The Commanders must take advantage of their secret weapons.
It's a new day for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The slate has been wiped clean following two decades of dismay, replaced by a brighter future with long-term promise under Josh Harris' ownership group.
Rome wasn't built in a day. Most fans are approaching with cautious optimism. Others are bordering on delusions about what the Commanders might be capable of during their first season with Dan Quinn leading the charge.
The Commanders have a plan for sustainable growth in place. Quinn knows it'll be a tough challenge in a competitive division. At the same time, he also believes the raised standards and energy surge across the franchise can lead his team to some eye-catching strides in Year 1 of his tenure.
Things won't be a bed of roses all the time. For the Commanders to thrive next season, they must ensure profitability from these secret weapons in 2024.
Dominique Hampton - Commanders S
Earning reps will be the biggest challenge facing Dominique Hampton. The sixth-round selection was seen as a development project with the right character to gradually emerge into a prominent feature. However, the standout safety will have bigger ambitions entering Year 1 of his professional career.
Hampton is a physical hitter with the sort of physique Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive backs. What he lacks in top-end speed he makes up for with a high football IQ and ruthless tackling prowess. If he can increase confidence in his chances over training camp, the former Washington Husky will be a surprise most teams don't see coming.
The Washington Commanders have fierce competition for places in their safety room. Hampton faces a challenging few weeks before his fate is decided, but don't be surprised if he can surge forward much quicker than anticipated.
It could go either way for Hampton initially. But he won't be found wanting for effort that's for sure.
Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders had to strengthen their wide receiver options this offseason. This bears more significance when one considers the presence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels - a man with the entire fate of the franchise resting on his young shoulders after becoming the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adam Peters didn't do anything too drastic. There were a few tweaks but nothing more. This indicates the general manager believes he can get more from some already around under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and his accomplished staff.
One notable arrival came in the form of Olamide Zaccheaus. The veteran wideout knows Dan Quinn well from their time together with the Atlanta Falcons. He's been a solid if not spectacular performer throughout his career, carving a niche for moving the chains and doing his best work from the slot.
Zaccheaus has the athletic profile to be a strong security blanket for Daniels in key situations. His career numbers aren't jaw-dropping by any stretch, but the improved options on Washington's offense should provide the player with more space in which to work.
This is dependent on Zaccheaus earning his fair share of prominent targets over Washington's upcoming training camp. The former undrafted free agent out of Virginia isn't the biggest at 5-foot-8, but he makes things happen if schemed effectively. He's also extremely elusive with the football in his hands.
One thing that stands out where Zaccheaus is concerned centers on explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. He's got the quick-twitch movements to create separation quickly. This is especially evident when the player is used in motion - something Kingsbury must put to good use in pursuit of maximizing his second play-calling opportunity.
With the likes of Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Washington's rushing attack taking up attention, a big opportunity awaits Zaccheaus with a strong start.
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
If the Washington Commanders want to improve defensively in 2024, they need more from their edge rushing options. Those in power thought trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline was best for the team's long-term future. How well they replace them is imperative.
Signing the veteran trio of Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. should assist. Just how much remains to be seen, but head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have faith in their capabilities having been around the players during their previous stops.
The Commanders also need someone to rise from proverbial obscurity to become impactful. K.J. Henry seems like the best candidate after showing tremendous promise when called upon over the second half of 2023.
Henry displayed eye-catching explosiveness off the block. His ability to set the edge on running downs was encouraging despite needing extra refinement. Considering what was expected of the former Clemson star before the season, it went better than most envisaged.
This is a strong stepping stone for Henry, but becoming complacent is not an option. The defensive end must maintain high standards and develop further under the guidance of Quinn's outstanding staff team. Extra competition for reps is only going to improve his hopes of finding the urgency needed to firmly establish himself.
Washington isn't blessed with great depth on the edge. Henry can propel himself into contention by impressing a fresh set of eyes. Displaying the right attitude during the team's training camp and maximizing his time on the field in preseason games will go a long way to achieving this objective.
Henry's got the talent. If he can find his way into Quinn's plans in some capacity, his expansive schematic concepts could be exactly what the second-year pro needs to take his game to new heights.
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz's high-profile arrival represents a potential upgrade on Logan Thomas, who was a salary-cap casualty this offseason. His previous connection to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury smoothed the transition. But there's just no telling what the veteran has left despite catching the eye over early offseason workouts.
The Washington Commanders also found a long-term possibility at the tight-end position. Those in power identified Ben Sinnott as a high-priority target on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Luck was on their side as he fell into their grasp at No. 53 overall.
Sinnott's position versatility and intriguing athleticism could see him become a big part of Kingsbury's scheme immediately. Ertz is assisting every step of the way with his initial development. The player also seems confident things can evolve quickly in pursuit of prominent involvement during the 2024 campaign.
If Ertz represents a flex tight-end option, Sinnott's skill set is more traditional. He's a ferocious blocker in line or at the second level. The former Kansas State star has assured hands and is developing an impressive route tree to further raise optimism. There's also a lot to like about his body control in the red zone and ability to generate yards after the catch with a physical running style.
The first-year pro has gone relatively under the radar compared to most of Washington's new arrivals this offseason. That's something Sinnott and the Commanders might be able to take advantage of - especially over the first few weeks of the campaign.
Once NFL teams get some game film on the Commanders to see how they're deploying Sinnott, things will be more difficult. That said, rookie tight ends can flourish once early momentum is generated. One only has to look at how Sam LaPorta fared with the Detroit Lions last season to see that.
If Sinnott can become a dependable option for Jayden Daniels, it'll be a positive sign. Something that can help the player propel himself to bigger and better things moving forward.
