3 biggest losers from Commanders OTAs and minicamp

2. Saahdiq Charles

The Commanders revamped their offensive line this offseason following the departure of Brandon Scherff and surprising release of Ereck Flowers, who was axed to make room for Carson Wentz’s $28 million salary.

Charles played well down the stretch of 2021, seemingly hinting that he could be in for a bigger role next season. Over 253 offensive snaps, 115 came at right guard filling in for the injured Brandon Scherff, who missed six games.

The 2020 fourth-round selection took his lumps in pass protection (four sacks and penalties apiece and a 62.3 grade, per Pro Football Focus) but excelled as a run-blocker, totaling a 79.2 blocking grade from PFF.

That output indicated Charles would enter the offseason as the top backup guard option alongside Wes Schweitzer. After OTAs and minicamp, however, the former LSU standout has a lot to prove to the coaching staff during training camp.

Spring practices don’t offer the best setting to evaluate offensive and defensive lineman given players don’t wear pads and minimal contact is allowed. Despite that, Charles stood out like a sore thumb as he was routinely beaten by opposing pass rushers. Remember, that list doesn’t include Chase Young.

The 22-year-old provides value with his ability to play multiple positions, but his offseason is off to a terrible start ahead of a huge Year 3.