7 bold predictions for Washington Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Brandon Coleman becomes Commanders starting left tackle
The Washington Commanders are taking a big risk with their left tackle position heading into the campaign. Cornelius Lucas was the starter over early workouts after those in power released Charles Leno Jr. While he's dependable enough, the veteran is seen more as a swing tackle rather than someone capable of becoming an impactful blindside force.
After failing to trade back into the first round for an elite tackle prospect, the Commanders settled with Brandon Coleman at No. 67 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former TCU player is athletic and powerful, but some analysts expect his lack of length to result in interior responsibilities long term.
The Commanders don't hold this belief. They're giving Coleman a shot on the edge and got him working with the starting unit quickly throughout OTAs and the team's mandatory minicamp. Expect this to continue over camp.
How Coleman fares will be crucial. It'll be a crash course in what it takes to succeed at the next level. If he passes the test with flying colors, that might be enough for the coaching staff to get him into the starting spot in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Armani Rogers surpasses Cole Turner and John Bates
The Commanders' tight-end dynamic is going to be fascinating to watch over camp. This is a position group expected to feature prominently within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. Adam Peters also made two notable acquisitions to ensure more consistency in Year 1 of this expansive rebuild.
Zach Ertz reunited with Kingsbury on a one-year deal. He's firmly in his career twilight, but the veteran should be an asset in the passing game and an exceptional tutor to those younger tight ends looking to follow in his footsteps. The former Stanford star made a strong start over early workouts, so this could be a decent piece of business all things considered.
Washington also spent a second-round selection on Ben Sinnott. He looks like the complete package and can thrive quickly if everything goes well over camp. That leaves the rest fighting for one or two spots depending on how many tight ends the Commanders take through onto their 53-man roster.
John Bates is the perceived favorite thanks to his blocking capabilities. However, that's no guarantee. Armani Rogers is someone to watch providing there are no lingering effects from the torn Achilles suffered on Day 1 of OTAs in 2023.
Rogers was expected to be a potential breakout candidate before a cruel turn of luck. He'll be eager to make up for lost time, which could see him surpass Bates and Cole Turner thanks to his outstanding athletic attributes.