5 under-the-radar Commanders to watch in Preseason Week 1 at NY Jets

Anthony Pittman - Commanders LB

Much has been made about the high-profile signings made at the linebacker spot. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu should inject this critical area of the field with much-needed energy after it was neglected by previous head coach Ron Rivera. Rookie second-level presence Jordan Magee is also off to a strong start, so hopes are high that this position group can go from a weak link to an area of strength quickly.

Anthony Pittman's arrival went overlooked compared to others, but he could be an important player next season. Whether the free-agent signing from the Detroit Lions impacts the defensive rotation remains to be seen. But his dynamic production on special teams is something that can help the Washington Commanders considerably.

Pittman's carved out a decent niche for himself in this key discipline. This will be more important than ever in 2024 with the new NFL kickoff rules coming into effect. Watching his role during the preseason will be a telling indicator of how the Commanders plan to deploy the former Wayne State standout when the real action begins.

It's no coincidence that the Commanders signed Pittman soon after Lance Newmark - a former Lions front-office executive - joined as Adam Peters' right-hand man. That's a strong recommendation to begin his journey in a different environment. Repaying this faith is crucial to inspire further confidence before Week 1.

Mitchell Tinsley - Commanders WR

Competition for roster spots in the wide receiver room is bringing out the best in almost everyone. Higher standards and a better scheme under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are helping greatly. The Commanders must be thrilled with what they've seen from the unit so far in pursuit of brighter fortunes in 2024.

Not everyone is going to make it. The margins for error are slimmer than ever. Those who take advantage of targets in a typical game-day setting during the preseason could make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things.

This is something Mitchell Tinsley accomplished effectively last summer. The undrafted free agent rose from nowhere into a roster place, seizing every opportunity and leaving no doubt. It didn't come with much regular-season involvement, but there's just no telling what the valuable experience will have done for his overall outlook.

With Brycen Tremayne making splash plays almost constantly, Tinsley needs a strong preseason in the worst possible way. If he shows out against the New York Jets when called upon, it'll give the player the morale boost needed to end the preparation period on a high.

After that, everything else is out of Tinsley's hands.