3 Commanders who must build on promising starts at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
Adam Peters navigated his first draft extremely well. The Washington Commanders had an abundance of weapons at their disposal and utilized them effectively. They found immediate difference-makers, a potential franchise player, and some intriguing development pieces that can emerge into valuable contributors with additional development.
It's early days, but the impact made by Jordan Magee over offseason workouts came with widespread plaudits attached. The No. 137 overall selection is a physically imposing figure with the athleticism to match. Carving out an immediate role for himself will be challenging considering the improvements made to Washington's linebacking corps, but he's off to the best possible start.
The Commanders brought in Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner to become a potentially dominant presence at the defensive second level. Jamin Davis is spending more time on the edge, which could provide an opportunity for Magee to impose himself if things go according to the script over Washington's training camp.
Magee is a sideline-to-sideline force with enough closing speed to get to the contact point quickly. His on-field vision and ability to decipher plays make him an asset against the run. Once the former Temple star becomes more impactful in coverage and as a pass-rusher, the Commanders could have a steal on their hands.
This is a positive first step for Magee, but no more than that. The player must impress when the pads go on and prove worthy of extended involvement right out of the gate. He looks like a rotational piece and core special teams presence right now, but there's still time for that to change.
There's a lot to like about Magee's chances of excelling in this setup. Learning from the likes of Wagner and Luvu is going to aid his development considerably. Dan Quinn knows how to maximize the skill set of his defensive players. This is another huge positive working in the rookie's favor.
The environment is everything for fledgling players like Magee. Making the most of it is another matter.