5 Commanders players who must ruffle feathers at 2024 training camp

Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB

Being a late-round draft pick doesn't guarantee anything. They are starting from the bottom up and need to fight with everything they have to make their presence felt. That's the task awaiting Javontae Jean-Baptiste during his first training camp with the Washington Commanders.

Jean-Baptiste was taken in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was a respected leader in the Notre Dame locker room and has decent athleticism to call upon. Some technical flaws need refinement, but an opportunity is there when one considers the questions surrounding Washington's edge-rushing options currently.

The Commanders need to decipher what Jean-Baptiste's role will be. He's not got the size to be a 4-3 defensive end in the pros. However, his physical profile suggests he can be of use within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s creative schematic alignments with a smooth transition.

Ruffling some feathers during Washington's upcoming camp is only going to help his cause. This would give the Commanders' coaching staff plenty to ponder heading into a crucial preseason slate for the player.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

All the offseason hype centered on the running back tandem of Brian Robinson Jr. and free-agent signing Austin Ekeler. This has the makings of a highly productive duo if both get a clear run of luck on the injury front. However, don't discount the potential impact Chris Rodriguez Jr. could make with another step forward in his progression.

The former sixth-round pick looked the part last season with limited involvement. Rodriguez displayed a physical running style and solid on-field vision to exploit gaps. Had Eric Bieniemy been more consistent with his usage of the rushing attack, the Kentucky product could have shone more. That wasn't the case and the play-caller paid with his job.

Rodriguez will be No. 3 on the depth chart with his roster status secure. Carries might be in short supply thanks to the presence of Robinson and Ekeler. But he can give offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury food for thought by imposing himself over camp drills and preseason involvement.

If Rodriguez evolves into an important third running back wheel, it'll keep everyone fresh. Couple this with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' dual-threat ability, and the Commanders could have a potent ground game on their hands next season.