As we await training camp later this month, folks from around the NFL are using this time to evaluate the rosters of all 32 teams.
Some like Washington’s roster, while others have a different opinion. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently ranked every NFL roster from 1-32, and he had the Commanders’ roster in the bottom third of the NFL, at No. 25.
New QB Carson Wentz might have better all-around weapons in Washington than he did with the Colts, considering Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin can both be game-changers at top speed. Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson emerging out wide would be a bonus. But what is Wentz’s ceiling at this point? Wild-card-caliber stuff? Defensively, Ron Rivera’s front remains loaded, with Chase Young rejoining Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, but who’s gonna cover people if prominent vets like William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste don’t take major steps forward?
As usual, the criticism surrounding Washington focuses on Wentz. Benjamin makes some fair points about Wentz and the Commanders. In regards to Wentz’s ceiling being “Wild-card-caliber stuff,” I don’t think Washington fans would mind that too much. After all, anything can happen once you get into the dance. And if Wentz leads Washington to the playoffs, wouldn’t the trade him for be considered a success?
As for the rest of the roster, I’m not so sure that Benjamin St-Juste is what you’d call a prominent veteran. The 2022 season will be his second in the NFL, and he only played in nine games as a rookie last fall.
The goal for the Commanders is to create a dominant pass rush with their talented defensive line. If that happens, the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties all look much better.
Last season at this time, everyone was praising Washington’s roster. And for the most part, it’s essentially the same roster outside of the quarterback position where Wentz replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick. What a difference a year makes.