Analyst highlights glaring potential Commanders' stumbling block in 2024

Adam Peters had a monumental task on his hands this offseason. The new general manager needed to mold a roster capable of being more competitive. This resulted in an unprecedented period of recruitment that came with widespread praise along the way.

Peters knows the hard work is just beginning. He was never going to solve every complication in one offseason. It's a rebuilding process, but expectations are building in Year 1 under this exciting new regime.

Washington's roster looks a lot better now than when the 2023 campaign concluded. Peters also has enough spare cash to make additional moves before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Something that is likely dependent on how things unfold during the Commanders' upcoming training camp.

Some holes are more glaring than others. Kevin Patra from NFL.com highlighted his primary concern that could potentially hold the Commanders back. This centered on the offensive line and, in particular, the left tackle spot tasked with keeping rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' pocket clean.

"Jayden Daniels' blind side sits in a precarious spot. Washington didn't address left tackle in free agency and waited until the draft's third round before taking a tackle. Thirty-two-year-old journeyman Cornelius Lucas, who's started double-digit games once in 10 seasons, and third-round pick Brandon Coleman are in line to compete for the gig. Guard Nick Allegretti was a backup in Kansas City for the past five years and will be tasked with locking down the left guard spot. RG Sam Cosmi is a stud and C Tyler Biadasz is solid, but the rest of the group has significant question marks. The hope is that Daniels' elusiveness can mitigate some of the issues, but that's asking a lot of a rookie."

- Kevin Patra, NFL.com

The Commanders made wholesale changes to their offensive line. The two new additions to the interior should help enormously. But the analyst's assessment of Washington's edge options was right on the money.

Going into the season with Cornelius Lucas as their starting left tackle is a monumental gamble by the Commanders. Those in power think third-round selection Brandon Coleman can become a capable performer with further development. It'll be a crash course for the TCU product over camp before his role becomes clearer in 2024.

This isn't accounting for the concerns surrounding Andrew Wylie at the right tackle spot. The veteran underwhelmed last season but is getting another shot this time around. Unless he improves his pass protection and becomes an assured presence, this will be his final season in Washington.

As previously mentioned, there's still time for the Commanders to add another capable performer. Several intriguing veterans remain on the market. David Bakhtiari's encouraging progress from another long-term injury is something Peters might be monitoring closely. He won't be alone in that regard.

There needs to be a level of trust attached. Peters knows what he's doing and came into the job well-prepared. He's a shrewd talent evaluator and will constantly examine what more is needed. But the Commanders can ill afford Daniels' rookie campaign being railroaded by subpar protection.

Signs are pointing up. At the same time, all it takes is one weak link to undo all their good offseason work.

It's a fine line. One that Peters must navigate with extreme caution.