The Washington Commanders underwent massive changes this offseason. In addition to hiring a new general manager (Adam Peters) and head coach (Dan Quinn), the Commanders turned over half of their 90-man roster.
After finishing 4-13 last season, change was needed. All four of the current quarterbacks on Washington’s roster are new to the team, including two rookies.
Quarterback wasn’t the only position to undergo a massive facelift. Washington went from having arguably the worst group of linebackers in the NFL to the best after signing future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner and the versatile Frankie Luvu.
Of course, with so many holes, the Commanders couldn’t adequately fill every position, but they tried. Some holes remain, specifically at offensive tackle and cornerback. Both positions could look much different if young players take positive steps forward.
ESPN recently ranked all 32 NFL rosters ahead of the 2024 season. Despite the changes, ESPN ranked the Commanders No. 30.
ESPN’s panel broke each roster down into four categories:
- Biggest strength: Off-ball linebacker
- Biggest weakness: Edge rusher
- X-Factor: Cornerbacks Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
- Nonstarter to know: Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton
Here’s what ESPN said about the cornerbacks:
Last season, no outside corner surrendered more yards to opponents than St-Juste (877), per NFL Next Gen Stats. And Forbes allowed 2.4 yards per coverage snap, the second-most by an outside corner with at least 250 coverage snaps. Those are some tough numbers from players the Commanders will be relying on. Their performances will play a big role in the defense’s success — or lack thereof — in 2024.
Those are some ugly numbers. It is important to note that Washington’s secondary was led by Brent Vieselmeyer, who went from high school head coach to position coach after Chris Harris departed last offseason. That’s not to knock Vieselmeyer, but every player in the secondary regressed last season, and he was fired after Thanksgiving along with the man who hired him, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
The Commanders hope Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. can maximize the potential of their young corners. Forbes, in particular, was a phenomenal playmaker in college before having a rough rookie season.
Do you agree with ESPN’s ranking? While it may seem a bit low, so much depends on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. If Daniels has the season in which many believe, the Commanders will be a much better team in 2024, which will make the roster look a lot better.