Ahead of their preseason opener vs. the Cleveland Browns on Friday, the Washington Commanders released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2023 season.
These preseason depth charts should be taken with a grain of salt. They are often put together without deep heavy input from the coaching staff. Besides, why would the coaches reveal too much about a preseason depth chart anyway?
When asked about the depth chart Tuesday, head coach Ron Rivera stated the following:
“For the most part, we put it out because it’s unofficial,” Rivera said. “Some guys may get their feelings hurt and may want to talk about how come and why and just tell them, ‘Hey guys, you know it’s unofficial.’ It’s going to be all about playtime, and that’s probably the biggest thing; if you’re playing early and you’re only playing a few, that’s because we feel pretty good about you. If you’re playing a lot and you’re rotating, it’s because we need to know.”
Nothing to see here, right?
That doesn’t mean you can’t view these depth charts and have questions or find something interesting.
Here are five takeaways from Washington’s first unofficial depth chart.
QB1
No surprises here. On the same day that the Commanders released the depth chart, head coach Ron Rivera gave Jacoby Brissett some first-team reps. The idea was to give Brissett some time with the starters, all but confirming that Howell is Washington’s starter for 2023.
Saahdiq Charles is listed as No. 1 at left guard
It’s always been a competition at left guard between a pair of former Washington draft picks, Saahdiq Charles [4th round, 2020] and Chris Paul [7th round, 2022]. Many believed Charles entered camp as the favorite, but a calf injury has slowed his progress, giving Paul the majority of first-team reps. Other players have quietly spoken favorably of Paul’s progress. Important because he’s going up against Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen in practice each day.
What Rivera said makes sense here. The depth chart indicates Charles was on top heading into camp. However, this is more of an either/or situation right now. Charles’ health and the preseason games will determine the starter.
Dax Milne is making the team
Washington fans once liked Dax Milne. However, after watching Milne return punts last season, fans were ready for someone else. The truth is, when Milne gets a chance on offense, he delivers. He just doesn’t receive a lot of opportunities due to Washington’s outstanding depth.
Milne is No. 5 on Washington’s depth chart behind the top four of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown. Those four are locks. The Commanders will keep at least five, but probably six wide receivers. Milne has done nothing to lose his spot this summer. Newcomer Byron Pringle is listed as No. 6. Like Milne, he can also be used as a returner. Speaking of punt returners, Milne is still listed as No. 1, but that battle will be won in the preseason.
Undrafted rookies have some work to do
There was a lot of hype around a pair of undrafted free-agent wide receivers entering the offseason. Kazmeir Allen and Mitchell Tinsley were both priority signings for Washington. Many pegged at least one of them as making the 53-man roster. Thus far, Allen and Tinsley have some work to do. They’ll have plenty of chances in the preseason.
Allen was particularly popular after fans saw his highlights. Allen can return kicks and punts. But he hasn’t seized the opportunity yet this summer. Both he and Tinsley have had some good moments on offense, just not enough to justify a roster spot. Allen needs to show something in the return game in the preseason, or both could be ticketed for the practice squad.
Keep an eye on CB Rachad Wildgoose
The Commanders have four cornerbacks who are guaranteed to make the roster: Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin. Martin can play everywhere, so that versatility could allow the Commanders to keep an extra cornerback.
Veteran Danny Johnson is seemingly a lock for the No. 5 spot. Johnson was good last season but undervalued for so long; he saved the Commanders at times in 2022 with their lack of depth. He can play the slot or on the outside.
However, don’t count out Rachad Wildgoose. Wildgoose, 23, was claimed on waivers ahead of Week 1 last season. He played in 15 games, making three starts. Wildgoose looked good at times on defense before struggling against the Colts in Week 8 and being relegated to mostly special teams for the remainder of the season. Wildgoose is a talented young player who has seen plenty of action this summer. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Commanders kept both, but they could also be battling for one spot. This should be one of the more interesting battles of the preseason.
