4 Commanders players who must hit the ground running at 2023 training camp
By Dean Jones
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.