# Philip Hughes: Hughes projects Washington's initial 53-man roster ahead of the final preseason game, naming every player he expects to make the team by position group, and slots Athan Kaliakmanis as the No. 3 quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. **Claimed:** Aug 23, 2026 **Pundit:** Philip Hughes — https://missedtakes.co/pundits/philip-hughes **Outlet:** Sports Illustrated — https://missedtakes.co/outlets/sports-illustrated **How it reached us:** published in writing **Original:** https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/onsi/washington-commanders-53-man-roster-projection-3-preseason-week-2 54 checkable claims — 53 roster spot calls and 1 depth chart call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet. It names 54 players and teams, each linked to their own record. 47 of 54 have settled so far, averaging 100 out of 100, against 85.1 for a naive guess at the same calls. Of the 1 unsettled call enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room. > Kaliakmanis has clearly outplayed him and appears to be the right quarterback to have behind Daniels and Mariota moving forward. *(their words, quoted for attribution)* ## The claims - **Frankie Luvu to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Kaytron Allen to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kaytron Allen, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Athan Kaliakmanis to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Athan Kaliakmanis, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Leo Chenal to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Leo Chenal, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Chig Okonkwo to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Chig Okonkwo, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Odafe Oweh to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Odafe Oweh, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Joshua Josephs to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Joshua Josephs, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **K'Lavon Chaisson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: K'Lavon Chaisson, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Drew Stevens to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Drew Stevens, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Rasul Douglas to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Rasul Douglas, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Colson Yankoff to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Colson Yankoff, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Dyami Brown to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Amik Robertson to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Amik Robertson, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Charles Omenihu to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Charles Omenihu, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jeremy Reaves to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jeremy Reaves, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Kain Medrano to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Kain Medrano, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jaylin Lane to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jaylin Lane, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Daron Payne to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Daron Payne, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Marcus Mariota to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Treylon Burks to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Treylon Burks, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Luke McCaffrey to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Quan Martin to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Quan Martin, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jordan Magee to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jordan Magee, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Stefon Diggs to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jayden Daniels to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Nick Cross to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Nick Cross, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tress Way to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tress Way, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tyler Ott to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tyler Ott, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jacory Croskey-Merritt to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Terry McLaurin to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Mike Sainristil to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Mike Sainristil, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Javon Kinlaw to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Javon Kinlaw, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **John Bates to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: John Bates, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Sonny Styles to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Sonny Styles, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Fabian Moreau to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Fabian Moreau, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Brandon Coleman to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Brandon Coleman, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tim Settle to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tim Settle, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Antonio Williams to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Chris Paul to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Chris Paul, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Tyler Owens to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Tyler Owens, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Andrew Wylie to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Andrew Wylie, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Matt Gulbin to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Matt Gulbin, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess - **Nick Allegretti to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Nick Allegretti, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Rachaad White to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Rachaad White, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Ben Sinnott to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Josh Conerly Jr. to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Josh Conerly Jr., Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Sam Cosmi to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Sam Cosmi, Washington Commanders - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess - **Jeremy McNichols to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Malik Spencer to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Malik Spencer, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Trent Scott to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Trent Scott, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Maurice Hurst to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Maurice Hurst, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Trey Amos to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Trey Amos, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Daniel Brunskill to make the roster** - Kind: Roster Spot Calls · About: Daniel Brunskill, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet - **Athan Kaliakmanis to be 3rd on the depth chart** - Kind: Depth Chart Calls · About: Athan Kaliakmanis, Washington Commanders - Verdict: not settled yet ## Who this take is about - Frankie Luvu — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/frankie-luvu - Washington Commanders — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/commanders - Kaytron Allen — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kaytron-allen - Athan Kaliakmanis — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/athan-kaliakmanis - Leo Chenal — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/leo-chenal - Chig Okonkwo — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chig-okonkwo - Odafe Oweh — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/odafe-oweh - Joshua Josephs — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/joshua-josephs - K'Lavon Chaisson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/k-lavon-chaisson - Drew Stevens — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/drew-stevens - Rasul Douglas — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/rasul-douglas - Colson Yankoff — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/colson-yankoff - Dyami Brown — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/dyami-brown - Amik Robertson — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/amik-robertson - Charles Omenihu — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/charles-omenihu - Jeremy Reaves — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jeremy-reaves - Kain Medrano — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kain-medrano - Jaylin Lane — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jaylin-lane - Daron Payne — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/daron-payne - Marcus Mariota — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/marcus-mariota - Treylon Burks — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/treylon-burks - Luke McCaffrey — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/luke-mccaffrey - Quan Martin — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/quan-martin - Jordan Magee — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jordan-magee - Stefon Diggs — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/stefon-diggs - Jayden Daniels — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jayden-daniels - Nick Cross — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/nick-cross - Tress Way — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tress-way - Tyler Ott — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tyler-ott - Jacory Croskey-Merritt — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jacory-croskey-merritt - Terry McLaurin — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/terry-mclaurin - Mike Sainristil — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/mike-sainristil - Javon Kinlaw — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/javon-kinlaw - John Bates — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/john-bates - Sonny Styles — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/sonny-styles - Fabian Moreau — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/fabian-moreau - Brandon Coleman — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/brandon-coleman - Tim Settle — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tim-settle - Antonio Williams — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/antonio-williams-1040 - Chris Paul — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/chris-paul - Tyler Owens — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tyler-owens - Andrew Wylie — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/andrew-wylie - Matt Gulbin — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/matt-gulbin - Nick Allegretti — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/nick-allegretti - Rachaad White — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/rachaad-white - Ben Sinnott — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/ben-sinnott - Josh Conerly Jr. — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/josh-conerly-jr - Sam Cosmi — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/sam-cosmi - Jeremy McNichols — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/jeremy-mcnichols - Malik Spencer — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/malik-spencer - Trent Scott — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/trent-scott - Maurice Hurst — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/maurice-hurst - Trey Amos — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/trey-amos - Daniel Brunskill — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/daniel-brunskill ## What others said about the same people - David Harrison on Washington Commanders: Harrison lays out a path for the Washington Commanders to exceed their 7.5-win total, identifying eight specific games he projects them to win: home vs. Seattle (Week 3), vs. Indianapolis in London (Week 4), a sweep of the Giants (Weeks 5 and 10), at Arizona (Week 12), at Tennessee (Week 13), vs. Atlanta (Week 15) and vs. Dallas (Week 18). He also says the Bengals (Week 11) and Texans (Week 14) games are winnable. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/557473e2-242a-41c5-beb5-026d792d86fa (scored 100) - David Harrison on Tim Settle: Harrison gives his initial 53-man roster projection for the Washington Commanders: three quarterbacks including Ethan Kalyak Manus, three running backs, four tight ends, six receivers (leaving off De'Ami Brown and Jaden Bradley), nine offensive linemen with Matt Goldman at center, and a defense of six linebackers but only four cornerbacks. He also projects Tunstall and Newton going to IR on Monday with De'Ami Brown and Dietrich Wise re-signed, plus a corner-heavy practice squad. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/1d5b2565-5531-47ac-bff8-ccb9b23a980a (scored 100) - David Harrison on Tyler Ott: Harrison projects the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster if it had to be set today, naming 26 offensive players, three specialists and 24 defenders, and also assigns depth-chart slots at quarterback, running back, the offensive line, the interior defensive line, and the return/specialist jobs. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/2e2254ee-daf7-4f82-81d4-2bc73e1b7291 (scored 100) - Nathan Jahnke on Luke McCaffrey: An unsigned PFF preseason recap makes numerous depth-chart, roster and usage projections across the league, based on Week 3 preseason playing time — including Roman Wilson winning Pittsburgh's third receiver job, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Charlie Kolar as the Chargers' top tight end, and Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/47566b48-8024-4960-b25c-11c03fe43543 (scored 100) - Nathan Jahnke on Luke McCaffrey: PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a series of depth-chart, roster and usage projections based on final-week preseason snap counts, including Ja'Kobi Lane locking down the Ravens' third receiver role, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Kyle Pitts facing reduced 12-personnel usage, Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2 and Emmett Johnson as the Chiefs' backup running back. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/265cbdba-b0e0-4f80-9665-a4ca5aaec53e (scored 100) - Nathan Jahnke on Antonio Williams: An unsigned PFF preseason snap-count review that draws depth-chart, roster-spot and fantasy conclusions from the first week of preseason games — naming starters and backups across nearly every team, flagging sleepers such as Keaton Mitchell, Tyjae Spears, Jahan Dotson and Greg Dulcich, and fading players like Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth, Gunnar Helm and Cam Skattebo. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/45c8bf54-1a8e-45dd-909f-6e4c60f09f95 (scored 100) ## More roster spot calls The same kind of call, about other players and teams. - Jeff Kerr on Zach Ertz: Kerr expects Zach Ertz to be elevated from the practice squad and play in the Eagles' Week 3 Monday night game against the Bears, and to serve as Philadelphia's clear TE1 with Dallas Goedert out. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/7e4fa8de-f88c-4d45-b568-49992a356539 (scored 0) - Jeff Kerr on Chance Campbell: Kerr ranks the Eagles' eight undrafted free agents by their chances of making the initial 53-man roster, with Kapena Gushiken the most likely and predicts at least one UDFA makes the 53. He also forecasts practice squad spots for Zion Wilson, Deontae Lawson and Maximus Pulley, and a release for long snapper Rocco Underwood. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/6ec1d507-c7b6-4873-a0a2-76817706e297 (scored 100) - Carter Bahns on Jeshaun Jones: A CBS Sports piece expects suspended Vikings receiver Jeshaun Jones to lose his roster battle and be cut by the Aug. 30 deadline, given Minnesota's established receiver group. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/98c7155f-d05c-43cb-8c03-4f50d43211a8 (scored 0) - Jeff Kerr on Chance Campbell: Kerr's third Eagles 53-man roster projection names the players he expects to make the team at each position, with Cole Payton, Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, Gabe Hall and Rocco Underwood left off; he also predicts Underwood is exposed to waivers and returns to the practice squad, Deontae Lawson lands on the practice squad, and Eli Stowers is the TE3. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/2120c4ea-7113-4ebf-9ebc-0d4a62d83c3a (scored 100) - Jeff Kerr on Chance Campbell: Kerr's updated 53-man roster projection for the Eagles after eight training camp practices, naming which players make the team at each position plus depth-chart placements like Wicks as WR2, Mundt as TE2, Kendall as third guard, Bell as third tackle, and Epps/Carter battling to start at safety. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/328a952b-d6b4-4065-aac9-0029421fb50f (scored 100) - Ralph Ventre on Christian Benford: Ventre expects Christian Benford's toe injury to sideline him for at least the Week 4 game against New England, and believes the Bills will have to add a cornerback to the 53-man roster this week — likely by moving Benford to injured reserve — with practice squad rookie Kani Walker the most likely player elevated. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/94b844fe-bb22-4517-81f5-6263eb0213f1 (scored 0) --- Accuracy is 0-100 against what actually happened. The naive guess is what a strategy requiring no knowledge would have scored on the same call — the difference is the skill, and it is what the MissedTakes Score averages. Full method: https://missedtakes.co/methodology We summarize what a pundit said and quote a short span for attribution; we never republish their article. If this is wrong, tell us: https://missedtakes.co/corrections?pundit=philip-hughes