6 takeaways from Commanders' first depth chart (2024)

Jul 26, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball during warmup before day three of training camp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders entered training camp with a plan for Jayden Daniels. They’ve stuck with that plan even when it was obvious he was the best option in training camp. Daniels and Marcus Mariota split first-team reps throughout the first week of camp, but Daniels has recently taken the majority.

Daniels’s atop the depth chart is not shocking and was always the plan. He should be taking first-team reps to have more time with center Tyler Biadasz and the team’s starting skill players. Mariota, a 10-year veteran, doesn’t need the reps. It will be interesting to see how much Daniels participates in the joint practice with the Jets and in the game. Quinn said some players would participate in the practice more while others would play more in the game. The practice reps are generally more important for the projected starters.

Jul 26, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) catches a pass on day three of training camp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 2, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (77) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Tony Bradford Jr. (97) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

If you had asked me before camp if I thought Brandon Coleman would be the Week 1 starter at left tackle, I likely would’ve said give it a few weeks. However, the Commanders have thrown Coleman in there with the starters and he’s responded. He really delivered against Washington’s talented defensive front in one-on-ones, which solidified things for the coaches. Coleman has excellent length and quick feet. He could be GM Adam Peters’ best offseason evaluation.

Coleman may be atop the depth chart now, but if he’s healthy and doesn’t embarrass himself in the joint practices with the Jets, he will be the starting left tackle.

Washington Commanders center Ricky Stromberg (53) prepares to block against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

What do we make of second-year center/guard Ricky Stromberg? Players on last season’s team said Stromberg was Washington’s best center last season before he was injured. The Commanders signed Tyler Biadasz to start, which was a smart move. Still, Washington had a promising young player who could fill in for Biadasz at center or at guard. On this depth chart, Stromberg is third behind Biadasz and Michael Deiter at center and third behind Sam Cosmi and Julian Good-Jones at right guard.

How is Stromberg behind Good-Jones? The Commanders’ signing of Deiter was a good move. He’s experienced, has started plenty of games, and could fill in at any of the three interior positions. The practices and the games matter for Stromberg. He needs a good showing in the preseason games to solidify a spot on the 53.

ASHBURN, VA – JULY 25: Jamin Davis #52 of the Washington Commanders looks on during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Commanders figure to play a lot of two linebackers and five defensive backs this season. That’s the standard around the NFL. However, on the first depth chart, Washington listed three linebackers. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu were obvious, but the Commanders listed EDGE Dante Fowler Jr. as the other starting outside linebacker.

Fowler was ahead of 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis. Davis has primarily worked with the pass rushers throughout camp. Clelin Ferrell and Dorance Armstrong are listed as the starting defensive ends. Fowler will play a lot, as Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will rotate the defensive linemen.

Davis needs to flash as a pass rusher in the preseason games. No one is expecting him to have three sacks in a game, but he needs to show something, in order to stick around.

ASHBURN, VA – JULY 25: Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #13 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

We should file this under “wait and see.” Quinn told the media on Tuesday that Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis were all rotating. They are the top three outside cornerbacks and will all play a significant role. Forbes is having a good camp, but he needs to earn his role, something he acknowledged last week. Forbes has handled everything correctly. He added weight in the offseason and responded to the challenge with a good training camp.

Everyone will be watching Forbes during the joint practice with the Jets. We are all going to learn how much Forbes has improved from last season. He needs a strong showing.