Brandon Coleman's Versatility Already Looms Large for Commanders

The Washington Commanders are three practices and one walk through into training camp, while Saturday marked the first day that fans were able to watch the revamped roster led by two new coordinators.

Yet it also came with an ongoing test for the offensive line with center Nick Allegretti still sidelined on Saturday with a strained calf that will keep him out for another roughly "week or so," per head coach Dan Quinn. Washington moved to stockpile depth after inking Trey Hill one day after being among the players to work out, but he becomes one of several at the position now.

While the trenches have inspired confidence this offseason, the chance for Allegretti to solidify the center position following Tyler Biadasz's release marked the final true question mark, even as Brandon Coleman and Chris Paul compete for the starting spot at left guard.

Yet Coleman was spotted at a different position after Saturday's practice -- center. The former second round pick was taking snaps alongside Trent Scott and Tyler Cooper and quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman, a move that Coleman admitted he did to make sure he's comfortable doing. It's also a position that head coach Dan Quinn previously noted that Coleman was capable of sliding into when talking about the center competition during the spring -- which could Coleman cement his case for the most versatile offensive lineman on the Commanders' roster.

After drawing starts at both guard and tackle his final season at TCU, Coleman lined up at left tackle in year one in Washington then starting the first two games in 2025 at left guard before being replaced by Chris Paul. Coleman stepped in to replace Laremy Tunsil as the starting left tackle over the final two weeks of last season, but potential time at center could add to his toolbox after the third-year lineman pointed to the chance to run through some plays and IDs to "make sure I'm comfortable being out there if I get thrown into the fire."

Could the move be an underlying concern about the unit's depth? It's possible, but Coleman's growing versatility along the offensive line could make him into a dependable piece even if he doesn't materialize into the starting left guard. The veteran has been viewed to be an ideal fit in David Blough's expected zone blocking scheme, but the chance to log snaps at center adds to his value ahead of year three of his four-year deal.

The good news is the optimism that Allegretti returns prior to the start of the preseason slate where offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton will look to finalize his unit. But after a 2025 season that proved depth matters, Coleman could be the biggest beneficiary to provide exactly that in the trenches for the Commanders this upcoming season.