Everyone is looking for clues about how the Washington Commanders will deploy their schemes and which position battles to monitor before the 2026 season.
There are more unknowns than ever this year, stemming from another roster overhaul and the appointment of two new coordinators. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have made the necessary moves, and the stakes have been raised for almost everyone.
That is reflected in the roster’s demeanor and the tempo of practices during the early portion of organized team activities. There is a desire to set the tone properly and put things right. The slate has been wiped clean, and everything must now be earned.
Commanders could be setting up for a summer battle between Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman
And an interesting wrinkle at OTAs could be setting the stage for something much bigger over the summer.
Most fans thought the left guard position was locked in after Chris Paul signed a new one-year extension after testing the free-agent market. Teams wanted to see more before giving him a loftier financial commitment, and the former Tulsa standout was more than willing to bet on himself in Washington.
Paul is still the frontrunner after performing well last season, especially in pass protection. However, setting his starting spot in stone may not be as clear-cut as it seems.
According to those in attendance, Brandon Coleman also got plenty of work with the starting offensive line at left guard. The 2024 third-round pick won the job last year but was benched after just two games. Reports after suggested that he wasn’t fully healthy, so the Commanders could be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt this time around.
Coleman has the physical tools to be impactful. Paul’s pass protection was as good as any guard in the league last season, but improving his run blocking is essential. The Commanders want to get a good look at everyone over the early stages of preparations, but this could turn into a legitimate competition as intensity ramps up.
This is precisely what Peters had in mind.
He wanted to raise urgency and reduce complacency. It doesn’t matter if you’re a franchise cornerstone or an undrafted rookie; nothing will be handed to you under the pressure cooker. And considering the modest money it took to eventually re-sign Paul, he’ll have to prove himself all over again.
Just like everybody else.
While the smart money still says Paul will start next to five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the interior, Coleman will also fancy his chances of making waves. And for the Commanders? The best player will play.
Who that’ll be is anyone’s guess right now.
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