5 emerging conundrums from Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Commanders kick returners
The Washington Commanders have tried an abundance of players for kick return duties throughout the offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn hasn't settled on his confirmed options as yet. He'd be wise to do that sooner rather than later.
There's only so much camp drills will show in this key discipline. The Commanders are probably waiting until their preseason slate concludes before reaching a decision. Watching how the potential candidates for the role cope - especially with the NFL's new kickoff rules - represents a pivotal part of the team's evaluations.
The likes of Kazmeir Allen and Jamison Crowder are in the driver's seat right now. Washington has a few wildcards up its sleeve, with players such as Jahan Dotson, Mike Sainristil, and potentially even Emmanuel Forbes Jr. could be deployed on special teams if the situation dictates.
This is a fascinating, overlooked position battle that nobody knows the answer to right now. That said, putting Sainristil, Dotson, or Forbes in harm's way considering their importance is a huge gamble.
Jamin Davis' position switch
Jamin Davis is navigating his way through an important position switch this summer. The linebacker is being deployed as an edge rusher almost constantly during drills and scrimmages at training camp. Those in power believe this is the best way to maximize the obvious athletic attributes at his disposal.
Dan Quinn stated that Davis could see some time at the linebacking spot he's more accustomed to on first and second down. With Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner firmly cemented as the top dogs and rookie Jordan Magee demonstrating impressive traits, it remains to be seen how this dynamic shakes out.
According to those in attendance, the former first-round pick out of Kentucky is going through some growing pains as an edge rusher. Davis isn't shining as many hoped, which leaves his fortunes hanging in the balance unless there's a significant surge in the coming weeks.
Speculation around Davis' roster spot being in jeopardy is far-fetched right now. At the same time, he needs to impose himself fully to raise confidence in his ability to generate pressure consistently in a competitive setting.