The Washington Commanders have plenty of exciting roster battles for fans to monitor when training camp begins. And one team insider believes one of the most important could be a lot closer than people think.
Chris Paul is fighting it out with Brandon Coleman for the starting left guard job. The former replaced the latter in the lineup after just two games in 2025, and that's the way it stayed. Now, the Commanders want to see if the 2024 third-round selection can rise to the occasion again.
And he may already be making inroads.
Commanders' left guard battle might be too close to call before training camp
It's still early in the process, but ESPN insider John Keim didn't think there was a big gap between the two, despite the way things unfolded during the previous campaign.
"Brandon Coleman opened last season as the starter here, after starting 12 regular-season games the prior year at left tackle -- but was benched after two games in part because he wasn't durable.
"Chris Paul started the final 15 games and played solid -- he was helped by a stronger offseason that resulted in a better physique. But there's not a big gap between the two. Paul plays with more strength but Coleman is more athletic."
Paul signed a new one-year deal this offseason, even though most expected him to depart in free agency. His market wasn't as hot as anticipated, and the former Tulsa star was willing to bet on himself. He's got the upper hand right now, but Coleman will be pushing him every step of the way.
The Commanders thought a lot of Coleman before taking him at No. 67 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was solid if unspectacular playing left tackle as a rookie, but his fortunes shifted dramatically after the Laremy Tunsil trade. Being benched so early into the season was a blow, but reports also suggested he wasn't quite at full health.
As Keim rightfully stated, Paul has more power, and Coleman is more athletic. Much will depend on what offensive coordinator David Blough is looking for within his new blocking concepts, but with Nick Allegretti taking over at center after the Commanders shockingly released Tyler Biadasz, it's a decision they cannot get wrong.
It's a tricky problem to solve. But it's certainly a refreshing one.
Whoever loses out between Paul and Coleman will instantly become a massive upgrade to the offensive line depth. Both players are versatile enough to play multiple spots, which is a major positive. They will want to start, but they are professional enough to put the team first if they have to take a back seat initially.
Everyone is playing with higher stakes this summer. That is no more evident than the battle for supremacy between Paul and Coleman.
May the best man win.
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