Commanders' starting left guard
Most thought Chris Paul re-signing a one-year deal would immediately come with a free run to the starting left guard position once again. The former Tulsa star performed well last season, and even though there are still deficiencies in his run blocking, getting him back after testing the market was a major boost.
However, it seems as if Paul will need to prove himself all over again.
According to reports emanating from OTAs, the Commanders are also giving Brandon Coleman plenty of reps with the first-string offensive line at left guard. He beat out Paul and others to the role last year, but the TCU product was benched after two woeful games and never got his spot back.
Coleman was supposedly dealing with an injury that hindered his performance. The Commanders are giving him the benefit of the doubt, and his size and athleticism could make things uncomfortable for Paul the longer we go into Washington's preparations for the new campaign.
This isn't the first time Paul has been challenged. The 2022 seventh-round pick did extremely well to see out his rookie contract, putting himself in a strong position. The market wasn't as hot for him as some expected, and he'll need to keep Coleman behind him in the pecking order to further complicate matters.
Commanders LB usage
Adam Peters made strengthening the linebacking corps among his top offseason priorities. Bobby Wagner's time in Washington was extremely useful, especially during the 2024 campaign. But this was the time to get younger and more dynamic at the defensive second level.
The Commanders recognized this, especially given the scheme new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run.
Washington signed Leo Chenal from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. They spent the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles, who comes with franchise cornerstone potential. With Frankie Luvu moving back to his off-ball role and Jordan Magee offering promise, the linebacker unit should be an area of strength.
Just how things will unfold in terms of playing time is the big talking point.
Luvu was reportedly carrying the green dot on defense at OTAs, but it's a fluid situation. The Commanders are making Styles earn it, and he's responding well. Chenal looks like he could be a valuable contributor, and Magee has also come in for praise. It's a nice problem for Washington to have, but it's evident that a competition for starting reps is brewing nicely.
Jones will deploy many three-linebacker sets within his expansive scheme. And the Commanders now have the tools to pull it off.
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