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It's almost time for summer break for the Washington Commanders. But before Washington receives several weeks off before training camp opens later next month, there is this week's mandatory minicamp.
The Commanders open the three-day minicamp on Tuesday. Unlike last year, Washington expects to have 100% participation. Last year, wide receiver Terry McLaurin skipped OTAs and the minicamp while he worked with the Commanders on a new long-term deal. This year, McLaurin is back and motivated. So is quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is healthy and ready to bounce back. Washington had perfect attendance during OTAs, which also included left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who often skips voluntary work to work out on his own.
Washington just completed OTAs last Friday. The minicamp will give the Commanders one final chance to evaluate their rookie class and where some of the new additions fit in Washington's new offensive and defensive schemes.
Let's look at six players you should watch closely this week.
Of course, we were going to name Jayden Daniels. If it wasn't for a new offense, perhaps we'd look in another direction. There has been plenty of praise for Daniels this offseason for how he's handling the new offense. Coaches have praised his progress, while teammates have said it looks like he's played in David Blough's offense for years. Minicamp creates more opportunities to see Daniels in game-like situations, such as 7-on-7s, 9-on-9s and 11-on-11s.
It's unlikely Washington shows much in this week's minicamp or during the open sessions of training camp. But it does present another chance to see how comfortable Daniels is under center, which is an emphasis under Blough and the new offense. Daniels has played primarily in the shotgun or pistol during his first two NFL seasons. While that will remain, it will not be as frequent as it was under former OC Kliff Kingsbury.
The rookie has impressed teammates and coaches since arriving in May. While many believe the Commanders plan on playing Williams in the slot, GM Adam Peters has repeatedly said he can play inside or outside. He was off to a great start in OTAs, but did miss some time last week. He was present, so it appears to be nothing serious. All eyes will be on Williams in drills to see how he beats man coverage. He's slated for a big role in his rookie season. Finishing the minicamp on a strong note would be a positive for Williams heading into training camp.
You could make the case that these three days are more important for Burks than any player on the roster. Why? If you were to name a starting lineup for the Commanders right now, Burks would presumably be the No. 2 wide receiver opposite McLaurin, with Williams or Luke McCaffrey in the slot. Burks has it all. He's big (6-foot-2, 225 pounds), fast, and tough to bring down after the catch. His primary issue has been injuries. It ruined his first four NFL seasons in Tennessee, where he was a 2022 first-round pick. Burks received a new lease on life with the Commanders last year. In his limited opportunities last fall, Burks made the most of them. He's continued that progression this offseason. Could a strong minicamp make Washington think twice about adding another veteran receiver, such as Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs? That remains to be seen, but Burks has a lot to gain.
There's no doubt that Styles, the No. 7 overall pick in April's NFL draft, will start. He possesses everything, from size, athleticism, football smarts, physicality and more. He hasn't looked out of place in OTAs. The big question for the Commanders is, when will Styles wear the green dot? The green dot is for the defensive play-caller. Frankie Luvu has handled some of that this offseason, but the role is tailor-made for Styles. He has big shoes to fill, with Bobby Wagner gone. Styles is up for any challenge. The question is, will head coach Dan Quinn resist throwing too much at Styles too soon? Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones recently said he is in no rush to make the decision. But the minicamp is a great audition for Styles in wearing the green dot.
One year ago, Martin looked like a cornerstone player for the Commanders at safety. Unfortunately, he had a disastrous 2025 season. He wasn't the only one. Several players, including Luvu and cornerback Mike Sainristil, also regressed. When that many talented players fall off at one time, you have to look deeper. Quinn did so, leading him to look beyond his coaching tree and hire Jones to replace Joe Whitt Jr. Martin is talented and versatile. He can play safety or in the slot. It's a mystery how Jones will use him, but he's praised him since taking the job. Washington still believes in Martin. It will be interesting to see where he lines up this week. And will he be with the first team?
Yes, we are including an undrafted rookie kicker. Stevens is battling Jake Moody for the job. Moody has been excellent this offseason, but Stevens hasn't been far off. This job isn't going to end this week. Stevens and Moody will battle throughout training camp. It wouldn't be a surprise if both were kicking for an NFL team in 2026. Stevens needs to keep the battle close with a strong minicamp. So far, he's been impressive.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders minicamp: 6 players to watch
Continue reading...
The Commanders open the three-day minicamp on Tuesday. Unlike last year, Washington expects to have 100% participation. Last year, wide receiver Terry McLaurin skipped OTAs and the minicamp while he worked with the Commanders on a new long-term deal. This year, McLaurin is back and motivated. So is quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is healthy and ready to bounce back. Washington had perfect attendance during OTAs, which also included left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who often skips voluntary work to work out on his own.
Washington just completed OTAs last Friday. The minicamp will give the Commanders one final chance to evaluate their rookie class and where some of the new additions fit in Washington's new offensive and defensive schemes.
Let's look at six players you should watch closely this week.
QB Jayden Daniels
Of course, we were going to name Jayden Daniels. If it wasn't for a new offense, perhaps we'd look in another direction. There has been plenty of praise for Daniels this offseason for how he's handling the new offense. Coaches have praised his progress, while teammates have said it looks like he's played in David Blough's offense for years. Minicamp creates more opportunities to see Daniels in game-like situations, such as 7-on-7s, 9-on-9s and 11-on-11s.
It's unlikely Washington shows much in this week's minicamp or during the open sessions of training camp. But it does present another chance to see how comfortable Daniels is under center, which is an emphasis under Blough and the new offense. Daniels has played primarily in the shotgun or pistol during his first two NFL seasons. While that will remain, it will not be as frequent as it was under former OC Kliff Kingsbury.
WR Antonio Williams
The rookie has impressed teammates and coaches since arriving in May. While many believe the Commanders plan on playing Williams in the slot, GM Adam Peters has repeatedly said he can play inside or outside. He was off to a great start in OTAs, but did miss some time last week. He was present, so it appears to be nothing serious. All eyes will be on Williams in drills to see how he beats man coverage. He's slated for a big role in his rookie season. Finishing the minicamp on a strong note would be a positive for Williams heading into training camp.
WR Treylon Burks
You could make the case that these three days are more important for Burks than any player on the roster. Why? If you were to name a starting lineup for the Commanders right now, Burks would presumably be the No. 2 wide receiver opposite McLaurin, with Williams or Luke McCaffrey in the slot. Burks has it all. He's big (6-foot-2, 225 pounds), fast, and tough to bring down after the catch. His primary issue has been injuries. It ruined his first four NFL seasons in Tennessee, where he was a 2022 first-round pick. Burks received a new lease on life with the Commanders last year. In his limited opportunities last fall, Burks made the most of them. He's continued that progression this offseason. Could a strong minicamp make Washington think twice about adding another veteran receiver, such as Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs? That remains to be seen, but Burks has a lot to gain.
LB Sonny Styles
There's no doubt that Styles, the No. 7 overall pick in April's NFL draft, will start. He possesses everything, from size, athleticism, football smarts, physicality and more. He hasn't looked out of place in OTAs. The big question for the Commanders is, when will Styles wear the green dot? The green dot is for the defensive play-caller. Frankie Luvu has handled some of that this offseason, but the role is tailor-made for Styles. He has big shoes to fill, with Bobby Wagner gone. Styles is up for any challenge. The question is, will head coach Dan Quinn resist throwing too much at Styles too soon? Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones recently said he is in no rush to make the decision. But the minicamp is a great audition for Styles in wearing the green dot.
DB Quan Martin
One year ago, Martin looked like a cornerstone player for the Commanders at safety. Unfortunately, he had a disastrous 2025 season. He wasn't the only one. Several players, including Luvu and cornerback Mike Sainristil, also regressed. When that many talented players fall off at one time, you have to look deeper. Quinn did so, leading him to look beyond his coaching tree and hire Jones to replace Joe Whitt Jr. Martin is talented and versatile. He can play safety or in the slot. It's a mystery how Jones will use him, but he's praised him since taking the job. Washington still believes in Martin. It will be interesting to see where he lines up this week. And will he be with the first team?
K Drew Stevens
Yes, we are including an undrafted rookie kicker. Stevens is battling Jake Moody for the job. Moody has been excellent this offseason, but Stevens hasn't been far off. This job isn't going to end this week. Stevens and Moody will battle throughout training camp. It wouldn't be a surprise if both were kicking for an NFL team in 2026. Stevens needs to keep the battle close with a strong minicamp. So far, he's been impressive.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders minicamp: 6 players to watch
Continue reading...
