Commanders rookie OT Brandon Coleman looking the part as potential Week 1 starter

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters was widely praised for the 2024 NFL draft. For one, Peters landed Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick, but other picks, such as Johnny Newton and Mike Sainristil, earned him leaguewide praise.

The one knock on Peters was what some believed was his inaction at offensive tackle. The Commanders did not sign an offensive tackle in free agency, only bringing back veteran Cornelius Lucas. While Peters tried to move back into the first round, the price was too high, and he stayed put.

So, with the second pick of the third round, the Commanders selected Brandon Coleman of TCU. This wasn’t a reach as Washington clearly liked Coleman, bringing him in for a pre-draft visit.

Scouts were split on Coleman. He looked more like a guard but possessed the arm length and athleticism to play tackle. Peters made it clear the Commanders believed Coleman was a tackle.

Throughout the first week of training camp, Coleman has consistently worked with the first-team offense, either at left or right tackle. He’s drawn praise, but none of that really mattered until the pads came on. Coleman had a solid day in the first padded practice earlier this week.

On Thursday, Washington had its second day in pads, and Coleman stood out in one-on-one drills.

While people in attendance often see or interpret different things, Finlay’s opinion seemed to be the consensus on Coleman. The rookie more than held his own against Washington’s talented defensive line.

Two days in pads means nothing right now. However, the Commanders have consistently worked Coleman with the first team, which would indicate they view him as a starter. Will it be on the left or right side?

Washington could go with the veteran Lucas at left tackle early in the season and opt for Coleman on the right side, replacing Andrew Wylie. Wylie struggled last season and has been sidelined at times this summer with what he described as “tightness.”

If Peters emerges from the 2024 NFL draft with a quarterback and starting left tackle, fans will be ready to induct him into the Ring of Honor this season.

The true test will be when the games begin, but Coleman couldn’t have started his NFL career any stronger.