Brandon Coleman was the lone offensive lineman the Commanders drafted in 2024, so there’s a chance the former TCU swing lineman could end up getting some reps, if not starting, at left tackle.
Coleman’s first full NFL practice on Day 1 of Commanders full training camp saw him get some light work with his new linemates, and in a small sample size, so far so good.
“To get together with the whole line and shake off the rust and get back to full speed, I was excited,” Coleman told Rooster. “Every day we preach to come out here and compete; we have to be the toughest guys out there and make each other better, and that shows because everyone is having fun. We’ve been together building chemistry for a couple months, and everybody loves each other, but we come out to compete. Everybody wants to play, so we’re excited to be together.”
It’s a little more ramped up than OTAs, but as Coleman said, “every day is a work day no matter what it is,” so it’s all about “sharpening the blade” – the question is, where will he do that, and will he be a starter?
“He’s 100 percent starting in some form or fashion Week 1, whether it’s left tackle or left guard,” Nell said. “I don’t know if they’ll kick him out to the right side or not, but I think he starts.”
“See, I don’t think he does; I think Cornelius Lucas has experience, and Adam Peters said they really like him in pass protection,” Rooster replied. “So I think he starts at left tackle, and Nick Allegretti at guard.”
That’s possible, although Nell had his own thoughts on the latter, at least.
“The whole story on Nick Allegretti to me is fascinating – never have I ever seen a guy put up on a pedestal the way that he is based off of a media availability and a good answer, and being a backup on the Chiefs,” Lynnell said. “Last year, when you all tried to sell us on Andrew Wylie being the right tackle of the future, at least he was a starter for the Chiefs. Nick Allegretti didn’t even start!”
“He started in the two biggest games of the year, against a pretty good defense in the Ravens and the 49ers, and he did a solid job,” Rooster replied. “I could see Coleman starting at left guard eventually, but I don’t think right now, on Day 1 of camp, he’s a Week 1 starter, but it will be interesting to see it unfold.”