3 Commanders who must build on promising starts at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
It was hard to overlook the positivity surrounding the Washington Commanders this offseason. Adam Peters laid the foundations for a successful future by regenerating an underachieving roster. Dan Quinn and his staff brought fresh energy and progressive ideas that went down well with the players. Optimism about what this franchise might be capable of under this new regime grew as a result.
This was a positive and much-needed change of pace. Quinn knows it'll take much more for the Commanders to be competitive in 2024. How things evolve over training camp and preseason games will be a better indicator of what this group could potentially accomplish. Nobody is expecting a drastic surge forward, but there's a growing belief something special might be brewing if the same trend continues in the coming years.
The new ideas and enhanced strategy brought a positive response from everyone. Players came to the fore and in some cases thrived under the coaching staff. This is a solid foundation from which to build before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders players who must build on promising offseason starts during the team's training camp in 2024.
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
The Washington Commanders didn't get much from first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. in 2023. He looked outmatched physically and was unable to bring his ballhawk credentials to the next level. There were far more positives from Quan Martin's standpoint during his rookie campaign.
Martin caught the eye when given significant responsibilities on the rotation. He was brought along gradually over the first few weeks of 2023. There was plenty to encourage during his work as a big nickel cornerback and roaming safety presence after that.
The former second-round pick out of Illinois has a physical profile that looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn's schematic demands. His size, explosiveness, and athleticism look set to become a major asset within improved schematic concepts. Martin enhanced his claims by standing out over early offseason workouts.
If the defensive back continues his impressive performances throughout camp and whatever reps come his way during the preseason, Martin promises to be a focal point in Quinn's expansive system next season and potentially beyond.