7 Commanders players who can vastly outperform their pay grade in 2024
By Dean Jones
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $ 1.37 million
It wasn't the easiest start to Brian Robinson Jr.'s professional journey. The running back fought back from severe adversity and looked like someone capable of shouldering a heavy burden last season. Eric Bieniemy's unbalanced schematic concepts denied him the opportunity, but he still managed to go over 1,100 all-purpose yards as a result of his efforts.
Robinson could be in line for a breakout campaign under Kliff Kingsbury's guidance in 2024. Ball security needs to tighten up, but his progress as a dual-threat force compliments what free-agent signing Austin Ekeler brings to the table.
This has the makings of a productive tandem if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front. It's also going to make rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' life a lot easier having two productive presences alongside him in the backfield during his pivotal rookie transition.
The former third-round pick out of Alabama can firmly cement himself as one of the league's best young running backs in 2024. Ekeler is an asset rather than a threat to Robinson. With a $1.375 million salary cap hit this season, the Commanders are going to get tremendous bang for their buck.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $1.01 million
It's been an up-and-down summer for Brandon Coleman. The rookie third-round pick quickly surged into the No. 1 spot at left tackle after a smoother-than-expected transition to the pros. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury dented his progress at the worst possible time.
Coleman is back at practice and looks ready to go for Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This put the Commanders in a predicament considering the blindside presence didn't get any live-fire reps during the preseason.
Washington could throw Coleman in at the deep end to see how things go. They might decide to put Cornelius Lucas into the starting slot initially. Much will depend on how the TCU product responds in the coming days.
Either way, a significant opportunity awaits Coleman. Many analysts questioned the pick and thought he'd be better suited on the interior. Adam Peters had a different opinion and so far, he's been vindicated.
If Coleman comes on quicker than anticipated, his $1.01 million salary cap hit will look like chump change.