3 Commanders players facing an uphill battle at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Positivity is gushing through the Washington Commanders after a highly encouraging offseason. Everything associated with the organization has a fresh look. This brought increased optimism about what the future holds under Josh Harris' ownership group after decades of dismay under Dan Snyder's watch.
The Commanders have a short break following offseason workouts. There was a noticeably different energy in the building. Standards increased across the board exponentially. Everyone is working in unison towards one common goal of making Washington football a force to be reckoned with once again.
This is a good start, but no more than that. Things will ramp up considerably during the team's training camp and preseason engagements. Some players have their respective statuses secured. Others have big-time challenges awaiting them in pursuit of establishing themselves.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders players facing an uphill battle when training camp begins in Ashburn.
Braeden Daniels - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders acquired three new offensive linemen who are projected to start. A couple of others are expected to fill out depth positions and improve their backup options. This is a massive positive, but it does nothing to enhance the chances of Braeden Daniels entering his second NFL season.
Daniels was an odd pick during the 2023 NFL Draft. He was another college offensive tackle who seemed better suited to the interior at the pro level. After struggling to adapt throughout the offseason, he was sent to season-ending injured reserve.
Many believed this spared Daniels the embarrassment of being cut without playing a competitive snap. Looking at the reinforcements acquired by the Commanders and the fact there's no emotional attachment to the former fourth-round pick, his chances of making the roster appear bleak without a standout showing at Washington's upcoming training camp.
If he doesn't do enough, Daniels looks like a candidate for the practice squad. But even that's no guarantee whatsoever.