Commanders Depth Chart 2023 A Complete Positional Analysis

Aug 22, 2025 by ADMIN 59 views

Commanders Depth Chart: A Comprehensive Breakdown for 2023

Are you ready for some football, Commanders fans? The 2023 season is shaping up to be a crucial one for our team, and understanding the Commanders depth chart is key to following the action. This comprehensive breakdown will dive deep into each position group, analyzing the starters, backups, and potential rising stars who could make a significant impact this year. So, buckle up, guys, let's break down the Commanders roster and see what we can expect this season!

Quarterbacks: A New Era Begins

The quarterback position is always the center of attention, and this year is no different for the Commanders. We've got a new signal-caller leading the charge, and the entire team's success hinges on his performance. Let's take a closer look at the QB depth chart:

Starter: Sam Howell. All eyes are on Sam Howell as he steps into the starting role. The young quarterback has shown flashes of potential, and the coaching staff is clearly invested in his development. His arm talent is undeniable, and he possesses the mobility to extend plays and make throws on the run. But the biggest question mark surrounding Howell is his experience. Can he handle the pressure of being a full-time starter in the NFL? Can he consistently make the right decisions and lead the offense down the field? The Commanders' season will largely depend on Howell's ability to answer these questions positively. He's got the tools, but he needs to put it all together on the field. His progression throughout the season will be a major storyline to follow.
Backup: Jacoby Brissett. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett brings a wealth of experience to the Commanders' quarterback room. Brissett has started games for multiple teams in the NFL, and his presence provides valuable insurance behind Howell. He's a steady, reliable player who understands the game and can make the necessary throws. Brissett's role is crucial as a mentor to Howell and as a capable backup who can step in and lead the offense if needed. His experience in different offensive systems makes him a valuable asset for the coaching staff. While Howell is the future, Brissett is the present, and his steady hand could be vital in navigating the ups and downs of the season.
Third String: Jake Fromm. Jake Fromm rounds out the quarterback depth chart. Fromm is a young quarterback with potential, and he'll likely be competing for a roster spot or a place on the practice squad. He needs to show significant progress in training camp and the preseason to solidify his place with the team. Fromm's development will be something to watch as he looks to carve out a role for himself in the NFL.

The quarterback situation is arguably the most critical aspect of any NFL team, and the Commanders' fortunes in 2023 will be heavily influenced by the performance of Sam Howell and the support provided by Jacoby Brissett. The coaching staff has placed their faith in Howell, and now it's up to him to deliver. The development of this position will be a key storyline throughout the season.

Running Backs: A Talented Backfield Duo

The Commanders' running back group boasts a talented duo capable of making big plays on the ground and through the air. The combination of power and speed in this backfield gives the offense a dynamic dimension. Let's break down the depth chart:

Starter: Brian Robinson Jr. Brian Robinson Jr. established himself as the team's primary ball carrier last season, showcasing his toughness and ability to break tackles. His inspiring comeback from a preseason injury was one of the feel-good stories of the year. Robinson is a physical runner who excels between the tackles, and he's also shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He's a key cog in the Commanders' offensive attack, and his consistency will be vital to the team's success. Look for Robinson to be a focal point of the running game and a reliable option in the passing game as well. He's a guy who runs with passion and determination, and his presence adds a physical edge to the Commanders' offense.
Backup: Antonio Gibson. Antonio Gibson brings an explosive element to the Commanders' backfield. Gibson is a former wide receiver who transitioned to running back, and his receiving skills make him a valuable weapon in the passing game. He's a shifty runner with breakaway speed, capable of turning a short reception into a long touchdown. Gibson's versatility makes him a valuable asset, and he can be used in a variety of ways to exploit mismatches. He's a dynamic player who can change the game with his speed and agility. The Commanders will likely look to utilize Gibson's unique skillset to create explosive plays and keep defenses off balance. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a valuable target for the quarterback.
Third String: Chris Rodriguez Jr.. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a rookie running back who brings a powerful running style to the Commanders' backfield. He's known for his physical approach and ability to break tackles. Rodriguez will likely be competing for carries and a role on special teams. His performance in training camp and the preseason will determine his place on the depth chart. He's a tough, hard-nosed runner who could develop into a valuable contributor if he can showcase his skills and contribute on special teams.

The Commanders' running back duo of Robinson and Gibson provides a potent combination of power and speed. This backfield has the potential to be one of the most productive in the league, giving the offense a strong foundation to build upon. The emergence of Chris Rodriguez Jr. adds another layer of intrigue to this position group.

Wide Receivers: A Mix of Veterans and Young Talent

The wide receiver corps is a crucial component of any successful passing offense, and the Commanders have a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players vying for targets. The competition for playing time at this position will be fierce, and the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make. Let's break down the wide receiver depth chart:

Starters: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel. Terry McLaurin is the undisputed number one receiver for the Commanders. He's a proven playmaker with the speed, route-running ability, and hands to make big plays. McLaurin is a reliable target who can consistently win his matchups, and he's the focal point of the Commanders' passing attack. He's the kind of receiver who can make a quarterback's job easier, and his presence on the field is a major asset for the offense. Jahan Dotson is a young receiver with tremendous upside. Dotson was a first-round pick, and the Commanders have high hopes for his development. He's a smooth route runner with excellent hands and the ability to make contested catches. Dotson is expected to play a significant role in the offense, and he'll be looking to build on his promising rookie season. Curtis Samuel is a versatile receiver who can line up in the slot or on the outside. He's a shifty player with the speed to get open and the ability to make plays after the catch. Samuel's versatility makes him a valuable weapon in the offense, and he can be used in a variety of ways to create mismatches.
Backups: Dyami Brown, Dax Milne, Mitchell Tinsley. Dyami Brown is a speedy receiver who's looking to carve out a role for himself in the offense. Brown has the speed to stretch the field, and he'll need to show consistency in his route running and hands to earn more playing time. Dax Milne is a reliable receiver who can contribute on special teams. Milne is a sure-handed player who can be counted on to make the tough catches. Mitchell Tinsley is a rookie receiver who's looking to make an impact. Tinsley has good size and hands, and he'll need to impress the coaches in training camp to earn a roster spot.
Other Notable Players: A few other receivers are battling for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason.

The Commanders' wide receiver group has a blend of experience and potential. The key will be finding the right combinations and maximizing the talents of each player. The performance of this unit will be crucial to the success of the passing game.

Tight Ends: A Position of Strength and Versatility

The tight end position has become increasingly important in the modern NFL, and the Commanders boast a group of tight ends who can contribute in both the passing and running games. This position group provides the offense with versatility and flexibility. Let's examine the tight end depth chart:

Starter: Logan Thomas. Logan Thomas is the veteran leader of the tight end group. He's a reliable target in the passing game and a capable blocker. Thomas has overcome injuries to become a key contributor to the Commanders' offense. His experience and leadership are valuable assets to the team. He's a dependable player who can be counted on in key situations. Thomas's presence provides a steadying influence on the offense.
Backups: John Bates, Cole Turner. John Bates is a solid all-around tight end who can contribute as a blocker and receiver. Bates is a reliable player who understands his role and executes it well. Cole Turner is a young tight end with potential. Turner is a big target with good hands, and he'll be looking to expand his role in the offense. He's a player who could develop into a valuable asset if he continues to progress. Turner's development will be something to watch as he looks to carve out a niche for himself in the offense.
Other Notable Players: A few other tight ends are vying for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason.

The Commanders' tight end group offers a mix of experience and potential. The key will be utilizing the strengths of each player and creating mismatches for the defense. This position group can be a valuable asset to the offense.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback

The offensive line is the backbone of any successful offense, and the Commanders have invested in improving their offensive line to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. This unit is crucial to the team's success. Let's analyze the offensive line depth chart:

Starters (Projected): Charles Leno Jr. (LT), Saahdiq Charles (LG), Chase Roullier (C), Sam Cosmi (RG), Andrew Wylie (RT). The projected starting offensive line features a mix of veterans and young players. Charles Leno Jr. is a reliable veteran at left tackle. Saahdiq Charles is expected to start at left guard. Chase Roullier returns as the starting center. Sam Cosmi is a promising young player at right guard. Andrew Wylie is a veteran who is expected to start at right tackle. This group needs to gel quickly and provide consistent protection for the quarterback and open up running lanes for the running backs. The offensive line's performance will be a key factor in the Commanders' offensive success.
Key Backups: The Commanders have a few key backups who can step in if needed. These players provide valuable depth and experience. Their ability to perform at a high level will be crucial if injuries occur. The depth of the offensive line is important for weathering the wear and tear of a long season.
Other Notable Players: Several other offensive linemen are competing for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The competition for roster spots will be intense.

The Commanders' offensive line is a work in progress. The key will be building chemistry and consistency. The performance of this unit will have a significant impact on the team's offensive output.

Defensive Line: A Force to Be Reckoned With

The Commanders' defensive line is widely regarded as one of the best in the league. This unit is loaded with talent and has the potential to dominate opposing offenses. Let's break down the defensive line depth chart:

Starters: Montez Sweat (DE), Daron Payne (DT), Jonathan Allen (DT), Chase Young (DE). The Commanders' starting defensive line is a fearsome foursome. Montez Sweat is a disruptive pass rusher. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are two of the best defensive tackles in the league. Chase Young is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year who is looking to return to his dominant form. This group has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and running games. Their ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays will be crucial to the Commanders' defensive success. This defensive line is the engine that drives the entire defense.
Key Backups: The Commanders have excellent depth on the defensive line. The backups are capable of stepping in and contributing at a high level. This depth allows the Commanders to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the game. The ability to maintain pressure on the quarterback even with backups on the field is a major advantage. The depth of the defensive line is a key strength for the Commanders.
Other Notable Players: Several other defensive linemen are competing for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The competition for roster spots will be intense, and the Commanders are looking for players who can add to the overall strength of the defensive line.

The Commanders' defensive line is a force to be reckoned with. This unit has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. Their performance will be a key factor in the Commanders' defensive success.

Linebackers: A Group of Versatile Playmakers

The linebacker corps is a crucial part of any defense, and the Commanders have a group of versatile playmakers who can contribute in a variety of ways. These players need to be able to stop the run, cover receivers, and rush the passer. Let's break down the linebacker depth chart:

Starters: Jamin Davis, Cody Barton, Khaleke Hudson. The Commanders' starting linebackers bring a mix of youth and experience. Jamin Davis is a young player with tremendous upside. Cody Barton is a veteran who brings leadership and experience to the group. Khaleke Hudson is a versatile player who can contribute in a variety of roles. This group needs to work together effectively to anchor the defense and make plays. The linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense, and their communication and execution are vital to the team's success.
Key Backups: The Commanders have several key backups who can step in and contribute if needed. These players provide valuable depth and experience. Their ability to perform at a high level will be crucial if injuries occur. The depth of the linebacker corps is important for weathering the wear and tear of a long season.
Other Notable Players: Several other linebackers are competing for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The competition for roster spots will be intense, and the Commanders are looking for players who can add to the overall strength of the linebacker corps.

The Commanders' linebacker group is a work in progress. The key will be developing chemistry and consistency. The performance of this unit will have a significant impact on the team's defensive success.

Cornerbacks: A Talented and Deep Group

The cornerback position is one of the most important in the NFL, and the Commanders have a talented and deep group of cornerbacks. These players need to be able to cover the league's top receivers and make plays on the ball. Let's analyze the cornerback depth chart:

Starters: Kendall Fuller, Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste. The Commanders' starting cornerbacks form a talented trio. Kendall Fuller is a veteran who can play inside or outside. Emmanuel Forbes is a rookie with tremendous upside. Benjamin St-Juste is a physical corner who excels in press coverage. This group has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Their ability to shut down opposing receivers will be crucial to the Commanders' defensive success. The cornerbacks are the last line of defense in the passing game, and their performance can make or break a drive.
Key Backups: The Commanders have excellent depth at cornerback. The backups are capable of stepping in and contributing at a high level. This depth allows the Commanders to match up with different types of receivers and keep players fresh throughout the game. The ability to rotate cornerbacks and maintain a high level of play is a major advantage. The depth of the cornerback group is a key strength for the Commanders.
Other Notable Players: Several other cornerbacks are competing for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The competition for roster spots will be intense, and the Commanders are looking for players who can add to the overall strength of the cornerback group.

The Commanders' cornerback group is a position of strength. This unit has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. Their performance will be a key factor in the Commanders' defensive success.

Safeties: A Mix of Experience and Youth

The safety position is vital to the success of any defense, and the Commanders have a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players at this position. These players need to be able to cover deep, support the run, and make plays on the ball. Let's break down the safety depth chart:

Starters: Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest. The Commanders' starting safeties form a solid duo. Kamren Curl is a versatile player who can play in the box or deep. Darrick Forrest is a ball-hawking safety with good instincts. This pair needs to communicate effectively and make plays to anchor the back end of the defense. The safeties are the last line of defense, and their performance is crucial to preventing big plays.
Key Backups: The Commanders have several key backups who can step in and contribute if needed. These players provide valuable depth and experience. Their ability to perform at a high level will be crucial if injuries occur. The depth of the safety group is important for weathering the wear and tear of a long season.
Other Notable Players: Several other safeties are competing for roster spots and opportunities to contribute. These players will need to showcase their skills and make a strong impression on the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The competition for roster spots will be intense, and the Commanders are looking for players who can add to the overall strength of the safety group.

The Commanders' safety group is a solid unit with a good mix of experience and youth. The key will be developing consistency and communication. The performance of this group will have a significant impact on the team's defensive success.

Special Teams: A Crucial Component of the Game

Special teams play a critical role in the outcome of NFL games, and the Commanders are focused on improving their special teams performance. A strong special teams unit can provide a significant advantage. Let's examine the special teams depth chart:

Kicker: Joey Slye. Joey Slye is the Commanders' kicker. Consistency is key for kickers, and Slye will need to be reliable in both field goal and extra point attempts. His performance will be closely scrutinized. The kicking game can be the difference between winning and losing, and Slye needs to be a dependable weapon for the Commanders.
Punter: Tress Way. Tress Way is the Commanders' punter. Way is a veteran punter who is known for his consistency and accuracy. He's a valuable asset in the field position battle. A good punter can pin the opposing offense deep in their own territory, giving the defense a significant advantage. Way's ability to control the field position will be an important factor for the Commanders' special teams.
Long Snapper: TBD. The Commanders' long snapper position is to be determined. The long snapper is a crucial part of the kicking operation, and consistency is paramount. The Commanders will need to find a reliable long snapper to ensure smooth snaps on field goals and punts. A bad snap can derail an entire special teams play, so this position is vitally important.
Kick Returner: TBD. The Commanders' kick returner position is to be determined. The return game can provide a spark for the offense and special teams. The Commanders will be looking for a player who can provide explosive returns and create scoring opportunities. A dynamic kick returner can change the momentum of a game in an instant.
Punt Returner: TBD. The Commanders' punt returner position is to be determined. A sure-handed and elusive punt returner is a valuable asset. The Commanders will be looking for a player who can consistently make good decisions and gain valuable yardage on punt returns. A good punt returner can set the offense up with good field position and create scoring opportunities.

The Commanders' special teams unit is a work in progress. The key will be finding consistency and improving performance in all phases of the game. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and the Commanders are focused on making their special teams a strength.

Final Thoughts: Optimism and Expectations for the Commanders in 2023

The Commanders' depth chart reveals a team with talent and potential at several key positions. The quarterback situation is the biggest question mark, but the team has invested in the offensive line and has a strong group of skill-position players. The defense is expected to be one of the best in the league. Overall, there's reason for optimism, guys, but the team needs to stay healthy and play consistently to achieve its goals in 2023. The Commanders have the pieces in place to compete, and it will be exciting to see how the season unfolds. We're all eager to see this team take the field and show what they're capable of! Let's go Commanders!