As every team enters training camp, they have a good idea of who will make the roster. While it varies from team to team, most teams know of at least 50 roster positions for the 53-man roster ahead of camp.
The Washington Commanders entered training camp with one of their strongest rosters in years. Washington’s biggest question is if Sam Howell is a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. If he is, the Commanders are a playoff team, and the rest of the roster will benefit from Howell being the guy.
When the Commanders started camp, some positions were still up for grabs, such as the last cornerback, the final two receivers, and which players will round out the reserve offensive line.
Washington defeated the Browns in the preseason opener last Friday. It was a good night for several young players on the roster. Which players helped themselves for one of those final roster spots?
We look at five bubble players who helped themselves in the preseason opener.
WR Kazmeir Allen
The undrafted rookie from UCLA averaged 12 yards per punt return Friday and had an impressive kickoff return called back due to a penalty. Head coach Ron Rivera was guarded in his praise of Allen over the weekend. Was Rivera playing coy? He praised Allen in OTAs, so he’s aware of his potential. If Allen makes the roster and all he does is return punts as a rookie, he would give that unit some juice. As of today, he’s got to be on the roster.
WR Mitchell Tinsley
Mitchell Tinsley is another undrafted free agent. He’s had an impressive training camp after a heralded college career at Western Kentucky and then Penn State. Tinsley is a polished receiver. The question for Washington is do you want the experience of a Byron Pringle or Marcus Kemp or ride with Tinsley, who has an upside? Tinsley belongs on an NFL roster. He had one catch for 26 yards against the Browns. He helped his case in the preseason opener.
DE Andre Jones Jr.
No one had seventh-round rookie defensive end Andre Jones Jr. making the 53-man roster in May. Yes, Washington loved his potential, but the Commanders’ depth at defensive end made keeping two rookie backups at the same position almost impossible. However, Jones has been more impressive than fifth-round pick K.J. Henry. Let’s express that Henry hasn’t been bad. Jones has just been better. Is it enough to earn a roster spot? He’s certainly making his case.
CB Christian Holmes
A seventh-round pick in 2022, Christian Holmes made the roster last season, making his mark on special teams. He’s excellent there. Holmes has had a strong offseason and was terrific in the game vs. Cleveland. Holmes has size [6-foot-1, 205], with long arms and he’s physical. While he may have entered camp battling for a spot, he’s a lock now.
K Joey Slye
The Commanders surprisingly signed kicker Michael Badgley ahead of training camp to provide competition to incumbent Joey Slye. While Slye had some big games last season, he was also inconsistent, specifically on extra points. Badgley’s biggest weakness was kickoffs, where Slye excels with his strong leg.
In Friday’s preseason opener, Slye made a 49-yard field goal and hit his only point-after attempt. Badgley made his PAT, too. Badgley has done nothing to prove he should unseat Slye. Slye’s performance against Cleveland strengthened his case to be the Commanders’ kicker again in 2023.
