Answering the 5 most important questions heading into Washington Commanders training camp

It's wild to think about, but we are here: Washington Commanders training camp has arrived.

Rookies report this Thursday, July 18 and vets arrive on the following Tuesday, July 23. Before we know it, we'll be breaking down the Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Before that happens, though, let's answer the five most important questions heading into Commanders training camp.

1. How long could it take Jayden Daniels to beat out Marcus Mariota for the starting quarterback job?

Daniels was taking reps with 1s during mandatory minicamp after previously practicing with the 2s behind Mariota, setting up a very, very intriguing Day 1, and beyond, for Commanders training camp.

Will Daniels come out and start with the 1s, immediately? Will he split reps with Mariota, like he did in minicamp? Or, will he go back down a notch and get back to repping with the 2s?

The most likely answer, as with all things in life, lies in the middle. The Commanders aren't rushing Daniels, at all, and they've been very clear about that. However, if option No. 1 or No. 3 happens - you better believe it will stir up some talking points. And right fully so.

With all that being said, I anticipate the Commanders' quarterback battle to be a slow burn. The team has a shot to be competitive in 2024 and everyone representing the burgundy and gold will tell you the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, this year, but in reality, it'll be a big accomplishment if the team finishes the year with a winning record. Meaning, the team is going to lean into Daniels' long-term plan, before anything else.

In return, that could very well mean Mariota starts Week 1, if Daniels doesn't come along like he needs to. Either way, Dan Quinn and co. are going to take their time and it won't be a surprise if they wait until preseason games begin or even after their conclusion before naming an official starter.

2. Who wins the starting left tackle job?

This is such a big question, regardless of who starts at quarterback. Especially when considering the quality of pass rushers in the NFC East.

The job has two-and-a-half leading candidates: Cornelius Lucas, Brandon Coleman, and Trent Scott. Second-year Braeden Daniels is also around, but he's not a leading candidate.

The battle should primarily come down to Lucas, the experienced veteran, and Coleman, the very talented, but raw rookie. Don't completely count Scott out, though. The veteran has 22 starts under his belt, including two for the Commanders, last year.

This one is going to be drawn out, just like the QB battle. Quinn has already mentioned this and there will be other positions under evaluation, as well.

"I don't have a calendar date that I've circled [to where] it has to be by this time," Quinn told reporters back in June. "If you see it, you do it, but certainly at the line of scrimmage, on both sides, we all owe it to ourselves to take that process all the way through, and fortunately for us, we've planned ahead as we're going into practices. We have some other scrimmages against other teams, so we'll have some opportunities that will be really beneficial for the big guys, and we'll take them all."

So, who wins? The staff will go in with Lucas as the starter, but they won't hesitate to pull him out if his inconsistent play continues through the season and if Coleman or Scott are showing promise on the practice field.

3. How will the secondary shake out?

The Commanders have some big questions at primary positions and cornerback is certainly one of those positions.

The NFL's worst pass defense resided in Washington, last year, so there are going to be plenty of eyes on the secondary. 2023 first-rounder, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., will try and bounce back from a tough rookie season, while veteran Michael Davis wants to establish himself as the No. 1 guy on the roster. Those two, along with Benjamin St-Juste and Mike Sainristil will likely be the guys leading the charge of change heading into 2024. Davis and Forbes are your likely starters on the outside, with Sainristil filling in at nickel.

Jeremy Chinn should slot in as the strong safety/hybrid dime linebacker, with Quan Martin playing more of a centerfield role, which best suits his abilities. Jeremy Reaves returns as a core special-teamer and option as third safety, as well.

A few names to look for are rookie Dominique Hampton and undrafted free agent rookies, Tyler Owens and Chigozie Anusiem. Those three guys are all talented fits that can stand out in this defense. It won't be a surprise if they provide some answers over the coming weeks.

4. What will the Jamin Davis experiment look like and who wins the starting defensive end job opposite Dorance Armstrong?

Davis' narrative changed from exclusively about his potential final year in Washington to the benefactor of an experiment that could change the trajectory of his career.

The 2021 first-rounder has the length and athleticism to work on the outside as a stand-up edge rusher. No one is saying he's Micah Parsons in this defense, but he has a longer wingspan/arms, he recorded both a better broad jump and vertical, and he has 4.4 speed, along with the proper height and weight to play a similar role.

And, if the experiment works, it should bring some major juice to the Commanders' pass rush. It's easily one of the biggest things to keep an eye on during camp.

When it comes to the starting spot opposite Armstrong, a rotation is what I expect to happen. I'd imagine Dante Fowler Jr. or Efe Obada leads the group in snaps, but going back to Davis - he could easily become the guy if all of the above works out in his favor.

5. Which receivers step up behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson?

Depth is a big question surrounding the team, as a whole, but receiver really stands out when looking at the depth chart.

Let's be real for a moment: It's even fair to ask if Jahan Dotson takes a much-needed leap in 2024. He certainly hasn't lived up to first-round billing, so far, but the idea is he finally gets there under Kliff Kingsbury.

So, while Dotson is the No. 2 but still unproven - at least he's a cemented option. Outside of rookie Luke McCaffrey, who is no guarantee of his own, and the (respectfully) aging Jameson Crowder, there's very little to hang a hat on.

Damiere Byrd is an interesting name, but is on his fourth team in five years and had his best season back in 2020 with the New England Patriots. Olamide Zaccheaus has also produced during his career, but at a backup level. He shouldn't be looked as a season-changing or season-defining player, by any means.

One name to keep an eye on is Brycen Tremaine, but only because he's literally the only wideout listed above 6-foot-2. He may simply make a difference because he can actually reach the highest shelf in the Commanders' locker room.