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Ranking every Commanders player who needs a strong training camp

By Jerry Trotta

Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) pitches the ball to Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) pitches the ball to Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

5. Phiadrian Matis

The Commanders’ management of their defensive line this offseason was highly questionable. The decisions to let Tim Settle leave in free agency and release Matt Ioannidis were only maximized after it was reported the team isn’t expected to extend Daron Payne, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Enter Mathis, who could end up as Payne’s successor in 2023. Having played four years at Alabama (46 games), fans are hopeful Mathis’ experience in Nick Saban’s perennially dominant defense will allow him to enjoy a smooth transition to the NFL. After all, he’s expected to contribute heavily in Year 1.

With no Ioannidis or Settle, Mathis steps in as the team’s primary backup behind Jonathan Allen and Payne and he’ll have big shoes to fill. Ioannidis led Washington with 8.5 sacks in 2019 and registered double-digit QB hits in two of is final three seasons in Ashburn. Settle, on the other hand, managed a 73.8 pass-rush grade from PFF over his final two seasons despite having an inconsistent role.

With all that in mind, Mathis could really use a strong camp to up his confidence levels ahead of a big rookie campaign.

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