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

Mason Brooks - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders' starting five offensive linemen appear set if third-round rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman continues his eye-catching progress in the coming weeks. There are plenty of places up for grabs on the depth chart behind them.

Some - Michael Deiter for example - will be a key backup capable of playing multiple spots. Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott should be the team's second-tier tackle options. Aside from that, everyone should fancy their chances of making the squad.

Mason Brooks will be someone to watch closely over Washington's preseason slate. Last year's undrafted free agent didn't quite do enough to make the roster in 2023. He was brought back onto the practice squad to continue his development and got a reprieve from general manager Adam Peters during his roster cull.

The Commanders' new regime wanted to take a longer look at the Ole Miss product this offseason before deciding his fate, which spoke volumes for the way he applied himself. Brooks did his chances no harm at all over the first three weeks of training camp. Shining when his number is called throughout the preseason is the next objective he must complete.

K.J. Henry - Commanders DE

K.J. Henry won't want to get lost among the newly acquired pass-rushers acquired by the Washington Commanders this offseason. The former Clemson star was one of few who emerged from the previous campaign with credit after flashing once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded just hours before the deadline. That doesn't guarantee anything under the new regime.

Henry must prove himself all over again. He's got the physical profile to make a difference on the rotation. It also appears as if there are more experienced figures in front of him right now - some with previously developed trust with head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Overcoming adversity is nothing new. Henry had to bide his time last season and took full advantage when his opportunity came. This experience should serve the edge presence well as he looks to make a splash during Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets.

Getting Henry plenty of reps would be prudent. If the defensive end makes a couple of splash plays and demonstrates improvements against the run, it'll do his chances of extended involvement during the regular season a tremendous amount of good.

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