Commanders just subtly gave away likely leader in crucial training camp battle

The Washington Commanders have preached the importance of raising competition this offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn believes this is the best way to maintain the new standards set by the organization in 2024. Anyone not meeting the required levels or not fully buying into the project won't last long.

And the Commanders dropped the biggest clue yet around the likely leader in a crucial position battle at training camp.

Unofficial depth charts are exactly that. Nothing is confirmed, and it's merely an initial projection of how things look right now. While they cause great debate among fan bases around the league, things could (and probably will) look different when Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around.

Noah Brown is doing enough to retain his Commanders' starting status at training camp

All eyes were on the Commanders' wide receiver room when the unofficial depth chart was released. Terry McLaurin hasn't been practicing for months as he awaits a successful resolution in his contract standoff. This has allowed others more opportunities to impress, and most have done well without the second-team All-Pro taking up targets.

However, it's a valuable contributor last season who seems to be retaining his No. 3 spot behind McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr.

Noah Brown's first season with the Commanders ended abruptly thanks to a serious internal issue that required surgery. Although disappointing, his performances throughout the campaign left Washington with an easy decision to give him another one-year deal.

Nothing was guaranteed. The Commanders strengthened their wideout unit with Samuel, rookie Jaylin Lane, and Michael Gallup. Brown had to prove himself all over again, but he's doing enough to keep the others at arm's length despite getting carted off during Washington's mandatory minicamp.

Thankfully, the issue wasn't severe, and Brown's been active at training camp. He looks sharp and fluid, benefiting from scheme familiarity and already developed chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former seventh-round pick out of Ohio State is an underrated route runner, so all signs point to an influential role in 2025 if the same trend continues.

This isn't set in stone, but it would be a huge shock if Brown wasn't starting next to Samuel (and hopefully, McLaurin) in Week 1. Players like Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Gallup, and K.J. Osborn are vying for roles, so the stakes remain high heading into Washington's preseason slate.

It's a nice problem for the Commanders to have. There was a time not so long ago when they only had one good receiver to depend upon. Now, the options are almost endless, which is only going to assist in their quest for another deep postseason run.

Brown is in the driver's seat for the No. 3 wideout spot. And the smart money suggests that won't change.

More Commanders news and analysis