4 Commanders players that could steal roster spots in 2023

Mason Brooks - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders' offensive line has long been an area of weakness for the franchise. They have struggled to find any kind of real continuity from the protection unit for quite some time.

The Commanders' front office decided to completely revamp the offensive line this offseason. Only veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. remains in the same starting role from last season.

Fourth-year-pro Sam Cosmi is transitioning from tackle to guard for the upcoming campaign. The former second-round pick is expected to start inside at right guard should the switch go over smoothly in the preseason.

With Washington also bringing in veterans Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie to start at center and right tackle respectively, the completely retooled unit could show drastic improvements if all falls into place precisely and health permits.

The glaring hole at the left guard spot remains a major reason for concern for Washington. Last year's seventh-round pick Chris Paul and fourth-year man Saahdiq Charles were expected to be embroiled in an exciting competition for the starting spot at camp.

While all signs had previously pointed to one of the holdovers winning the job outright, an injury to Charles has opened the door for another contender to emerge. Mason Brooks has routinely made his presence felt throughout the early weeks of practices and is a player to watch.

Undrafted out of Ole Miss, Brooks represents a versatile option for Washington possessing experience at all five positions on the offensive front. The rookie has shown promising potential so far this summer.

Now firmly on the coaches' radar in the competition for reps at left guard, Brooks could very well surprise by earning a spot on Washington’s final 53-man roster and possibly even push for starting snaps as a rookie in 2023.