Commanders unofficial depth chart is an inconsequential yet promising sign for the future of the franchise

We are officially one step closer to football, as the Washington Commanders released the first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 preseason.

And, before we get started, let's all remember that yes, while it's a sign of where things currently stand, it's not a big deal for the Commanders. It's a malleable situation that could easily look a lot different in certain areas, next week.

"I would say it's really where we're at, and that's why I made the point of like, I know it's a story for you, and I recognize you guys are doing your jobs, but it's not [a big deal], internally," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters before Tuesday's practice . "It'll be much like you see at practice, into the same format of how we're rolling through things. But like I said, I'm really excited for what the next couple weeks will bring. There'll be some separation for people.

"Quite honestly, if I had a real depth chart right now, there'd probably be, you know, 15 starters, because I'm not quite certain between this person and this person. So that's why it's not as big a deal internally. We're just, you know, pushing it to find the information."

So, while keeping that in mind, let's break down what it all means about where things currently stand for the Commanders.

Jayden Daniels listed as QB1 on the Commanders first unofficial depth chart

Obviously, the biggest takeaway on the offensive side of the depth chart is Daniels being listed as QB1. Quinn gave some insight behind the decision when he spoke with reporters ahead of Tuesday's practice.

"He's earned the right to do that," Quinn said. "Through the course of all the practices, you're keeping track of accuracy and completions and decisions of where it goes. It was really a byproduct of him [Daniels], you know, really nailing those moments. And so, like I said, we're just going through the whole process, but it's good to see when there's markers set, you get that one, then you get to the next one, and you get to the next one."

"I had high expectations for him coming in, but I would say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of the readiness [and] the command," he added later. "I knew he was going to be cool, you know, knowing the system - he's just got that way about him. But yet, you do see the other players gravitate to him. They recognize how hard he's worked at it."

The decision comes after Daniels shared reps with Mariota throughout camp. Now, it's about how Daniels performs against the New York Jets and how the Commanders handle things, after.

Another big takeaway is Brandon Coleman as LT1, which isn't much of a surprise considering how camp has gone for him. He's impressed while taking advantage of incumbent starting right tackle Andrew Wylie's "tightness" that's held him out of multiple practices. He'll certainly be tested against the Jets pass rush over the course of the next few days.

And then the last notable item is Olamide Zaccheaus over Luke McCaffrey. The rookie isn't a lock to win the WR3 job, by any means, but it's still notable that the vet has an unofficial lead. Zaccheaus seems to be a roster-lock, at this point.

Emmanuel Forbes listed as a backup on Commanders first unofficial depth chart

It's another harmless, yet notable takeaway when it comes to Forbes' place on the Commanders' first unofficial depth chart. While it's interesting to see he's lower in the pecking order, it's also part of the same practice rotation we've seen throughout camp.

"He's listed as a reserve on this unofficial, but again, you're going to see the same group of people you know, in some competitions, with Mike [Mike Davis] and Ben [Benjamin St-Juste] and him to go," Quinn said. "So, I would just caution us all to say it's going to be a lot like you've seen at practice and when it comes time for finding that out, I'll list it."

Jamin Davis behind Dante Fowler Jr. in the "specialist pass rusher" category is a reflection of the struggles Davis has faced switching positions. His roster spot isn't safe , by any means, but it's hard envisioning the Commanders eating over $4 million in dead cap, with no savings, by cutting him. Although a trade is certainly possible.

Phidarian Mathis really needs a strong week , and weeks after to start his potential ascension. He's another high draft pick on the bubble entering the preseason. It looks like Tyler Owens' playmaking ability isn't enough, so far, for him to climb the ladder. The Commanders safety room is a deep one, though, so it makes sense.

Commanders unofficial depth chart features interesting wrinkle at returner

This is chalk for the most part, but it will be key to keep an eye on the kicker battle, moving forward. There's an excellent chance Patterson could be the starter, next week, and that's simply because the competition is an open one.

It's very interesting to see Noah Igbinoghene get the first crack at kick returner. He has just four career returns and averages 17.0 yards per return. Yes, it's a whole new ball game when it comes to kick returns, these days, but it was a much more common thought to see Sainristil or Forbes, or even one of the running backs start off at returner. Either way, it'll be interesting to see if Igbinoghene can provide a spark.

Overall

Again, this is a very fluid situation, but the fact that three rookies are starting at premium positions (quarterback, left tackle, nickel) heading into the first preseason game is a great sign for the current rookie class's trajectory.

"Good news - I think you'll see some rookies competing at or near the top, and they've earned the right to compete for that," Quinn said. "[It's] still unofficial and like I said, I'll let you know when we make final decisions through joint practices [and] other things that I certainly want to see for that, as the entire process. But I've been pleased with with the guys and the competing. And so for the guys who are listed near the top at that, they've earned that right to do that, and no better time over the next two weeks than to go battle against some other teams and some practices, some games.

"So the next two weeks will be a blast, and that ramp-up starts into tomorrow as we get rolling for that. So, [a] really cool couple weeks ahead that we'll really have to hammer down."

There's obviously a ways to go, but if the trio of Daniels, Coleman, and Sainristil can continue their progress and the other rookies begin to come along, then it's easy to see why the future is as bright as it's ever been for the Commanders franchise.