7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 1
By Dean Jones
Brycen Tremayne - Commanders WR
Competition for places in the wide receiver room is heating up. The Washington Commanders have new schematic concepts in place under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and a genuine franchise quarterback under center in rookie Jayden Daniels. This is bringing a positive response from the team's pass-catchers this summer.
Some are more established than others. One wideout emerging from nowhere is Brycen Tremayne, who's made big plays almost constantly throughout Washington's training camp to surge into roster consideration.
Tremayne's on the coaching staff's radar, which was the first objective. If the former Stanford star can make a few splash plays in the preseason - starting this weekend at the New York Jets - is the next goal.
Making tough catches in practice is one thing. If Tremayne can attain similar feats in a game-day environment under more pressure, that might be enough for the Commanders to take him onto the 53-man roster when it's all said and done.
That'll be more difficult. However, Tremayne has the size and wide catch radius to continue his rise from proverbial obscurity with some polished performances over warmups. That would be an outstanding accomplishment given his predicament coming into the offseason.
Chigozie Anusiem - Commanders CB
The Commanders made Chigozie Anusiem one of their top priorities during the undrafted free-agent frenzy. More than half the league was reportedly looking to acquire the athletically gifted cornerback once the 2024 NFL Draft concluded. A decent financial package coupled with a legitimate opportunity to make the 53-man roster tipped the scales in Washington's favor.
Anusiem's flashed on occasion throughout Washington's training camp. He doesn't look overawed and seems comfortable with the schematic concepts according to those in attendance. This is also a tremendous landing spot for any young defensive back to develop thanks to the presence of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Much like the situation with most undrafted free agents looking to make their way, Anusiem needs a strong preseason under his belt to further raise optimism about his roster hopes. He'll get some time on the field - probably in the second half - maximizing every single snap on defense and special teams will only augment confidence.
First-year cornerbacks tend to go through more complications than most. Anusiem has the size and physical profile to become an asset in this creative system. Proving this beyond all doubt during the preseason will cement his claims for a surprising place on the squad.