Who will start at left tackle for the Washington Commanders in 2024? Whoever Washington chooses is tasked with protecting the blind side of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders open training camp on Wednesday, and observers will be watching the left tackle battle. Veterans Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott will compete with rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman to be Washington’s starter.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com looked at the 24 most intriguing position battles across the league in 2024. Patra ranks the Commanders’ battle at No. 5.
The biggest question entering the season is the blocking in front of Jayden Daniels, particularly on his blind side. Lucas, an 11th-year pro, figures to have a leg up, having started 31 games in four years in D.C. He also started just four games last season on one of the worst lines in the league and appears to be a stop-gap at best. Scott could win the gig. The big question is whether Coleman, a third-round pick in April’s draft, can step in from the jump and play such a key role. All three players received starting reps in 11-on-11 drills during the offseason program, a clear indicator that this job is up in the air. Ideally, Coleman proves the best option. But is riding with youth at LT ideal when there is a rookie under center?
The Commanders have high hopes for Coleman. They believe he’s a tackle, not a guard. We’ve written multiple times that it’s more likely that Lucas opens the season at left tackle, regardless of how Coleman performs this summer. Does Washington really want to burden a rookie offensive tackle with protecting a rookie quarterback right out of the gate? Could you imagine the backlash if Coleman allows a sack in Week 1 and Daniels is injured?
This is an intriguing battle and certainly Washington’s most interesting competition. However, unless he’s hurt in camp, don’t be surprised if Lucas opens the year at left tackle.