7 Commanders players who must generate early buzz at 2024 camp
By Dean Jones
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL
The previous draft status of players means absolutely nothing under new general manager Adam Peters. He's got no emotional attachment to those brought in by the previous regime. Considering how little he thought of Ron Rivera's roster construction, it's enough to put almost everyone on edge.
Phidarian Mathis should be feeling the heat more than most. The interior defensive lineman endured a rough start to his NFL career thanks to a series of frustrating injuries. There wasn't much to shout about when he did get reps last season, so a monumental effort is needed when camp commences.
The Washington Commanders weren't going to hang around on the off chance Mathis put everything together. Peters got a stroke of good luck when Johnny Newton fell into their laps at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's starting the season on the active/non-football injury list, but expect him to make a telling contribution once he receives medical clearance.
This might reduce Mathis' role further. He's got to start well at camp, especially given the former Alabama star could be in a fight with John Ridgeway III for the fourth defensive tackle spot.
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
There is no margin for error with those further down the tight end pecking order over camp. Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott joined via free agency and the draft during the offseason. This makes life difficult for anyone else looking for extended involvement.
Much will depend on how many tight ends the Commanders take through onto their 53-man roster. It looks like a straight fight between four players for one or two spots. How they fare over camp and the preseason will go a long way to determining their fortunes.
If there was ever a time for Cole Turner to break out, it's now. Many thought this was possible following a superb summer in 2023. Ron Rivera didn't trust the former fifth-round selection enough and he became almost an innocent bystander as another season fell by the wayside.
Turner must make his presence felt early and often over camp. Unseating Sinnott and Ertz from their respective roles seems unlikely. But considering the Kansas State product's blocking ability, a situation could emerge where John Bates is deemed surplus to requirements in favor of another pass-catching option.
That would be a shock, but stranger things have happened.