7 bold predictions for Washington Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Luke McCaffrey becomes Commanders WR2
Luke McCaffrey made an impressive start to life with the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver was a surprising pick at No. 100 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he's eager to repay the faith shown in him by general manager Adam Peters.
McCaffrey's work ethic came in for praise during his initial foray into a professional setting. He was first into the building with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels every day. The pair went over game tapes and walked through routes before practice. This enabled their relationship to flourish immediately, which came across on the field.
This raised optimism about what McCaffrey might be able to accomplish in Year 1. The Commanders need more from their pass-catchers, so a big opportunity awaits the former Rice star if the same trend continues over Washington's first camp under Dan Quinn's expert leadership.
Jahan Dotson is the No. 2 wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin as it stands. He's facing a crossroads campaign after falling to break out last season. This provides an opening for McCaffery to potentially become WR2 if he catches the eye consistently when camp commences.
K.J. Henry earns starting edge role
The Commanders have some concerns surrounding their edge rushing options in 2024. They needed to bring more bodies into the building after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Whether the front office did enough to fill the void remains to be seen.
Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. represent an upgrade, but that's not saying much. They've got the trust of coaches and front-office personnel. However, the Commanders need someone else to step up and push this veteran trio to greater heights along the way.
K.J. Henry might be that guy. The former fifth-round selection flashed genuine promise over the second half of 2023 when given more reps. He set the edge well against the run and managed to generate pressure effectively when called upon. For a rookie who was seen as a development project, it was the biggest positive imaginable.
Henry isn't the finished article by any stretch. If he can refine his pass-rushing moves and hand placement throughout camp, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of the Clemson product pushing for a starting berth on Washington's 4-3 defensive front.