The Washington Commanders knew what one of their biggest roster weaknesses was entering the offseason.
Jayden Daniels was phenomenal in his rookie season, and there wasn't much to complain about at all...except one thing - he hit the turf a lot.
Sacked 47 times in the regular season, plus another four times in the postseason, the Commanders knew his protection had to be fixed.
So the franchise traded for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, and then drafted tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round to give Daniels two stud tackles.
Now, the offensive line looks far better than it did last season, which is the big reason why the Commanders come in at No. 6 in ESPN's latest power rankings.
"Though other areas might be improved, the line has definitely gotten better. Washington traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafted tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round," ESPN writes.
"It's possible Coleman ends up at guard, giving Washington a talented front once right guard Sam Cosmi returns from a torn ACL. Washington was dead set on protecting its greatest asset, quarterback Jayden Daniels, while also boosting the run game."
Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Isaiah Simmons (19) during the first quarter at Commanders Field
© Peter Casey-Imagn Images
With Daniels' protection, on paper at least, looking far superior than a year ago, plus with the help of Tunsil and Conerly Jr., can also give one of the league's best run games more bite.
Coming in at No. 6, the Commanders are seen as the third-best team in the NFC, behind only the Philadelphia Eagles (2) and the Detroit Lions (4), and that isn't a bad spot to be.
With a well-rounded roster, the Commanders feel poised to make some noise in the NFC in 2025, with Daniels now having more than adequate protection to go about his business in leading this team to the promised land, something he nearly achieved last season.
