The stakes couldn’t be higher for most of the Washington Commanders heading into the team’s training camp. Dan Quinn’s roster looks vastly different from the one Ron Rivera put together. Adam Peters rightfully gutted almost every position group in his quest to ensure this storied franchise could slowly become a postseason challenger during his vast rebuild.

Players are in the final stages of preparation and relaxation before descending on Ashburn for camp. Some starting places are up for grabs. Several roster spots have yet to be officially decided. Everyone is getting a clean slate – a chance to prove they are worthy of extended involvement during this exciting period in team history.

Quinn and Peters got a good look at their players over early offseason workouts. There was a lot of information to implement, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. However, training camp is a different animal entirely.

A big response is needed from those who fluffed their lines under Rivera’s watch. With this in mind, here are three underperforming Commanders who could prosper under the new regime over training camp.

Chris Paul – Commanders OL

Chris Paul’s blown countless opportunities to cement himself as a starting offensive lineman. Injuries haven’t helped, but the former seventh-round selection’s consistency was nowhere near the required standard when given chances to shine.

The Tulsa product has plenty of competition for depth chart status this summer. Adam Peters brought in several fresh faces – including two new starters along the interior in the form of Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti. Unless Paul demonstrates rapid growth, a situation could emerge where the Washington Commanders cut their losses and deem him surplus to requirements.

There is a flip side to this coin. If Paul enjoys a clear run of luck on the health front, responds to improved coaching, and finally starts putting his imposing physical attributes to better use, all hope is not lost.

The Commanders’ new blocking concepts should also work in Paul’s favor. Don’t be surprised if the third-year pro begins to make notable strides as a result.

Percy Butler – Commanders S

The Washington Commanders look strong at the safety position despite not offering Kamren Curl a new deal in free agency. Adam Peters did a tremendous job of finding an immediate difference-maker with the athletic profile needed to be impactful within Dan Quinn’s scheme. Jeremy Chinn only got a one-year, prove-it deal, but there’s optimism about the versatile weapon becoming a long-term piece of the puzzle if everything goes well.

The Commanders also spent a sixth-round selection on Dominique Hampton. He’s seen as a development project. However, a strong start to early offseason workouts indicates a bigger role than anticipated could be in his future if the same trend continues over Washington’s training camp.

This increased competition for places should bring the best out of everyone. Quinn’s staff will be watching developments closely. They are also giving each player a chance to shine – whether they’re new to the organization or holdovers from the previous regime.

Percy Butler faces a fight to re-establish himself this summer. The defensive back got plenty of starting reps in 2023 after Darrick Forrest went down with a season-ending injury. There were brief glimpses of quality, but it was largely underwhelming overall.

Perhaps these increased reps came too soon for Butler. The lack of pass-rush once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded exposed the secondary to constant punishment. Having more creative alignments and concepts within Quinn’s prolific system is going to assist greatly.

That doesn’t detract from the sizable challenge awaiting Butler when camp commences. He’s got the size and physicality to thrive in Quinn’s scheme. But it’s hard to deny that there needs to be more consistency attached to his performance levels – especially when it comes to backend discipline and coverage prowess.

All hope is not lost for Butler. The margin for error seems a lot slimmer now. This could be the making of him if the former fourth-round selection out of Lousiana takes on improved coaching and increases his sense of urgency.

Emmanuel Forbes – Commanders CB

Emmanuel Forbes’ rookie struggles were well documented. The Washington Commanders tasked him with too much right out of the gate and he went through significant turmoil. He’s young enough to bounce back, but the cornerback’s lack of size remains a serious concern that must be alleviated at the earliest possible opportunity.

Forbes has reportedly been working hard on bulking up throughout the offseason. That’s a positive step considering how he was bullied by physically imposing wide receivers during his first-year baptism of fire. The Commanders didn’t do much to strengthen their outside coverage options this offseason. This is another supreme vote of confidence in the former Mississippi State star.

The Commanders also have two coaches capable of helping him get back on track. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. gained a formidable reputation for developing defensive backs during their time with the Dallas Cowboys. They helped highly-touted prospects and unheralded players alike become a cohesive, productive unit. Forbes is in great hands during the first steps on his road to redemption.

Watching Forbes’ progress throughout Washington’s training camp in 2024 will be critical. He must demonstrate improvement to enhance confidence in his aspirations moving forward.

Things get faster and more intense when the pads go on. The Commanders should put the player against Terry McLaurin – one of the league’s most underrated wide receivers – almost constantly during drills. This will provide the coaching staff with a broader indication of the player’s progress and the lessons taken on board from a dismal Year 1 of his professional career.

The gauntlet has been laid down to Forbes in no uncertain terms. His athleticism and instincts look tailor-made for Quinn and Whitt’s scheme. However, looking at how their system relies on press coverage and leaving corners on an island often, it’s not hard to see where the complications could emerge.

Forbes is highly motivated to silence his doubters. Hopefully, this can result in a starring camp performance in the coming weeks.