3 key Washington Commanders objectives after 2024 minicamp
By James Dudko
Commanders need to raid the left tackle market
On the surface, nothing was alarming about both Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman getting reps with the first team during the Washington Commanders' mandatory minicamp. The fact neither staked a strong claim to be the clear-cut starter is cause for concern.
It's one more reason why the Commanders need to raid the veteran market for left-tackle help. Preferably, an established blocker who can step in and solidify the position if needed, but at least act as dependable depth.
Finding a free-agent lineman who ticks both boxes shouldn't be a problem. Not when Donovan Smith, D.J. Humphries, and David Bakhtiari are all still without a team.
Smith won Super Bowls with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. His pedigree includes helping to keep quarterbacks the stature of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes upright in key moments. That should be a seal of approval for Jayden Daniels.
A similar endorsement could be given for Humphries. At least from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who coached the player to a Pro Bowl season with the Arizona Cardinals. He protected the blindside for 2019 No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, so he's a good fit to also keep Daniels clean.
Bakhtiari has similar experience protecting a franchise passer. It's what he did for Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers before injuries struck and laid one of the game's best pass-blockers low.
Any one of Bakhtiari, Humphries or Smith would give the Commanders a feeling of assurance at what's arguably the second-most important position in football.
If left tackle trails only quarterback in significance, then cornerback is a strong candidate for third most important. It's why Dan Quinn can't ignore the quality names still looking for work, including an award winner he knows very well from his time with the Dallas Cowboys.