Tyler Owens pushes Will Harris for starting safety spot
The Washington Commanders took a big risk at the safety position this offseason. Jeremy Chinn's superb contribution during the 2024 campaign led most fans to believe he'd get another extension from the franchise. Unfortunately, general manager Adam Peters had other ideas.
Chinn received a decent offer from the Las Vegas Raiders that Peters was unwilling to match. The Commanders signed veteran Will Harris to replace him, who's a dependable performer but lacks the same explosive instincts.
Harris is projected to start alongside Quan Martin on the back end. However, the coaching staff will also provide those further down the depth chart with opportunities to force their way into the team's plans at training camp.
Tyler Owens is a name to watch. He's got the size, physicality, and athleticism to slot into Chinn's role seamlessly. The former undrafted free agent did remarkably well to make the roster last season. That experience should serve him well as he looks to unseat Harris from his starting spot.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste secures primary pass-rush depth role
Von Miller's arrival was another sign that the Commanders are going all in to win the Super Bowl in 2025. Fans were starting to panic about the team's pass-rushing options, but general manager Adam Peters always had one specific target in mind based on his pre-camp media availability comments.
The financial outlay given to Miller indicates he'll be given a key role, perhaps filling the void left by Dante Fowler Jr. after he left in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys. Possibly more telling was the fact that he was listed as an outside linebacker and not a defensive end.
That provides a window of opportunity for Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
The former seventh-round pick flashed as a pass-rusher last season during limited involvement. Jean-Baptiste will be seeking more reps this time around, and the Notre Dame product could get them if he displays the correct progress at training camp and during whatever reps come his way in the preseason.
Commanders running back takes center stage, but not the one you think
The running back dynamic will be something every Commanders fan will be monitoring closely. Adam Peters tinkered with the group this offseason rather than give it a complete makeover. He believes that an improved offensive line can help those who contributed last season become more consistent, so it'll be interesting to see if this gamble pays off.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge again. Optimism is growing around seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt after his seamless transition over early workouts. Jeremy McNichols is the dependable veteran on the bubble, but don't be surprised if Chris Rodriguez Jr. does enough to secure his roster spot.
Rodriguez is a powerful runner who made huge strides when carries came his way last season. This was enough to get another deal from the Commanders, and his confidence might never be higher than it is right now.
If the former sixth-round pick out of Kentucky takes his game up a notch, he's got the scope to ruffle some feathers at the very least.