5 encouraging surprises from Washington Commanders 2024 training camp

Jordan Magee's surge

Jordan Magee's training camp ended on a sour note. The rookie linebacker suffered a knee meniscus complication that required surgery. There's hope he can come back during the season, but a place on injured reserve is almost guaranteed to begin the campaign.

This is a blow to Magee's chances of immediate involvement. However, it does not detract from an outstanding summer overall for the No. 139 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Magee was initially thought of as a development project that could potentially assist in the rotation over time. His seamless transition from college to the pros caught the eye immediately. He rose quickly through a willingness to learn and by seizing the moment. Something that looked set to see the first-year pro accumulate starting reps right out of the gate depending on the schematic alignment.

The former Temple star was still behind Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on the depth chart. That was entirely expected. What became a nice surprise was how quickly Magee picked things up and proved he belonged.

Although the injury saw Magee's momentum come to an abrupt halt, he should have a bright future with the Washington Commanders provided there are no lingering long-term effects.

Commanders starting safety tandem

Kamren Curl's emergence from a seventh-round selection into a prolific starter wasn't enough to get a new deal from Adam Peters. The general manager had another plan in mind - one he thought was better suited to the schematic concepts being implemented by head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Last year's second-round selection Quan Martin and free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn are Washington's new starting safety tandem. This was a shot in the dark considering the questions around both on the backend. It looks to be paying off so far after this duo thrived throughout the team's training camp.

Chinn and Martin have the size, physicality, and ability to come down into the box that is essential within Quinn's scheme. There are some concerns about how they'll fare in coverage when called upon. But it seems as if they're relishing the prospect of learning and operating under such an accomplished coaching staff.

The Commanders have strength in depth at the safety position. Darrick Forrest is a former starter turned backup. Several others are also vying for spots, so this could be a highly productive unit in 2024 and beyond.