7 Commanders players firmly on the hot seat at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
Andrew Wylie's production last season was viewed more favorably by the new regime than most fans. Big things were expected of the veteran right tackle after helping the Kansas City Chiefs win another Super Bowl in 2022. An instant reunion with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy only heightened anticipation about what could be ahead.
Unfortunately, it didn't go well. Bieniemy's pass-happy scheme placed too much pressure on his subpar protection. Wylie had some decent moments, but they were fleeting. Even with a prolific presence alongside him in the form of Sam Cosmi, he often looked flustered and incapable of coping with explosive pass-rushers.
The Washington Commanders are giving Wylie a reprieve, which was surprising to some. He should be better suited to Kliff Kingsbury's more balanced attack and the blocking concepts being implemented. But the margin for error has gone from slim to non-existent where the former Eastern Michigan star is concerned.
Wylie needs a consistent camp more than almost anybody. Anything less comes with potentially grave ramifications attached.
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Commanders addressed their significant pass-rushing need this offseason. Adam Peters was active in free agency to secure the services of three veteran pieces. Whether the new general manager did enough is another matter.
Clelin Ferrell is an interesting case. Once touted as a potential game-wrecking force during a prolific college career at Clemson, the edge presence hasn't lived up to his lofty draft status. This took a positive turn with the San Francisco 49ers last season without doing enough to earn a new deal. Peters got to see this first-hand, so there should be a level of trust attached to this particular acquisition.
Ferrell remains a draft bust after being taken No. 4 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, there is a significant opportunity to start or become a key rotational piece in the nation's capital if everything goes well over camp.
The Virginia native stated his pleasure at playing closer to home. That should serve Ferrell well, but his situation could go either way based on his career output up to now.