5 Commanders players who must ruffle feathers at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
The Washington Commanders want Brandon Coleman to step into their No. 1 left tackle role sooner rather than later. They've given Cornelius Lucas starting reps over early offseason workouts, but the third-round selection is also getting time on the blindside as part of his ongoing development.
Coleman is an athletic specimen with some outstanding college efforts under his belt. There are concerns about his length and whether to not it would be more suited to the interior. Adam Peters sees something in the former TCU standout, but his role in 2024 will likely depend on how he fares over camp and the preseason.
The edge protector must shine against more established veterans during drills. Coleman needs to make every rep count during 11-on-11 when the pads go on to raise confidence further. There needs to be a level of ruthlessness to his approach. That's what every rookie lineman needs but sometimes lacks.
If Coleman achieves this feat and takes on coaching successfully, he might end up being the Week 1 starter at left tackle at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mitchell Tinsley - Commanders WR
Mitchell Tinsley was last summer's darling. The undrafted free agent wide receiver caught the eye throughout to secure a well-deserved spot on the 53-man roster. Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy didn't trust him enough to feature prominently, but being part of the setup would have been invaluable for his development.
Tinsley has to prove himself all over again this time around. The Commanders have a new coaching regime in place and some extra competition in the wideout room. Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Damiere Byrd could arguably be ahead of him on the depth chart currently. It's up to the second-year pro to shift this narrative.
Taking the bull by the horns is essential. Tinsley has some extra experience to call upon, but he must adopt the same mindset that proved so successful during his first camp in Washington. Being physical, displaying the right commitment, and making every target count when preseason games roll around will give him a fighting chance.
After that, everything else is out of Tinsley's hands.