Which Washington Commanders players must hit the ground running during the team's upcoming training camp ahead of the 2023 campaign?
We are less than a month away from the Washington Commanders descending on Ashburn once again for what promises to be a fascinating training camp for the franchise. One that could see Josh Harris and his team of partners on the sidelines once their $6.05 billion purchase gets formal NFL approval on July 20.
Harris' ownership group is going to raise the stakes exponentially. He reportedly wants boots on the ground throughout camp, which is a potential distraction for head coach Ron Rivera heading into a pivotal fourth season at the helm.
Rivera's seat is among the league's warmest. The primary focus remains on the football side, but Washington must also put the right foundations in place this summer before taking the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
With that being said, here are four Commanders players that must hit the ground running at training camp in 2023.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Although the Washington Commanders are currently implementing Saahdiq Charles at the starting left guard position, Ron Rivera hasn't set this in stone as yet. The head coach has praised Chris Paul for his development throughout early offseason workouts and gave him every chance of increased involvement with a strong training camp.
Paul was seldom seen on the rotation as a rookie despite the Commanders going through some significant complications with their protection. The former seventh-round selection came on at his own pace and seems to have benefitted from this approach based on the growth demonstrated in recent weeks.
The Tulsa product has the positional versatility Rivera loves. If he can leave a positive impression at camp, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of a core depth position at the very worst in Week 1.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
There won't be a better time for Dyami Brown to impose himself on the Washington Commanders. The physically gifted wide receiver has everything going for him and two more fascinating elements could work in the player's favor during a critical Year 3 of his tenure.
Brown has found targets hard to accumulate since entering the league as a third-round selection. Playing behind Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson has something to do with it, but one cannot look at his contribution so far with anything other than disappointment.
Still, all hope is not lost. Brown's reportedly benefitting enormously from Eric Bieniemy's presence according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated via USA Today Sports, with his former college quarterback Sam Howell and their previous connection also catching the eye during early offseason workouts.
"The new coordinator has brought an urgency and attention to detail and energy to the unit, with the message clear that every player has to prove himself all over again. In particular, it’s brought the best out in third-year receiver Dyami Brown (who had a great summer as a rookie, but got hurt and has been a little lost since), and excitement over what Bieniemy will be able to do with his tight ends after coaching Travis Kelce in Kansas City."Albert Breer via USA Today Sports
Brown can carve out a bigger role for himself in 2023 if this continues throughout camp. And if anyone can find a way to maximize the athletic traits at his disposal, it's Bieniemy.
Kendall Fuller - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders made strengthening competition within the team's inconsistent secondary a top priority this offseason. Spending their opening two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft on defensive backs was a real statement of intent - especially considering the desperate need for offensive line reinforcements and plenty of outstanding options available in Round No. 2.
That said, it's hard to look at Washington's secondary with the concerns it had during the previous campaign. And increased competition for playing time is always going to raise standards across the board.
Although Kendall Fuller has been getting starting work during early off-season workouts, complacency is not an option. The Commanders have a lot of young bucks breathing down the veteran's neck, so reaffirming his influence immediately at training camp should ensure a pivotal role once again in 2023.
What comes after that is less certain. Fuller is an unrestricted free agent in 2024 and must perform above expectations for the Commanders to justify giving him a new deal with their recent influx of talent.
Fuller has no margin for error this time around. Emmanuel Forbes is going to play plenty after becoming the Commanders' top priority at No. 16 overall, Benjamin St-Juste could thrive with an injury-free campaign, and others such as Rachad Wildgoose, Quan Martin, and Danny Johnson also fancy their chances of involvement.
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
It was a positive opening to Sam Howell's time as QB1 during early off-season workouts. The Washington Commanders are betting big on their former fifth-round selection finally providing the offensive with an X-factor presence under center, which is further enhanced by the acquisition of play-caller Eric Bieniemy from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Howell had his moments of struggle, but there is a growing belief among coaches and his teammates that this was the right direction to go down. But head coach Ron Rivera was keen to point out via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk there is plenty of room for growth before he takes the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals as expected.
"He’s young, we know he is young. There was a lot of room for growth, and we know that, but he’s got a good skillset. He’s mobile, he’s got good foot movement, he’s got quick twitch to him, good decision maker. He is still learning to make those decisions, but he’s also got the arm talent and that’s the thing that excites us."Ron Rivera via Pro Football Talk
The North Carolina product has taken charge of the huddle and knows the playbook well enough to ensure everyone is in their correct positions pre-snap. Going up against Washington's exceptional defensive unit daily at training camp won't be easy, but it should prepare him fully for what's to come when the real action arrives.
Howell has to come out of camp brimming with confidence. Otherwise, it's going to be a real problem.