As the Washington Commanders gear up for their training camp, a key battle is brewing between two guards, Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman. This intriguing matchup has caught the attention of many, including draft analysts and fans alike.
The story begins with Coleman, who was drafted with high expectations in 2024. However, an injury-plagued training camp and subsequent benching in favor of Paul early in the 2025 season put a damper on his initial momentum. Despite this setback, Coleman is now back in the mix, with early OTA reports suggesting he's taking first-team reps at left guard.
Athletic Profiles and Performance
One of the fascinating aspects of this battle is the comparison of athletic profiles between the two players. While there's a perception that Coleman is more athletic, the difference is minimal when you look at the numbers. Paul, despite a poor short shuttle time, has a solid overall athletic profile, and his size and hand technique give him an edge in pass protection. His performance last season speaks for itself, with an impressive record of allowing only 17 pressures and two sacks in over 535 pass-blocking snaps.
Coleman, on the other hand, has shown agility and athleticism that make him a good fit for a zone scheme. His experience in college, particularly at TCU, where he played in a similar system, could be a significant advantage. However, Paul's experience and technique should not be overlooked, especially considering his valuable experience in 2023, where he started five games at left guard.
Scheme and Development
The scheme the Commanders run plays a crucial role in this battle. Both players have experience in similar systems, but the key difference lies in their approach to the run game. Coleman has never been a power player, but his agility could make him effective in sealing off defenders. Paul, with his superior hand technique, could provide better protection for the quarterback.
Additionally, Coleman's plan to work out with left tackle Laremy Tunsil could be a significant boost to his development. This move could give him an edge in understanding the offensive line's dynamics and improve his overall performance.
The Coaching Staff's Decision
Ultimately, the decision of who starts at left guard will be made by the Commanders' coaching staff. While fans may speculate about compensatory picks or future contract extensions, these factors should not influence the coaches' choice. The team needs to go with the player who can best establish the run and protect their franchise quarterback.
With Paul's strong performance last season and his retained contract, he seems to have an edge. However, Coleman's quiet confidence and improved athletic profile could give him an outside chance to win the starting role during camp.
This battle will be one to watch as the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season. Who will claim the starting left guard position? Only time and training camp will tell.
