5 Commanders players silencing their doubters at 2024 training camp

Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S/LB

Jeremy Chinn looked like a player capable of accomplishing great things once upon a time. He burst onto the scene with the Carolina Panthers and was unfortunate not to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. It hasn't gone according to plan after that, but the Washington Commanders believe this is the perfect spot to galvanize his career.

Chinn thinks this, too. He spurned the Pittsburgh Steelers' advances to be part of Dan Quinn's system. The head coach likes his defensive backs to be fast and physical - traits that the former second-round selection possesses in abundance.

The initial signs are immensely encouraging where Chinn is concerned. He's been starting on the backend alongside Quan Martin over the first few days of camp. The athleticism and instincts are as advertised. There have also been a couple of nice plays in coverage - one of his biggest criticisms since entering the NFL - to raise enthusiasm further.

After being cast aside as an afterthought within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 defensive scheme in 2023, Chinn is relishing a fresh start somewhere that's putting his outstanding physical attributes to better use. He's quickly surged into the No. 1 safety role. which is more than even the brightest optimist envisaged based on how things unfolded last time around.

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT

Brandon Coleman was under more pressure than most rookies to make a strong start. The Commanders drafted him at No. 67 overall to potentially become their long-term starter at left tackle. This was a contentious issue among analysts, who believed that the former TCU star's skills were better suited to interior responsibilities.

That's not an opinion shared by the Commanders. Coleman's spent the majority of his time on the edge over training camp - either at right or left tackle. He's more than held his own over the first few days. Perhaps more telling was the coaching staff's decision to place him as the starting left tackle on the first full day of pads.

This was a supreme vote of confidence in Coleman's early development. His athleticism and exceptional footwork have been on full display up to now. Some technical aspects need refinement, but the first-year pro is on the right track.

It seems for all the smart money as if Coleman is moving ahead of veteran Cornelius Lucas for the starting left tackle gig in Week 1. That's a best-case scenario for the Commanders, even if they'll need to navigate the rollercoaster that rookie edge protectors tend to go through during their initial transition.

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