Commanders' starting left guard
Chris Paul performed extremely well when coming into the starting lineup at left guard last season. Most insiders believed his market would be strong enough to leave the Washington Commanders in free agency, but that wasn't the case.
The Commanders brought Paul back on a one-year deal. This represents another audition for the Tulsa product in pursuit of a bigger financial commitment in Washington or elsewhere in 2027. But first, he has to make the interior offensive line spot his own once again.
Brandon Coleman, the 2024 third-round pick who took a significant step back last season, is getting the chance to unseat Paul this summer. The former TCU star won the job last year but was benched after just two games. Injuries may have played a part, but the Commanders are not giving up on him yet.
ESPN insider John Keim is among those who believe this battle might be closer than people think. Paul is stronger, and Coleman is more athletic. Paul struggles at times against the run, as does Coleman. Experience might count for something, but Peters might also want to give one of his draft picks another chance to cement his place in the team's plans.
Paul is ahead right now. And it will take a massive effort from Coleman to turn the tide.
Prediction: Chris Paul (LG1)
Commanders place kicker
The Commanders gave Jake Moody another one-year deal this offseason. That was a contentious issue among the fan base, who were not entirely convinced by the kicker's consistency after he was plucked off the Chicago Bears' practice squad when the Matt Gay experiment fell flat.
Fortunately, Adam Peters was not going to give him a free run to the starting job again.
Moody probably knew a competition was coming. The Commanders initially extended a tryout to undrafted free agent Drew Stevens during Washington's rookie minicamp. When others were also showing an interest, Peters quickly turned this into a formal contract. And the first-year pro believes this is the right place to carve out a successful career for himself.
The former Iowa standout made an impressive start over early offseason workouts. Stevens' leg strength and accuracy were largely praised, but Moody also responded well to the challenge.
Having an extra sense of urgency is pushing Moody to be better. Head coach Dan Quinn stated that he would like this to go right through the preseason before a decision is due at final cuts. And it really is too close to call right now.
Perhaps Moody's experience gives him the edge. But if Stevens shows out in Washington's warmup games, that might be all the Commanders need to give him a shot.
Prediction: Drew Stevens (PK1)
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