Washington Commanders 2024 Training Camp Preview

Washington Commanders 2024 Training Camp Preview

There is reason for optimism if you are a Commanders fan, as the organization went out and finally invested in an early-round Quarterback. Jayden Daniels was selected to bring this franchise out of the depths of the NFC North and back to relevance, but they still have a number of holes to address over time. What does the Washington training camp look like? We dive into that, position battles, and more here! 

Three Position Battles To Watch

Left Tackle: Cornelius Lucas, Brandon Coleman, Trent Scott

I know what you’re thinking, yes all three guys would qualify for WTFITG (IYKYK). Arguably the biggest battle/need for Washington heading into training camp is who is going to protect the blindside of Daniels. This OL was atrocious last season, giving up 64(!) sacks to poor Sam Howell, and they cannot afford to do that again with Daniels. I don’t have a clue who wins this job as all three guys are simply depth pieces on any other team. 

Cornerback: Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, Mike Sainristil

With Kendall Fuller gone, there is a huge hole in the secondary of this team. The Commanders swung and so far have missed on the Emmanuel Forbes pick, BSJ is a journeyman for a reason, and Michael Davis was brought in this offseason. The leader in the clubhouse HAS to be Sainristil. He got a good review on his draft profile and has a higher ceiling than anyone in the room. 

Wide Receiver 3: Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus

This one feels like a no-brainer. Dyami Brown has never lived up to expectations, Olamide Zaccheaus has return potential but that’s it. The job belongs to Luke McCaffrey. I liked him coming out as did Trey, and I think he would have fit in any system he was drafted to. Learning the NFL alongside Jayden Daniels will be huge for his development. 

McCaffrey is also getting my nod for fantasy sleeper as well. If Daniels slings the ball around, McCaffrey is going to see his fair share of targets in the slot. This is also pending a potential trade for Brandon Aiyuk, so maybe take this one with a grain of salt. If no move is made, I would definitely recommend getting McCaffrey on your team. 

Rookie to Watch: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton

It’s criminal that Johnny Newton fell out of the first round. I know he had the foot concern, but I still would’ve considered taking him as the first DT off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. I’m a little concerned early on about playing time behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, but hopefully, they wise up and move off one of those contracts and make room for Newton. Here’s his profile where I claimed he should’ve been a first-round pick. 

Ready to Breakout: Brian Robinson 

I know that the Commanders have a “running back” battle in training camp as they brought in Austin Ekeler, however, I’m here to tell you that that signing was a waste. Ekeler is a shell of his former self, and if anything, this will help the development of Robinson. Robinson finished as RB21 last year, and with a new QB in tow who could check down to him more, Robinson could finish higher than that this season. 

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