5 intriguing position battles for Commanders in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders WR3
Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson appear to be the Washington Commanders' top wide receiver options heading into the new season. While they could both thrive under Kliff Kingsbury and with Jayden Daniels under center, those in power should know they need more to give their new franchise quarterback a fighting chance of taking the league by storm.
The battle to see who becomes Washington's genuine No. 3 receiving threat seems open. There is hope within the building that Luke McCaffrey can become impactful after the third-round selection developed instant chemistry with Daniels. But others will also fancy their chances of prominent targets as the coaching staff gives everyone a clean slate.
Jamison Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus have the experience needed to carve out a role for themselves. Damiere Byrd has previous experience with Kingsbury and might be able to transition smoothly despite not producing much during his various stops in recent seasons.
Dyami Brown is the wildcard. While he's flattered to deceive throughout his first three years in Washington, early signs at OTAs suggest he might be able to feature more if the same trend continues.
This seems like McCaffrey's job to lose right now. But the rookie needs to leave no doubt throughout the summer.
Commanders CB2
The Washington Commanders have more questions than answers at the cornerback position. Mike Sainristil looks set to be the team's nickel option and expectations are high surrounding the second-round pick making his presence felt from the outset. It's on the outside where complications could emerge from a coverage standpoint.
Washington stood relatively pat with their options. Kendal Fuller left for the Miami Dolphins in free agency and was replaced by Michael Davis. This looks to be a downgrade unless the veteran brings his game on under the exceptional guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
It seems for all the smart money Benjamin St-Juste will be Washington's top cornerback option. This leaves Davis fighting it out with Emmanuel Forbes for the No. 2 role in this scenario.
Forbes was thrown to the wolves last season and suffered accordingly. The former Mississippi State standout wasn't ready to assume starting responsibilities and became constantly outmatched versus top-tier wide receivers who dominated him physically. All hope is not lost, but a rousing effort is needed to start proving why the Commanders took him at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If Forbes cannot beat out Davis to the starting job, it'll be nothing short of disastrous.