3 under-the-radar storylines to watch at Commanders at training camp

We’re so close, folks. Within a matter of days, the Washington Commanders will be back in Ashburn for the start of training camp. Both veterans and rookies will report on July 26, with the first practice taking place on July 27. The camp will run through Aug. 18, which will lead right up to the start of preseason.

Like most teams, the Commanders have no shortage of major and neglected storylines to monitor over the next month. While quarterback, linebacker and the offensive and defensive lines all fall under the former category, we can’t help but brainstorm some under-the-radar subplots to watch for at camp.

Here are the first three that came to mind.

3 overlooked stories to watch at Commanders training camp

3. Battle for No. 3 Safety Spot

The holder of Washington’s No. 3 safety spot could have a big role this year. Last season, Bobby McCain lined up all over the secondary. While the majority of his snaps came as a deep-lying safety (802, to be exact, per Pro Football Focus), he lined up in the slot for 99 snaps and in the box on a healthy 122 snaps.

The return of Benjamin St-Juste could see McCain play less in the slot, as the second-year cornerback played in the nickel during OTAs and minicamp, but it’s clear the coaching staff wants to exploit McCain’s versatility.

Depending on the coverage, McCain’s ability to fill multiple positions could thrust one of Darrick Forrest or rookie Percy Butler into a significant role. And don’t forget about Jeremy Reaves, one of Washington’s standout defensive performers during spring practices. He’s firmly in the conversation now, too.

At the end of the day, McCain and Kam Curl can’t play every snap at safety, so it’ll be interesting to see which one of Forrest, who also impressed during the offseason program, Butler or Reaves emerges as their top backup.