3 Commanders players who can reinvent themselves under Dan Quinn in 2024

Chris Paul - Commanders OL

In 2020, Washington Commanders offensive line coach John Matsko worked wonders with a patchwork group of linemen that helped this storied franchise to the playoffs. However, in hindsight, it became obvious that he did almost all of it with veterans - players who came to the organization already having learned their craft.

With one notable exception, Matsko, and his successor Travelle Wharton, failed to develop any young linemen. The exception was former second-round pick and stud right guard Sam Cosmi, who may have simply been good enough to overcome iffy coaching.

Chris Paul was a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He got one start during his rookie season, in the final game. He was athletic and aggressive but showed serious technique flaws. This was his big concern coming out of Tulsa despite some impressive physical attributes.

He played too high to be an effective drive blocker. Those flaws were not corrected in 2023. But Paul has looked somewhat better this preseason under the Commanders' new coaching staff.

It was encouraging to see him starting at right tackle in the first preseason. Paul played on the edge in college and could probably do it in the pros if he was coached up. He may never be a star, but he could be a versatile, valuable backup.

New offensive line coach Bobby Johnson struggled to build a quality line with the New Giants over the past couple of years. Both the coach and the player have a shot at redemption this season in Washington.

There's a chance it could go the other way. Paul remains on the roster bubble until his fate is confirmed in the coming days with final cuts on the horizon. The Commanders don't have great depth along the offensive line, so taking the third-year pro through as a versatile backup wouldn't be the worst outcome.