5 Commanders players alleviating concerns at 2024 training camp

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT

The Washington Commanders settled with Brandon Coleman at No. 67 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after failing to trade back into the first round for another offensive tackle. That was a small blow, but general manager Adam Peters had supreme conviction in the former TCU star following his comprehensive evaluations.

Coleman's production for the Horned Frogs coupled with his impressive athletic traits left reasons for encouragement. Some analysts believed his lack of length would be better suited to the interior. Slotting a rookie on the blindside right out of the gate comes with obvious concerns attached, especially considering the Commanders also have a first-year pro under center in No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels.

These fears have been quashed in the best possible way so far. Coleman's transitioned smoothly to the pros and is making the starting left tackle job his own over veteran Cornelius Lucas. It's not been perfect all the time. However, it's better than even the brighter optimist envisaged.

Providing Coleman's shoulder soreness doesn't dent his progress, it would be a surprise if he wasn't the Week 1 starter at left tackle. What comes after that is more pivotal. However, one cannot be anything other than impressed by the way he's risen to every challenge.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

Daron Payne regressed last season. He wasn't the only Commanders defender to suffer this fate as another campaign spiraled into the proverbial abyss under previous head coach Ron Rivera. There were still some moments of dominance, but the stud defensive tackle immediately got held to higher standards once he penned a lucrative long-term extension.

Some speculated whether Payne's 11.5-sack season in 2022 which resulted in his first Pro Bowl selection was merely because of extra motivation in a contract year. That seemed a little far-fetched considering the physical attributes at his disposal. Even so, the need to re-establish himself in a more enthusiastic environment was essential this offseason.

Payne's accomplished that and more. The former first-round pick out of Alabama returned to his dominant ways quickly alongside rejuvenated veteran Jonathan Allen. They've caused havoc throughout camp and are leading by example. This is the positive response everyone was looking for.

Joe Whitt Jr. was gushing in his praise of the interior tandem recently. He's expecting this duo to provide the sound building block that his defense can feed off next season and beyond - something that will make Washington a force to be reckoned with in no time.