Mailbag: Washington's biggest roster concern isn't WR — and more Commanders/Wizards intel
Your questions this week range from the Commanders' main depth concerns and roster bubble tiers to Jayden Daniels' future and whether Anthony Davis helps—or hinders—the Wizards' rebuild.
Happy 250th. I asked for your help in the form of mailbag questions. You delivered.
The Playbook:
At least one position is more concerning for the Commanders than receiver
Bubble watch tiers
How much does Jayden Daniels love LA?
Anthony Davis’s presence a help or hindrance?
What’s a fair trade offer for Davis if the Wizards are willing to engage?
Questions were edited lightly for flow and comprehension.
I’m more concerned about depth at center and corner than the WR that is getting all the attention. Any thoughts on how they will address those issues? — Robert L.
I understand Robert's concern. I’ve written about the WR room, while hardly an impressive bunch, having a nice mix of talents capable of stepping in when called upon.
Nick Allegretti is the favorite at center. I know head coach Dan Quinn and others have deemed this a “competition,” but that’s hard to buy when the alternatives are sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin and 29-year-old Julian Good-Jones, who has one career appearance.
Corner depth isn't as critical this season, given the expectation that Washington will stay in its base defense more often. Only four may make the initial 53, especially if six safeties stick.
That said … projected CB1, Trey Amos, is coming off a fractured fibula. As good as he looked at times as a rookie, are we sure he's ready to shadow opposing WR1s?
Mike Sainristil has excellent ball skills, brings toughness to the position and is a good fit for coordinator Daronte Jones’ attacking scheme. He also played an uneven 2025 season and, at 5-foot-10, will give up several inches to many receivers if he’s primarily playing on the outside.
It’s also hard picturing anyone challenging Amos or Sainristil for snaps
Amik Robertson’s versatility and feistiness drew the Commanders’ interest in free agency.
Now … Advanced metrics did NOT like Amik Robertson’s 2025 campaign in Detroit. Playing more outside than desired due to injuries despite being an inch shorter than Sainristil didn’t help.
How often will Washington actually play with five defensive backs? If Jones mirrors Minnesota’s approach, not often!
Only the Rams played less nickel over the past two seasons than the Vikings (43.9 percent), according to TruMedia. The Commanders were seventh at 70.7 percent.
There’s a strong argument that going with a third safety as DB5 — Quan Martin or Will Harris in the slot — puts the best talent on the field.
Don’t get pumped about the options after that corner trio.
Let's see if Ahkello Witherspoon, coming off a spotty season with the Rams, does enough in camp and the preseason to secure CB4. From there, you have 33-year-old holdover Antonio Hamilton; a random mix of little-used veterans in Darius Rush and Tre Hawkins; and unproven kids like Fred Davis II and Car’lin Vigers.
Free agents Jeff Okudah and ex-Redskin Fabian Moreau played under Jones last season. Trevon Diggs, another free agent, led the league in interceptions one season under Quinn. I’m not saying any of these answer the questions, but more candidates isn’t the worst idea.
