The Washington Commanders enter training camp after another offseason of rebuilding the roster and certain players have to step up in a bigger way because of it.
General manager Adam Peters worked a miracle on an awful roster that missed on a lot of players in the draft from the past regime and it's led to newly acquired players having to produce at a high level right away for the team to succeed.
Making it to the NFC Championship game was nothing short of impressive and they'll need some key players to perform on another level with an increased workload to make it back this season.
Washington went with quality over quantity with only five picks in the NFL draft, and it could have a major payoff when you're able to land a player like Trey Amos at pick 61. Amos is a prime breakout candidate in only his rookie season largely due to his skill set and how he fits Dan Quinn's type of defense.
Washington dealt with Marshon Lattimore's injury last season, which was aided by how well Mike Sainristil played in his rookie season on the outside. This year, Sainristil likely moves back inside where he played in college and the team needs another outside corner opposite of Lattimore.
That's where Amos can earn his starting spot, and use his speed and length to lock down receivers this season. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr will have a plan for Amos and allow him to play freely to his strengths, and make big plays in coverage. Amos also had an interception in the end zone against Jayden Daniels on Friday.
Jer'Zhan Newton was the most dominate DT prospect I've ever scouted in the last few years, and my expectations for him were higher than others. He came into the season missing time due to a foot surgery he had to have, which held him back from participating in the offseason, and getting comfortable with his new team.
Even with such a rocky start to his NFL career, Newton looked really good as the season progressed, and it ultimately led to the inevitable happening. Peters made the business decision to move on from All-Pro Jonathan Allen and it opened the door for Newton becoming a starter on the line.
The run defense has to be better this season, and Newton should step up as a key piece for the future of the defensive line. If this it it for Daron Payne, then Newton gets handed the keys to the castle.
The Commanders drafted Brandon Coleman before last season and ramped him up as the season progressed as the starting left tackle. Coleman held his own against a lot of top pass rushers such as Trey Hendrickson, which should excite fans knowing that he can be even better with a move inside the offensive line.
Love the finish from Coleman on Hendrickson, but watch Cosmi try to avoid an illegal man downfield penalty pic.twitter.com/QrbAP77ttY
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 24, 2024
Peters went all-in on building up the offensive line by trading for Laremy Tunsil to play left tackle, and also drafted Josh Conerly Jr to hold down the right tackle position. What does that mean for Coleman? He can either compete at left guard with Nick Allegretti, or fill in at right guard while Sam Cosmi takes time to recover from his ACL injury.
Regardless of where Coleman ends up, he will be a major part of the offensive line having success this season and solidifying himself as a future piece of the team.
Washington has done a great job adding younger players to the team that can contribute right away and if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs this season, they need these three players to make the most of their increased roles.
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