The Washington Commanders defense was easily one of the NFL's worst units in 2023 and the hope is new head coach, Dan Quinn, and new defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., can bring the unit back to respectability in 2024.

A big part of that process starts this week during mandatory minicamp. As expected with a team in rebuild mode, there are questions all over the place and very few jobs are "settled", right now, so to speak.

With that being said, here are three guys to keep an eye on as camp progresses throughout the week. 

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1. DB Mike Sainristil

The rookie defensive back is one of the most intriguing and exciting additions from the offseason. His playmaking ability, leadership qualities, and physical play style are all in the mold of a Quinn and Whitt Jr. player.

The expectation is he will be the team's main nickel, but he has the versatility to line up anywhere in the right packages. He's also a very effective blitzer, so the Commanders can take advantage of that part of his game, as well.

Where he lines up over the next few days will be must-see and it will give us a good look at what the future holds for the former national champion and All-American.

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2. LB Jamin Davis

I'll be honest: If it weren't for last week's comments about Davis getting some action at EDGE/DE, he wouldn't be on this list.

The Commanders figure to run a lot of nickel packages in 2024, which traditionally means on less linebacker on the field. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner are set up to be the two linebackers on the field when Washington deploys its 4-2-5 package, leaving Davis out of the picture.

But, if he can develop into an effective pass rusher off the edge, the Commanders could end up utilizing a "penny" front, in some cases, which is a 5-1-5 look. Davis could be that fifth linemen/pass rusher, whether it be standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He has enough size, length, and athleticism to make a difference if things click.

Obviously, it's still early and we don't know if this experiment holds through even training camp. But, it all starts this week and we'll get a good chance to see just how things are holding up.

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3. DB Quan Martin

With Sainristil now in the fold, Martin should move back to free safety on a more consistent basis, right?

That would make the most sense, considering centerfield is his true strength. At the same time, however, Martin displayed on numerous occasions, last year, that he can provide quality snaps as a "Big Nickel" defender. Meaning he'd play nickel in certain subpackages.

Martin doesn't have to worry about whether he's going to lose out on playing time because someone is better than him, or anything like that. Right now, he's considered the top safety on the team and he should form a solid tandem with Jeremy Chinn.

Still, when factoring in the versatility of a Quinn/Whitt Jr. secondary, we're going to have piece together Martin's role over the coming weeks and months if we want to get a true gauge before Week 1.

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