The Washington Commanders begin their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. It’s Washington’s last time on the field before a six-week break ahead of training camp next month.
This week’s minicamp is a training camp preview, meaning we should see plenty of quarterback Jayden Daniels throwing to new wide receiver Deebo Samuel. While significant attention is paid to the newcomers, such as Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, and the rookie class, don’t forget about the second-year players. Not every rookie, like Daniels, Mike Sainristil, or Brandon Coleman last season, stood out. Which of those second-year players are poised for a big step forward?
Here are six Commanders to watch during this week’s minicamp. (Hint: they’re all second-year players)
G/T Brandon Coleman
Everyone will watch Laremy Tunsil and first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr., but keep an eye on second-year lineman Brandon Coleman. The 2024 third-round pick started at left tackle last season. That’s Tunsil’s spot now. Washington drafted Conerly, who is likely to play right tackle. Coleman spent time at left guard during OTAs, but the Commanders return last year’s starter, Nick Allegretti. Coleman will start in 2025. He’s good. The team loves him. It will be interesting to see where he lines up most of the time this week.
WR Luke McCaffrey
Most of the wide receiver hype centers on Deebo Samuel and rookie Jaylin Lane. Don’t forget about Luke McCaffrey. McCaffrey played in every game last season, but didn’t put up big numbers. However, his separation numbers were elite. It’s also important to remember this will be just his fourth year ever of playing wide receiver. The arrow is pointing up for McCaffrey. He should be fun to follow this week.
TE Ben Sinnott
The Commanders believe in Sinnott’s ability to be a TE1 eventually. He’s not there yet. Zach Ertz and John Bates are ahead of him, and both veterans bring something different to the table. Sinnott does a little bit of everything. Ideally, Sinnott earns more time from Ertz throughout the season, giving Daniels another trusted weapon in the passing game. We should see how far Sinnott has come this week after a full offseason with the Commanders.
EDGE Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste was a seventh-round pick who dealt with an injury as a rookie, but flashed when he was on the field. Jean-Baptiste has the measurables: size, speed, length and a relentless motor. He’s the type of pass rusher that head coach Dan Quinn loves. The good news for Jean-Baptiste is that there is a prime opening for a pass rusher to step up. This minicamp could go a long way for Jean-Baptiste and where he stands when training camp opens next month.
LB Jordan Magee
The Commanders are set at linebacker with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. But where will the depth come from? Washington hopes Magee emerges as the third linebacker who can play inside and outside, but primarily relieve Wagner so he doesn’t have to play almost every defensive snap. The coaches glow when discussing Magee and his intelligence. This is a big week for Magee as he’s healthy.
S Tyler Owens
Tyler Owens was the talk of the summer for Washington outside of Daniels last summer. The undrafted rookie from Texas Tech quickly proved he belonged on the 53-man roster. Owens, a former top recruit, has an elite size/speed combo and plays fearlessly, making him perfect on special teams. With Jeremy Chinn gone, there is a chance for Owens to open some eyes in the safety rotation. It will be interesting to see Owens’ development on defense, beginning this week.
