Commanders made a bold offseason gamble (and it’ll be tested at camp)

The Washington Commanders rolled the dice this offseason. Adam Peters recognized the need to be bolder after this sleeping giant woke up en route to the NFC Championship game. That was the right call, even if it came with some gambles along the way.

One sticks out more than most. If it goes well, the Commanders will be in great shape. If it goes wrong, the ripple effects will be glaring.

Washington recognized the need to improve the protection in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Peters traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafted Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall. This could be a dynamic bookend tackle partnership, which involved some maneuvering for others.

Commanders' offensive line dynamic could make or break their 2025 hopes

This brings Brandon Coleman under the microscope. Head coach Dan Quinn is switching the former third-round pick inside after he spent last season occupying Daniels' blindside. He was solid if not spectacular, but all signs suggest that his physical attributes are better suited to the interior.

Coleman has slotted into the left guard spot, with Nick Allegretti potentially switching to the right-hand side until Sam Cosmi fully recovers from his torn ACL. It's a risky proposition that could make or break the team's hopes of going deep into the postseason once again. But it could also bring substantial rewards if everything comes together as expected.

Washington's new offensive line dynamic and Coleman's transition will be tested heavily when training camp rolls around. That's when things become more physical and intense. The Commanders' protection must become a cohesive unit quickly. Anything less comes with problematic ramifications attached.

Camp will hopefully iron out any issues. Joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots will provide a sound measuring stick regarding their 2025 outlook. The pressure is on, and Coleman's position change could be the difference between success and failure.

Coleman will have the luxury of having Tunsil and Tyler Biadasz, two hugely talented and experienced figures, next to him. That provides the second-year pro with a sense of security, but it would be surprising if opposing defensive schemes didn't target him heavily over the early stages of the campaign to see how he holds up.

It's a fascinating dynamic to watch. Coleman has the athletic profile to thrive in his new role. And make no mistake, the Commanders are counting on it.

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