cade York played his way onto the roster last night with a solid performance, but I would be unsurprised if he’s not the kicker at the end of the season.
Cade York (K)
Tress Way (P)
Tyler Ott (LS)
Practice Squad:
Several of these players could potentially be poached, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them traded for late draft capital in advance of cutdowns, if Peters can make it happen.
Among those who I think will make the PS are:
- QB Sam Hartman
- RB Chris Rodriguez
- RB Jeremy McNichols
- DT Phil Mathis
- DT Norell Pollard
- S/LB Dominique Hampton
- S Percy Butler
- OT Armani Taylor-Prioleau
- CB Noah Igbinoghene
- TE Cole Turner
- WR Mitchell Tinsley
- WR Brycen Tremayne
- WR Martavis Bryant