**@JayDanielsMVP: What are some specific position battles fans should be excited to see when the pads come on?**
Obviously, it's the offensive and defensive lines. It's just hard to gauge their progress in jerseys, shorts and helmets. On the offensive line specifically, I want to see who can claim the two guard spots. It seems like the Commanders want Brandon Coleman to take that left guard position, but I suspect that Nate Herbig and Chris Paul will have a chance to compete for both spots. I'm also curious about Conerly and how long it will take for him to show he can be a starter. It wouldn't surprise me if the Commanders did something similar to what they did with Coleman and Cornelius Lucas last year, meaning Conerly and Andrew Wylie would split reps. That worked well for them last season, so perhaps they try that again.
Here are a few other battles I'll be watching next month: the bottom of the receiver position is always fascinating to me; I'm excited to see who emerges as the starting cornerback opposite Marshon Lattimore; and I'm curious about the running backs, which I will go into more detail on next.
**@SadeghiStu21366: Will the backfield be split you think (assuming) bill impresses? Maybe even starts.**
There has been a lot of hype surrounding seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, otherwise known as "Bill." There's a lot to like about him; he's quick, decisive and can burst through running lanes. It's been a while since he's played in a meaningful game, but it didn't appear as if he's lost a step during OTAs and minicamp.
However -- and I don't mean to dump cold water on Croskey-Merritt before his career even begins -- but let's temper the expectations on him a bit. He's still a seventh-round pick, which means he will need to earn a spot on the 53-man roster before anything else. That means he has to beat out other running backs ahead of him, and there are several players who already have a strong rapport with the coaching staff. I fully believe he can do that. He seems like a good kid with the right work ethic, and those traits give him a shot with this coaching staff. But let's wait until we see him in action with pads on before we make any assumptions about what he will be in his career.
@32BeatWriters also asked what we would need to see for Croskey-Merritt to have an impact. I want to see him build on the positive signs we saw in June. He needs to have a positive attitude and be willing to take on any role they give him, particularly on special teams. If he can do that, he has a shot to be a good player.
**@DCSports\_Talk: What are you baking lately?**
An excellent question. I've had a few projects over the summer, although I have neglected to put them on social media. I've rediscovered my love for cupcakes and recently made some vanilla-flavored ones with lavender icing. I think I'm going to try rose water icing next. I've read it's really good with lemon cupcakes, so I might give that a shot as a little treat before camp.