Washington Commanders offensive lineman Brandon Coleman is no stranger to learning curves. After spending most of his rookie season at tackle, Coleman is now taking on a new challenge and transitioning to guard as training camp gets underway. While the position change could rattle some young players, Coleman is embracing the switch with confidence, calling it a return to something he’s already known.
“It’s something that I already knew,” Coleman told NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr. following practice. “It’s kind of just like riding a bike. If you don’t do it for a while, you know how to do it. Now it’s just about getting reps back, getting my body back comfortable.”
The Commanders have made no secret about reshuffling their offensive line heading into the 2025 season. With an emphasis on finding the right combination of physicality and versatility, Coleman’s ability to play multiple spots has become a valuable asset. He played guard earlier in his football journey, but spending time at left tackle in college and during his rookie campaign required him to develop different mechanics.
“My body was so used to playing tackle,” Coleman explained. “Now I’m just kind of readjusting everything, like my muscles, my joints, everything, to be able to last in those positions and be comfortable. That just takes reps.”
Rather than rushing the process or letting frustration creep in, Coleman is embracing the grind of camp as a necessary part of his development. “I’m not going to stress about that because that just comes with putting the work in throughout camp, and that’s what camp is for,” he said. “That’s just what I’m going to do every day.”
Gaining Confidence as the Game Slows Down
In many ways, Coleman’s smooth adjustment is also a byproduct of experience. He played significant snaps during the second half of the 2024 season, an opportunity that’s helped him feel more confident and composed heading into Year 2.
“For sure,” Coleman said when asked if the game had slowed down. “I kind of saw that last year when I started playing a lot more during that second half of the season.”
That experience is already showing up on the field. Even as he switches to guard where the action happens faster and blocks must be made in tighter windows, Coleman feels more prepared to read and react.
“Now guard, everything happens a little quicker,” he noted. “Now, during camp, I can kind of see, like I said, those timings, knowing where my eyes are going, all that stuff. It kind of adjusts a little more. But being able to play last year as much as I did is going to be a big help going into this next year.”
With a frame built for the trenches and a growing understanding of NFL speed and technique, Coleman’s switch isn’t about starting over. It’s about refining and sharpening tools he already owns and applying them in a new role.
Coaches and teammates have already praised his poise and physicality throughout the early days of camp. His footwork and balance, two traits crucial for both tackle and guard, remain strong as he continues to acclimate to interior line play.
Position Flexibility Boosts Commanders’ Depth
The Commanders are banking on players like Coleman to solidify a unit that’s seen its share of injuries and inconsistency in recent years. If he continues to develop at this pace, Coleman could not only secure a starting guard spot but also serve as a key swing option if needed at tackle.
In today’s NFL, versatility is power, and Coleman is proving that adaptability, when paired with dedication, can go a long way.
“I’m just working every day to get better,” he said. “Whatever helps the team, I’m going to do it.”
That mindset, along with his ability, may help Coleman become a foundational piece of the Commanders’ offensive line for years to come.
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