ASHBURN, Virginia -- The Washington Commanders will open their 2024 training camp with veterans reporting Tuesday at the OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Did they finally get it right at QB?
This question won't be answered immediately, but Jayden Daniels can certainly provide a lot of clues this summer about the direction. The second pick in the draft and Heisman Trophy winner had a solid spring -- impressing teammates with his work ethic and on-field decision-making -- but many more steps remain.
The Commanders have started 10 quarterbacks since the start of the 2019 season and 35 since they last won the Super Bowl, after the 1991 season.
Daniels is the sixth quarterback Washington has selected in the first round since 1994. He's a dynamic threat, viewed as a passer who can run. He's also the second Heisman winner; Robert Griffin III was taken second overall in 2012.
The organization must build a strong support system around Daniels -- from coaching to line play and more. If that happens, he can help change the trajectory of the organization. Finally.
The player with the most to prove: Take your pick. Washington has multiple players who haven't played well enough, but one stands out: 2023 first-round pick corner Emmanuel Forbes Jr . He had a rough rookie season and needs to prove he can start in the NFL. Forbes' thin frame wasn't his biggest problem as a rookie; rather, coaches said his technique needed a lot of work. He was drafted for his ability to intercept passes, but he picked off only one as injuries and demotions highlighted his first year. Forbes will be given every chance to earn a starting job. Coach Dan Quinn's defenses have allowed corners to play aggressive and make big plays; Forbes has the mindset but must show it on the field. The Commanders have a big question mark at corner, so Forbes' improvement would be pivotal.
Most compelling position battle: Left tackle
Washington bolstered its interior by signing center Tyler Biadasz ; it also added left guard Nick Allegretti , a reserve in Kansas City who is expected to start here. But the Commanders remain uncertain about who will start at left tackle. They cut veteran Charles Leno Jr. in the offseason; he needed hip surgery, hasn't signed anywhere and could end up retiring. But now they have three options: veteran swing tackle Cornelius Lucas , third-round pick Brandon Coleman and veteran backup Trent Scott . Chances are Lucas or Coleman will get the nod. Coleman played tackle and guard at TCU, though his coaches felt he fared better at tackle. He has good length for the position, and a basketball background helps his footwork. But he's also a rookie whom some teams pegged as better suited to guard. If he emerges, they could solve the position for a while.
Most impactful offseason addition: GM Adam Peters
There's no shortage of new talent, from Daniels to linebacker Bobby Wagner , whose leadership will be vital. But make no mistake: The guy who made the biggest impact is the one who brought in all these players, not to mention head coach Dan Quinn. And that's Peters. He was the primary target of owner Josh Harris with good reason: Peters built a good reputation, rising from a scout with New England and Denver to an assistant general manager with San Francisco. For possibly the first time in more than two decades the Commanders have a legitimate general manager; the decision-making process is far better than it has been in years. If Peters made the right call with his hires and his player acquisition, then the Commanders could finally set themselves up for long-term success.
Training camp is a success if ... The rookies show that they'll contribute at some point -- whether immediately or in the future.
That goes way beyond just Daniels, too. If he hits then they'll have their quarterback for a while. But Washington's decision-makers were adamant that they wanted to supplement in free agency and build through the draft. And this is their first draft class with the Commanders. There's a good chance that four other rookies end up as either starters or key contributors in 2024 -- left tackle Brandon Coleman , tight end Ben Sinnott , receiver Luke McCaffrey and corner Mike Sainristil . They have others who could become key backups as well, perhaps elevating to a starting job in a year or two. Clearly this summer would just be a first step. But if they end camp looking like they can play, Washington can feel much better about its future.
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