3 bold predictions for Commanders 2022 training camp

2. William Jackson III shines on defense

Other than Jamin Davis, there’s no defender on Washington’s roster who’s playing with a bigger chip on their shoulder this year than Jackson. Signed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Commanders last offseason, Jackson was one of the team’s two prized free-agent pickups alongside Curtis Samuel.

While Jackson wasn’t as big of a disappointment as Samuel, his play in the secondary was nowhere near up to snuff. Plagued by communication breakdowns and pass-interference penalties, Jackson understands he needs to be more consistent and durable (he missed five games in 2021) this year.

"“I hate watching early on, because I don’t even look like myself out there,” Jackson told the media at OTAs. “But later on in the season, I started playing better and then started feeling like myself and it started showing on the field.”"

Look for Jackson to set the tone in the secondary at training camp as he looks to kickstart his regular-season tune up on a positive note.

That burden would otherwise fall on Landon Collins, but he’s no longer around. Kam Curl emerged as a leader in the spring, but Jackson will lead by example at camp and be one of the defense’s top performers when all is said and done.