5 overlooked storylines to watch at Commanders 2024 training camp

In a game against the Carolina Panthers late in the 2019 season, the last game the now-Washington Commanders won under head coach Jay Gruden, running backs Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson put on a show. They combined for 228 yards and three touchdowns, averaging just under 10 yards per carry. It was viewed by optimistic fans as a harbinger of future success.

The following year, during training camp, both runners were released. Guice’s came early after he was charged with domestic abuse. Peterson, who had spent the bulk of camp running with the first team, was let go just as camp was ending. Washington moved forward with a brand new crop of running backs.

That is just one recent example of the way unexpected storylines can shake up a training camp. That surprise took place under a new coaching regime. Entering 2024, it’s not just the coaches who are new. Almost everyone from the owner on down has turned over. More than 50 percent of the training camp roster is new to the franchise.

There are several obvious points of interest in this year’s camp. Jayden Daniels' performance is at the top of the list, but other issues - who will play left tackle, how much will Jamin Davis line up on the edge, and will any reliable boundary cornerbacks emerge - are common topics for discussion amongst fans.

With that in mind, here are five overlooked storylines fans should have their eye on during Washington's training camp in 2024.

Commanders' offensive line dynamic

The Washington Commanders appear to have four of their five starters along the offensive line locked in. They need to settle on a left tackle. They need to choose which players to keep for depth purposes. That analysis is complicated by the positional flexibility many of their linemen offer.

Veteran Michael Deiter and second-year player Ricky Stromberg are battling to see who will be Washington’s backup center. Both can play guard as well, as can projected starting right tackle Andrew Wylie.

Washington’s last two drafted offensive tackles - Brandon Coleman and Braeden Daniels - could also get some reps on the inside. Along with projected starters Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi, this gives the Commanders a wealth of options on the interior. That may be bad news for a player like Chris Paul, who thus far has only lined up at guard in the pros.

It also raises the seemingly moot question regarding Cosmi. On a team with so many potential guards, is it at all possible that a burgeoning star at that position could be shifted out to the edge - a position he played at a very high level in college?

Had Cosmi played on the left side in college, this might be a very tempting option. But he played on the right at Texas. Still, this coaching staff has already indicated it might be willing to shake things up to find the best possible lineup.

Paying attention to where players are lining up during training camp will give a clue as to how the Commanders' coaches are thinking about the line.