Washington Training Camp Spotlight: Week 1 Edition

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July 31, 2024

by David Earl

Could Jordan Magee Play Over Jamin Davis?

When looking at Washington depth charts such what can be found at ESPN and Ourlads, the unofficial depth may not reflect what many have seen in week 1 of training camp. Some observers are beginning to get the impression that Jordan Magee appears to have moved past Jamin Davis on the linebacker depth chart, while Davis has worked mostly with the edge rushers. Magee has not only been noticed by fans and journalists, but Magee has garnered the attention of Dan Quinn:

“I’d say the speed and athleticism is what jumps out to me,” Quinn said about Magee. “He’s got a rare quickness and short-area burst to him that the really good linebackers have. He plays square and he’s got real speed, so we’re going to push him hard in those spaces. But he’s off to an excellent start.”

His draft scouting report scouting report at NFLScoutingBuzz.com states, “Jordan Magee’s NFL draft profile underscores his strengths as a high-motor linebacker with an aggressive playstyle and significant upside as a blitzer”. There have been glimpses of his upside, specifically his overall athleticism, that have caught this organization’s eye during week one of training camp. Magee’s scouting report further describes him as being able to navigates through traffic and impact plays behind the line very well. While he needs work in man-to-man coverage, his off-ball skills in zone coverage are a strength. As a result, Jamin Davis, who has underwhelmed thus far and has no ties to this current front office, has a very long uphill climb to claim a significant roster spot.

As we know Jordan Magee was drafted with the 4th pick in the fifth round for the 2024 NFL draft. When looking at this round in prior years Magee is in some rather good company. Offensively, such names as TE George Kittle (2017), WR Tyreek Hill (2016), WR Stefon Diggs (2015), WR Joe Horn (1996), and RB Herschel Walker (1985) have resulted in high-level players for their respective teams. As far as defense here are a few significant names that could give promise to what Jordan Magee could potentially become:

  • CB Richard Sherman (2011): I understand he is not a linebacker but his presence on this list comes with Dan Quinn being his defensive coordinator during 2 of his 3 first-team All Pro seasons (2013-2014 seasons). Quinn has a history of utilizing players to their best strengths so Magee should be no different and it will be up to Magee himself to put in the work necessary.
  • DE Robert Mathis (2003): When we think of Temple University’s football program, the fact 63 total players are in the NFL from their program it is respectable, but by far a decisive factor. Robert Mathis, a player worthy of consideration for the Hall of Fame, is from Alabama A&M which has only produced a total of 19 NFL players.
  • LB Zach Thomas (1996): An undersized linebacker out of Texas Tech, Thomas made the Pro Bowl seven times in 13 seasons. He led the league in tackles twice and retired with 1,734 tackles for his career. Elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
  • LB Bryan Cox (1991): He was not nearly as distinguished as Zach Thomas, but he made the Pro Bowl 3 times while finishing with a career 51.5 sacks and 939 total tackles. He wasn’t an elite talent but a good serviceable player who played for 12 years. Hardy Nickerson (1987) is another good but not great linebacker drafted by Pittsburgh
  • LB Kevin Greene (1985): Kevin Greene was elected into the Hall of Fame as a Player in 2016 was a great pass rusher (160 sacks) ranked 3rd all-time and Greene was voted as a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

Early Indications of Safety Tandem

During week 1 of camp, the early signs show a safety tandem of Jeremy Chin and Quan Martin. The depth chart for most of the offseason showed Quan Martin listed as the nickel back but second round rookie Mike Sainristil has shown the most promise thus far. With nickel back being closed in on my Sainistil at the moment, Martin has taken noticeable reps a the free safety position. Sam Fortier from the Washington Post said when asked about his standout player from the three days at Commanders practice, “I just think that he’s (Quan Martin) going to be a guy they move around and I think he’s going to cause some havoc.”

Martin’s pre-draft scouting report mentions, “Versatile cornerback/safety prospect with the size and physical talent to play nickel back or align as a deep safety.” So even scouts recognized he could be a safety in the NFL and his forty-time (4.46 seconds) plus 10-yard split time (1.47 seconds) truly show his versatility. The downside, as stated in his scouting report, to Martin’s game is he can be knocked off balance in tight man coverage and will take bad angles at times which could spell disaster for a free safety.

Brandon Coleman Starting Left Tackle?

Dan Quinn on Brandon Coleman: “I knew he was a very good athlete, but one of the things I’ve been impressed with is he has great balance for a big guy. . . he is very rarely someone who is out of position. He’s a very in-control player as an offensive lineman, and that’s a real attribute as an offensive lineman.”

Quinn’s praise of Coleman was reflected in his scouting report being a very athletic lineman and well-coordinated footwork that helps maintain good balance. Coleman does hold blocks very well and gets to the second level quickly but can be inconsistent with hand placement and struggles against rushers’ redirection. The optimism may seem real from the coaching staff. His progression through camp with more consistent work against active rushers will be one to watch. Considering this offensive line group and all the questions they have, if Coleman emerges as a viable left or right starting tackle that will be a huge win considering what is projected as of today.

Oh Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson was quoted as saying that the Patriots “do things completely different”, and can Washington “a struggling organization.”

There are couple of things to unpack on this issue. This organization was, in fact, drowing in its ineptitude, especially during time Gibson’s time in DC was here. The roster construction/decisions made no sense, the drafts never seemed to flow in any cohesive order, and the accountability within the coaching staff was terrible, which was reflected in the locker room. All this, and then some, are all true and undeniable. I would even understand Gibson’s frustrations too if he felt underutilized, and I will have no argument to the contrary.

That said, please allow me to now say mind how and what you say because you are talking about the past. The current regime has absolutely no responsibility to both the organizational decisions and in your overall utilization as a player during this time. How about a little clarity in your statement going forward? This goes for every former player or even the passerby ones like DaVante Adams. This new regime could ultimately end up being marginally better going forward but this fan base has earned the right not to have statements of the past even be loosely associated with the present. So appreciate you being just a little more mindful of your statements on this organization. That’s it for my petty rant and see you all for week 2 spotlight.