3 Commanders on the roster bubble who must impress at 2024 minicamp
By Dean Jones
Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
Adam Peters is attaching no sentiment to his decision-making process. There is a business-first model in place. The new front-office leader is ruthless in pursuit of molding the sort of roster he believes is capable of making strides. Nobody aside from a select few can consider themselves safe.
Those drafted under the previous regime are in a tricky predicament. They have to impress all over again. Those lower down the order such as Andre Jones Jr. must hit the ground running to stand any chance of getting a reprieve under Peters next season and potentially beyond.
Jones was a seventh-round selection. The edge rusher had some nice athletic traits the Washington Commanders believed could develop into something more. After his first season, the jury is still out.
He came along gradually, featuring in 19 percent of the team's defensive snaps from 14 games - two of which he started. The former Louisiana star was utilized heavily on special teams. Impacting this area is exactly what could secure Jones' roster status when push comes to shove.
The Commanders strengthened their pass-rushing options this offseason after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline. Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. are the new faces. Efe Obada re-signed. There's also the intriguing presence of K.J. Henry to consider after his rookie flashes.
Couple this with the coaching staff deploying Jamin Davis as an edge rusher over early workouts, it's not hard to see why things look bleak for Jones. At the same time, all hope is not lost.
Jones needs to show Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. he's worthy of a roster spot and prominent involvement. Refining his pass-rushing moves will help. The player also needs to be more disciplined against the run to take his game to new heights.