We're now in July, which means that training camp is coming soon.
It's going to be an interesting period for the Washington Commanders, who are entering the next stage of a new regime. It will be general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn's first season leading the Burgundy & Gold, and all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels as he begins to earn his spot as Washington's starting quarterback.
This year's training camp will also feature a new roster, half of which is made up of new players and draft picks.
For the next few weeks, Commanders.com will be looking at each position and highlighting some of the challenges they will face until the season begins.
On the roster
- Kazmeir Allen
- Dyami Brown
- Damiere Byrd
- Jamison Crowder
- Davion Davis
- Jahan Dotson
- Luke McCaffrey
- Terry McLaurin
- Dax Milne
- Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
- Mitchell Tinsley
- Brycen Tremayne
- Olamide Zaccheaus
What to watch
- What will Luke McCaffrey's role be? McCaffrey was one of the clear standouts during the Commanders' offseason workout program, making diving touchdown catches and spending extra time with first-round pick Jayden Daniel to develop chemistry with the quarterback. It's possible that he will be the Commanders' slot receiver, but at 6-foot-2, McCaffrey could be used at several spots on the field. Versatility was the foundation for his skill set in college with both Rice and Nebraska benefiting from that. McCaffrey is an exceptional route runner with solid hands, and while both of those will be useful in the slot, they will also be helpful elsewhere.
- Can Jahan Dotson bounce back? Dotson admitted that he was not happy with the way he played last season. Yes, he had more catches and targets, but he ended up with similar yards and three fewer touchdowns despite playing in five more games compared to his rookie year. Dotson has been working since February to make sure 2023 was an anomaly and not the start of a trend, going back to the basics with improving his play strength and route running. It seemed like that extra work was put to good use during the offseason workout program, but Dotson will need to continue that trend into training camp.
- Can Dyami Brown put it all together? Brown was drafted to be a vertical threat who could come down with contested catches. The only example of that came in 2022, when his 105 yards and two touchdowns made up most of his production that season. Brown certainly has the talent to be an NFL receiver. He's an impressive blocker and has occasionally flashed his skill set. The 2024 season also represents a new opportunity for Brown to make a good first impression on a new coaching staff in a contract year. The Commanders must fill out the rest of the receiver room outside of McLaurin, Dotson and McCaffrey. Perhaps this is the year that Brown shows he can be a dependable, consistent option.
