Commanders creating pocket protection for Jayden Daniels

An offensive line makeover may turn Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels into a pocket passer.

Washington coach Dan Quinn told reporters at the NFL meetings on Tuesday that last year’s left tackle Brandon Coleman will compete at right tackle. Right tackle Andrew Wylie may move to right guard while veteran Sam Cosmi recovers from a postseason knee injury. And, don’t be surprised if Nate Herbig displaces left guard Nick Allegretti. Meanwhile, the anchor of the line is now Laremy Tunsil, who was traded from the Houston Texans in March.

Translations:

• Center Tyler Biadasz may be the only carryover starter.
• Coaches want Daniels to run less, especially because of pass pressure.
• Daniels will drift to the left side more given Tunsil’s protection.

Daniels’ sensational NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year debut saw only one flaw – 47 sacks. Sometimes Daniels ran into defenders trying to make a broken play work. He needs to spot second receivers more quickly, too. He also ran to the right side nearly 60 percent of the time last season.

Opponents began blitzing Coleman more last season as he struggled with injuries to shut down makeshift plays on the left side. And, more defenders awaited Daniels on the right side to lessen his big runs.

That said, Washington still reached the NFC Championship Game and scored on 50 percent of possessions.

The Commanders aren’t expecting a sophomore slump by Daniels. By adding receiver Deebo Samuel as a solid No. 2 target behind Terry McLaurin and re-signing tight end Zach Ertz, Washington signaled a Super Bowl push after a 14-6 overall season rather than regrouping for 10 or so wins this fall.

But, the Commanders need the line to reform. A new offensive scheme may include more running after injuries limited Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler last season. Coaches also don’t want to repeat Daniels running nine or more times in eight games last year. Washington wasn’t a good interior run blocking team, but fair on the edges.

Daniels now gains bookend tackles that may be the team’s best combination since Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen in the early 2000s. Keeping Daniels upright will fuel a more balanced attack featuring quick passes.

Washington has its first generational passer since the 1980s when Joe Theismann led the franchise to one Super Bowl victory and two NFC Championships. After 36 different starting quarterbacks since its 1991 title, it knows protecting Daniels comes at whatever cost. Even if it means playing musical chairs along the line.