7 Commanders players who must generate early buzz at 2024 camp

Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR

The wide receiver dynamic is a fascinating one heading into camp. A couple of new faces have freshened things up. Most who were around under the previous coaching regime are getting another opportunity to establish themselves. Everyone aside from Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin has questions to answer.

Chances are there for those who catch the eye. The Washington Commanders are making each player earn the right for prominent involvement. That places Olamide Zaccheaus firmly under the microscope.

Zaccheaus joined from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency after failing to establish himself on Washington's fierce division rival. He's worked with Dan Quinn before from their time together on the Atlanta Falcons. The wideout carved out a decent role for himself without ever reaching lofty heights throughout his career. The Commanders will be looking for something similar from the player within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

This could go either way for Zaccheaus. His elusiveness and ability to create separation quickly should help. A few noteworthy catches during the early exchanges of camp could provide the momentum needed for a decent role in 2024.

Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Benjamin St-Juste is heading into his last chance saloon with the Commanders. There were moments of quality from the athletic cornerback in 2023, but it was nowhere near the consistency expected. That leaves his long-term aspirations hanging in the balance entering the upcoming campaign.

St-Juste has the size, physical profile, and length head coach Dan Quinn normally looks for in his cornerbacks. The former third-round selection could benefit greatly from improved coaching, but imposing himself as the legitimate No. 1 option is imperative over Washington's upcoming training camp.

The Minnesota product got burned for too many big plays last time around. St-Juste conceded 63.2 percent of targets thrown in his direction for 769 receiving yards in 2023. Not having any consistent pressure was a tough challenge for the secondary to overcome. That doesn't detract from the need for these numbers to improve.

Washington is counting heavily on St-Juste next season. It's also a contract year for the defensive back, so the stakes couldn't be higher in Year 4 of his professional career.