What did Commanders' OL Brandon Coleman learn from Laremy Tunsil?

Throughout the offseason, Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil took rookie Josh Conerly Jr. under his wing, according to reports. Conerly expressed his gratitude for Tunsil's mentorship during his rookie season and all offseason long. Conerly even joined Tunsil for his rigorous offseason workouts, resulting in a noticeable improvement in his performance.

However, Tunsil will miss the upcoming 2026 season due to a triceps tear sustained during a practice. This news has come as a blow to the Commanders' promising offense under new coordinator David Blough. In light of this, third-year offensive lineman Brandon Coleman seems set to take over Tunsil's position. Unbeknownst to many, Coleman was also in Alabama this offseason with Tunsil and Conerly.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Coleman started 12 games for Washington during the 2024 season, and despite the team's unexpected run to the NFC Championship Game, General Manager Adam Peters had previously considered trading for Tunsil. In fact, Conerly was drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving Coleman to fight for the left guard job.

While the 2024 third-round pick secured the role, he lost it after just two games. Late in the season, he returned to the starting lineup to replace Tunsil, who missed the final three games. Coleman's performance during this time was exceptional. This offseason, Coleman is again competing for the starting left guard position. The Commanders recognize Coleman as one of their five best linemen, prompting them to find ways to keep him active.

Despite not expecting to see Tunsil and Conerly as the Commanders' primary tackles, Coleman learned a great deal from Tunsil during their time together. Coleman revealed that he revamped his entire approach to training and the season, adopting Tunsil's nutritionist, strength coach, and other aspects of his routine. Coleman emphasized that seeing how Tunsil prepared, took care of his body, recovered, and maintained his performance daily was invaluable.

He believes there is only one Laremy Tunsil, but acknowledges that Washington isn't expecting Coleman to replace Tunsil. However, if Coleman can incorporate Tunsil's teachings and approach into his own game, he should still be successful. Although Tunsil is undoubtedly the best tackle in the league, Coleman can still be a good player.

In both of his starts as left tackle this season, Coleman showed promise, with many believing he is actually better suited for the position. Rumors circulated early in the offseason that Tunsil was not a strong leader in the locker room, but this couldn't be further from the truth over his two-year tenure with Washington.