4 biggest takeaways from Commanders OTAs thus far

The Washington Commanders wrapped their third practice of OTAs on Wednesday and the underlying theme of the first few sessions has been the introduction of newcomers.

From quarterback Carson Wentz, Jahan Dotson and the team’s other seven draft picks and offensive lineman Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, the coaching staff has plenty of new faces to get acclimated to the playbook.

While intensity won’t rev up until training camp in late-July, there’s plenty of important takeaways to be drawn from organized team activities. Here are four that have caught our eye over the first three days.

4 biggest takeaways from Commanders OTAs so far

4. Youngsters Getting First-Team Reps

OTAs don’t always provide opportunity for rookies and second-year players to showcase their respective skillsets, but Washington’s giving off a different vibe. In a refreshing development, Darrick Forrest, the team’s fifth-round pick in 2021, was very active in drills and even got reps with the first team.

Commanders staff writer Zach Selby noted Forrest “performed well in coverage” and almost came down with an interception in 11-on-11 drills.

The Cincinnati product’s rookie year was hindered by injury and was reduced to a special teams role when he finally got activated in Week 9. With the Commanders short-handed at the safety position following Landon Collins’ departure, the door is open for Forrest to earn a spot in the secondary rotation.

Elsewhere, Cole Turner got extended looks with the first team. With Logan Thomas recovering from ACL surgery, the fifth-round tight end out of Nevada was the offense’s top pass-catcher at the position on Tuesday. All signs indicate Turner impressed with his imposing frame and wide catch radius. With no Thomas, the rookie could spend a lot of time with the starters this offseason.