Chris Paul - Commanders OL
This time of year is all about building momentum and demonstrating the necessary development for increased involvement. First impressions are everything and the growth displayed throughout the summer by Chris Paul is something that the Washington Commanders have found difficult to ignore.
Paul received praise from Ron Rivera over early workouts for making some outstanding improvements away from the team. This put him in a straight fight with Saahdiq Charles for the starting left guard position on Washington's revamped protection in 2023.
For a while, it looked as if Charles might be the frontrunner. However, yet another calf complication has opened the door for Paul, who's been working with the starting unit over recent days and has thrived against the Commanders' exceptional defensive front.
The former seventh-round selection isn't going to have it all his own way going up against the likes of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. But the fact Paul's holding his own and drawing rave reviews is a testament to how far the Tulsa product has come in such a short space of time.
If we're being honest, the Commanders cannot depend on Charles from a health or production standpoint. The one-time LSU star has had countless chances whereas Paul's had very few - something that might change if he continues with the same production heading into Week 1.