3 Commanders rookies under the most pressure at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Washington Commanders' rookies report for training camp today (Thursday). This is a chance for each player to refresh themselves with the team's schematic concepts and each other before joining up with veterans next week. The excitement is palpable among the fanbase as football draws ever closer.
Expectations are much higher for the Commanders this time around. Wholesale changes across the roster coupled with renewed energy in the locker room leave reasons for optimism. Washington's 2024 draft class - and perhaps even some undrafted free agents - need to reach their billing quickly for this ambitious project to gain additional momentum.
The pressure is on. This isn't college. Margins are slimmer and the tempo is higher. It's a sink-or-swim environment for almost everyone, but the Commanders have a strong support system in place to get these incoming recruits up to speed and on the right path to prosperity.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders rookies under the most pressure during the team's training camp in 2024.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
The Washington Commanders solidified their offensive line interior this offseason with the signings of Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti. This is an undoubted positive, but it does nothing to lessen the concerns surrounding their edge protection options heading into the campaign.
Andrew Wylie looks locked in at the right tackle spot, which is a major gamble in itself. Things look even more unstable on the blindside, which could have grave implications on this offense's ability to thrive with Kliff Kingsbury leading the charge.
Washington started Cornelius Lucas at left tackle over early workouts. The coaching staff also gave third-round selection Brandon Coleman plenty of blindside reps as part of his initial development. All eyes will be on the former TCU standout over camp to see if he can unseat the veteran to become the Week 1 starting option at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Commanders seem confident in Coleman's capabilities. Most analysts believe it might take time. He could even be better suited to the interior when push comes to shove. We'll find out more when the pads start clapping at camp.