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Washington Commanders Training Camp Day 5 Report

Here are some of my observations and a 1-on-1 interview with Commanders center Tyler Biadasz from day 5 of training camp, the team’s first practice with full pads.

 

Washington hopes to have its left tackle of the future 

Heading into 2024, the offensive line is one of the big question marks as we get closer to week 1 vs Tampa Bay. Last year‘s offensive line gave up the second most sacks in the NFL last season. Although many in the know feel like the QB had to a lot to due with the high sack totals, the front 5 needed some work done to it this offseason. Washington first addressed its offensive line issue in free agency going after vets like center Tyler Biadasz from Dallas, center Micheal Deiter from the Houston Texans and guard Nick Allegrertti from the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite those key signings, everyone around the NFL knows you’re only as good as your blind side protector. If the first five days of training camp are any indication, the Commanders may have found their left tackle of the future. Rookie third round pick Brandon Coleman out of TCU took all of the first team reps at left tackle during today’s session and took a good chunk of the reps there at yesterday’s practice as well. Coleman has shown tremendous power and lateral movement, two important traits of a left tackle. Coach Dan Quinn had some high praise for the rookie before practice this morning. Quinn said he knew Coleman was a good athlete, but said one thing he’s learned in camp is “he has great balance for a big guy. … He’s real under control.” It’s early, but Coleman is well on his way to being the opening day starter at left tackle for the Commanders 

Safety depth on full display

The Commanders defense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2023. They finished last in points per game allowed (30.5) and last in pass yard allowed per game (262.2). Heading into camp, the secondary is very much under the microscope, but with new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. leading the way, there is a new energy and vibe on that side of the football. Whitt comes over from Dallas where the Cowboys have been one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to team defense and forcing turnovers. Early in camp, while there is competition at a lot of different spots, in the secondary there hasn’t been a ton of mixing and matching with the first unit. One can guess this is because in the secondary, continuity is key. Through five practices, one thing has become very apparent, all of a sudden, the team seems to have darn good depth at a critical position, safety. Last year’s week one starter at safety Darrick Forrest has been pushed down the depth chart working exclusively with the 2nd and 3rd team defense during camp. Washington signed free agent safety Jeremy Chinn from the Panthers this offseason, He’s consistently been working with the first team defense as expected. Alongside Chinn has been last year’s 2nd round pick Quan Martin out of Illinois. Martin had an up and down rookie campaign, but with his range and ball-hawking ability, the hope is that this coaching staff can maximize his potential, something they were famous for in Dallas. Another name that has really stood out a safety through five practices? UDFA rookie Tyler Owens. Listed at 6’2″, 213lbs, Owens has showed great range and ball skills at the position, making him a super intriguing candidate to potentially crack this 53-man roster. When Washington has gone to their 3 safety look, third year safety Percy Butler has been that third guy to go along with Chinn and Martin, another young man that has excellent speed and play making ability at the position. 

Competition heating up at left guard 

Washington continues to mix and match guys up front along the offensive line. During today’s first padded practice, we saw free agent center from the Texans Mike Deiter running with the first team offense at left guard. As a result we also saw free agent guard from the Chiefs Nick Allegretti working as the second team center. I continue to maintain that the center spot manned by Tyler Biadasz, and the right guard spot being held down by Sam Cosmi are the ONLY two spots along the offensive line written in pen, the rest is in pencil, allowing for competition to play itself out. Today’s different lineup also shows that this coaching staff clearly values guys that can contribute at multiple spot. As we get ready for the second day of full pads, this offensive line continues to be the group under the microscope the most.

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