Training Camp – Players on the Bubble

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July 24, 2024

By Noonefromtampa

With training camp about starting, this column space is a good time to review some players who have been on the roster in previous seasons but may not make the final roster this year.

Cornerbacks

The players at risk in this group are the ones who primarily play on special teams and backup the starters. Christian Holmes, Kyu Blu Kelly and Tariq Castro-Fields are three players at risk in this group.

With any coaching change, a number of players find their jobs at risk because they are holdovers from the previous coaching regime and have no ties to the current staff. This is the “Not My Guy” syndrome that factors into who makes the final roster.

None of the aforementioned players have grown into a regular contributor on defense and are basically replaceable role players.

The Commanders’ front office brought in two experienced cornerbacks, James Pierre and Noah Igbinoghene, and drafted Mike Sainristil.

These three will have to something special in camp and the preseason games to continue to be on the roster.

Defensive Line

This group had wholesale changes during free agency and the draft. Players from last season at risk of being replaced are Efe Obada, Anthony Jones Jr., and Phidarian Mathis.

Mathis can’t seem to stay healthy, while Obada and Jones are caught up in a numbers game at defensive end.

The team drafted Jer’Zhan Newton who, when healthy, seems to be a replacement for Mathis.

In free agency, the team brought in Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr., and drafted Javontae Jean-Baptiste. The preseason will be used to figure out which edge folks bring their best game to this defense.

Three Other Players

A few other players that could be at risk this preseason are:

I know the last name is going to be controversial, but I do have reasoning for this position. The team returns safeties Quan Martin, Darrick Forrest, Percy Butler and signed Jeremy Chinn. The Commanders also drafted Dominique Hampton. Reaves will have to show he is still valuable to the team after coming back from an injury last year.

Brown has not lived up to his potential as a third round pick. Jayden Daniels and his ability to throw a good deep ball may afford Brown the opportunity to show he can be a dynamic piece of the new offense. If not, with all the competition at wide receiver he may end up an odd man out.

Paul has started games at left guard (439 snaps in 2023), but the team signed Nick Allegretti to ostensibly play that position. Paul will have to compete with Mason Brooks, Michael Deiter and possibly others for a backup guard role.

Conclusions

Nine 2023 roster players were identified at being at risk for 2024. Who are some of the players you think are at risk in 2024 of losing their position? Please enter your thoughts in the comment section below.