3 Commanders who could lose their starting job to rookies in 2024

Jamin Davis - Commanders LB

This would be surprising in more ways than one. Jamin Davis could stand to benefit more than most from the introduction of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. However, the need to raise performance levels couldn't be more urgent.

The Washington Commanders fortified their linebacking corps in free agency with the signings of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. This saw Davis deployed more on the edge over early workouts - something more in-keeping with his outstanding physical attributes. Quinn holds the key considering he's had similar success with a physically imposing linebacker as an edge rusher with Micah Parsons on the Dallas Cowboys.

Expecting Davis to put up numbers similar to Parsons is unrealistic. If this transition doesn't go well and the Commanders see the same inconsistencies at the defensive second level from their former first-round pick, this experiment will be cut short quickly.

Hopes are high surrounding Davis. But the Commanders have been thrilled with rookie linebacker Jordan Magee's transition. Something that could see the Temple product gain prominent reps immediately if the same trend continues.

It's also worth remembering that the Commanders drafted Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. If Davis and others fail to generate pressure, expect Quinn and Whitt to deploy more three-man fronts. This would place the ferocious lineman alongside Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, which looks like a mouth-watering trio capable of wreaking havoc.

The onus is on Davis to reaffirm his importance to Washington's long-term future. One could make a strong case for the Kentucky product being mismanaged and unsupported by the previous staff. Not picking up his fifth-year option suggests Adam Peters is adopting a wait-and-see approach before taking further measures.

Having Magee behind him keeps a level of desperation that wasn't evident previously. The Commanders needed increased competition for places, so the pressure is on Davis to perform to the level he's capable of and make the most of his newfound role.

Otherwise, others are waiting in the wings.