5 Commanders position battles that have already been decided at training camp

Commanders safeties and nickel cornerback

Several safeties have a good chance of earning a significant role in the Washington Commanders’ defense this year. Those are Jeremy Chinn, Darrick Forrest, Quan Martin, and Percy Butler. Early in training camp, it seems that we have a good idea of who in this bunch is pulling away with the starting roles.

Newly acquired Chinn has impressed head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. thus far. He is starting at safety in camp practices.

The former second-round pick was brought in on a one-year deal and is already showing why he will be here to stay for a lot longer than that if the same trend continues. Chinn has brought an energetic toughness and physicality that is going to be a necessity in Whitt’s defense.

Whitt wants players who will go all over the field and light the opposition up. That’s what Chinn has proven he will bring to this defense. He had shown a lot of promise with the Carolina Panthers. The Southern Illinois seems eager to return to his old form with the Commanders.

The safety starting opposite Chinn is Martin. The versatile defensive back was an extremely intriguing prospect and shined when given the opportunity during his rookie season when finally given a shot by head coach Ron Rivera.

He impressed Quinn during Washington's mandatory minicamp. The head coach confirmed Martin would have a key role in his defense and proclaimed the former Illinois star as one of the team's best tacklers. This is high praise from someone who will prioritize big-time, hard-hitting on defense.

Even though it looks like Forrest will not earn a starting safety role, he'll still have some sort of part to play. We all saw how talented he was before an injury ended his 2023 campaign way ahead of time. Quinn and Whitt love to have multiple packages in their defense, especially for their defensive backs. Expect that trend to grow in Washington.

During Quinn's stint with the Dallas Cowboys, several defensive backs had key roles. Forrest will not only have a role, but he will have an important one despite things not looking too great over camp.

As for the starting nickel cornerback role, rookie Mike Sainristil is running away with it. This was expected as soon as he was drafted out of Michigan.

Sainristil has quickly become one of Quinn’s most raved-about players, as he brings pure physicality and versatility to this defense.