Analytics guru pours cold water on Commanders 2024 offseason progress

Adam Peters was largely lauded for the way he navigated his first offseason as Washington Commanders' general manager. It was a big job - one he had been preparing for throughout his surge up the ladder into the prominent front-office leadership position. After a frenzied period of activity, fans believe something special could be brewing in the nation's capital.

Peters will be the first to admit this is only the beginning. The Commanders needed a drastic overhaul to improve their short-term options. They look capable of being more competitive in 2024, but their fortunes could go either way during the first campaign of a substantial rebuild.

Most reports were positive surrounding Peters' offseason moves. Seth Walder of ESPN shared a different opinion, giving the Commanders a modest C+ grade for their efforts throughout a busy spring for all involved.

Commanders' offensive line questions highlighted by analytics guru

When discussing the reasoning behind his decision, the analytics guru pointed to the offensive line. With a new franchise quarterback to keep clean and so much cash to spend, Walder thought the Commanders should have done more to solidify their protection in front of Jayden Daniels.

"The Commanders are headed in a new direction with a new coach and, most importantly, a new quarterback in [Jayden] Daniels. How they fare will largely hinge on the Daniels' performance, though we're primarily judging how they have elected to build the team around him. The Commanders have the second-most cap space in the league (and third-most in 2025) and should have used some of those resources on the offensive line. Of their five projected starters on the depth chart -- Brandon Coleman, Allegretti, Biadasz, Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie -- only Cosmi qualified and had an above-average pass block win rate at his position last season. That's not ideal for a rookie quarterback. Kendall Fuller leaving in free agency could sting on defense, as it leaves a weakness at corner."

- Seth Walder, ESPN

Walder is not alone on this hill. Other analysts hold a similar opinion about Washington's offensive line strategy. Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadasz should assist the interior, but the left tackle spot is an area of weakness unless rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman progresses much quicker than most anticipate.

This is an ongoing evaluation for Peters. He'll seek the counsel of coaches following early workouts. If they decide more is needed, the Commanders have enough to make an enticing offer to one of the veteran blindside enforcers remaining on the market.

If someone like David Bakhtiari proves his fitness, the Commanders must examine the possibility of bringing him into the fold. This would also take some pressure off Coleman and avoid a situation where Washington is forced to throw him into the lineup too early.

The point made about Kendall Fuller's departure is also valid. Peters didn't make much effort to retain the veteran cornerback before he signed for the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Looking at the outside coverage options available, someone like Benjamin St-Juste or Emmanuel Forbes must step up and become a dominant shutdown presence. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.

It would be surprising to see Peters not add to his roster before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives. The Commanders will give everyone a shot to impress over the early stages of training camp. Anyone not pulling their weight will be demoted from their spot or cast aside entirely.

That sounds harsh, but it's been a long time since the Commanders adopted a business-first model. Something that was desperately needed after decades of personnel mismanagement.