This season has been a learning curve for everyone associated with the Washington Commanders. That said, second-year offensive lineman Brandon Coleman has endured more turbulence than most.
To say Coleman has gone through a rollercoaster campaign would be an understatement. Even so, head coach Dan Quinn believes it's brought out a new steely determination in the 2024 third-round pick, which will only serve him well moving forward.
Coleman had to switch positions this offseason when the Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. He earned the starting left guard position but lasted just two games before he was benched. Whether a lingering injury issue had anything to do with it is anyone's guess, but the fact that he was barely on the active game-day roster spoke volumes.
Commanders believe Brandon Coleman has responded positively to adversity
The former TCU standout is getting a look down the stretch with Tunsil out. Coleman looks more accomplished and urgent in everything he does. He is not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination, but his upturn in consistency indicates that all hope is not lost just yet.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by Quinn. The coach thinks Coleman has learned a great deal in his second campaign. The athletic upside has always been there, but the lineman has developed a new sense of resilience that is standing him in exceptional stead.
"I think…he has learned a lot here in year two. This is a resilient guy that can do a lot of things based on his athleticism, him learning and going through the hard moments."Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
Coleman will start at left tackle again in Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles if he gets the all-clear to participate. He's listed as questionable with a knee problem, but he practiced in full on Friday. That's a positive sign, which gives him a fighting chance of finishing his campaign on a high note.
Things haven't gone as he envisaged this season, especially after starting as a rookie. The Commanders' offensive line has emerged as a strength amid the almost constant misery this campaign has provided. If Chris Paul is extended, all starting five options will return in 20026. That makes it more difficult for Coleman, but he's at least displayed the fighting qualities needed to carve out a successful career for himself.
Adam Peters has gotten mixed returns from his first two draft classes. But anyone writing Coleman off this early could look foolish if the same upward trajectory continues.