5 mouth-watering clashes to watch at Commanders 2024 training camp

Jayden Daniels vs. Commanders DL

All eyes will be on Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders are expecting the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to be their franchise-altering presence at the quarterback position. He's made an impressive start, but things will get more difficult when training camp gathers pace.

This is more in keeping with a game-day environment in terms of competitiveness. Daniels needs to have his wits about him. He also needs to navigate an imposing Commanders' defensive line led by the stud interior tandem of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

Payne and Allen regressed last season. They lacked motivation as another campaign spiraled into embarrassment. Both seem reenergized this time around, so expect normal service to be resumed working under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

The Heisman Trophy winner also has to cope effectively when the Commanders shift to a three-man front. This could potentially feature second-round selection Johnny Newton, who is recovering from foot surgeries but might be able to feature in some capacity.

Daniels has the tools needed to thrive. Going up against a stout defensive line in the coming weeks is only going to help make things easier when the real action arrives.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. vs. Brandon Coleman

The Commanders need to find out if Brandon Coleman can become an NFL-caliber left tackle over camp. It's not going to be perfect - it never is with first-year players - but holding his own against more experienced opposition over drills and scrimmages will do his chances of starting over Cornelius Lucas an untold amount of good.

Adam Peters saw something in Coleman. He's a little raw technically and lacks the prototypical length for an NFL edge protector. However, the third-round selection is strong, athletic, and mirrors ongoing pass-rushers extremely well. That's a strong foundation from which to build, but the proof will be on the field one way or another.

Expect Coleman to lock horns frequently with Dorance Armstrong Jr. The free-agent signing opted for an immediate reunion with Dan Quinn and is Washington's best defensive end by a considerable margin. There's nothing flashy about his production, but the former Kansas star does everything well. He also knows how to get after the quarterback when gaps emerge.

This will be a solid measuring stick for Coleman. If he comes through the test with flying colors, don't be surprised if he becomes Jayden Daniels' blindside protector in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.