4 key objectives the Commanders must achieve at 2024 training camp

Training camp and the beginning of on-field progress for a rebuilding Washington Commanders organization are here. While this team is far from a potential playoff spot, the work begins on reaching the ultimate goal of a revitalized franchise and sustained success.

Some storylines will be among D.C.'s main attractions, such as the development of quarterback Jayden Daniels and the intrigue of offseason additions on defense. It is clear the Commanders have gotten better from a pure talent standpoint, but how the play and chemistry look on the field is more of a guessing game than anything else.

This is why training camp in Ashburn is critical for the development of this rebuilding roster.

Washington is still a team filled with unknowns. After several years of mediocrity under Ron Riveria, there is hope that head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters can lift the franchise back into the team that once was an NFL powerhouse. While this is a lofty goal, it is the one that a new generation of Commanders fans would love to see accomplished.

For now, it's all about training camp for the new-look Commanders. There are plenty of things that the team must achieve during this critical stage of preparations. I have identified some important objectives the team must accomplish in camp ahead of the regular season - some of them are quite significant for the future of the organization.

Here are four objectives this team must achieve in the coming weeks.

Objectives the Commanders must achieve at training camp

Johnny Newton's role

Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are the two long-term cornerstones on the Washington Commanders' defensive line. However, a draft selection shows the team is still looking toward the future with the hopes of having a deep unit.

Johnny Newton, one of the top defenders from the 2024 draft class, fell to the second round due to a foot injury that nagged him during the entire process. When healthy, he is a force to be reckoned with.

He’s smaller than Payne with great explosiveness and upper-half strength that allows him to keep a naturally low pad level. Newton also offers a great pass-rush arsenal and provides lavish one and two-gap integrity.

This sounds like an early starter. However, with Allen and Payne anchoring the middle, the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year won’t see the field as often.

Joe Whitt Jr. is likely going to deploy a rotation across the front seven and be creative with who he utilizes in certain packages depending on the situation. Newton seems like the type to be used at five-technique on occasion with some reps at three-technique. If there is a season to test things out and see where things go, this is it.

The Commanders are in the middle of a rebuild and there will be plenty of time to figure out a truly established role for Newton. Finding that this summer during camp will help move things along.