3 surprise standout performers from Commanders OTAs
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders’ second round of OTAs are underway in Ashburn and quarterback Carson Wentz and rookie receiver Jahan Dotson continue to steal the show with their undeniable chemistry during team drills.
The morale in practice has been high following the returns of Chase Young and Montez Sweat, who missed the first round of OTAs. Young was continuing his ACL rehab in Colorado, while Sweat had an excused absence, per Ron Rivera.
Of course, organized team activities aren’t about star players. While superstars missing the voluntary practice sessions — including some high-profile QBs — often draw more attention than what’s actually taking place on the practice field, we’re here to shed light on some of the Commanders’ surprise standout performers.
Here are three who’ve shined at the second round of OTAs.
3 surprise standouts from Commanders OTAs thus far
3. Cole Turner
Turner might be the most impressive performer on this list, but it’s not overly surprising he’s making a strong impression at OTAs. With organized team activities containing very little intensity, rookies and undrafted free agents have the opportunity to showcase their raw skillsets without knowing much of the playbook.
Turner, a fifth-round pick out of Nevada this year, has done just that. At 6-foot-6 with a massive catch radius, the rookie tight end has the potential to both stretch the field and become a viable threat in the red zone for the Commanders.
In the early stages of OTAs, Turner has made a wide variety of passes. We all know Carson Wentz has preferred throwing to bigger targets in his career. Alshon Jeffrey (6-foot-3), Zach Ertz (6-5). Dallas Goedert (6-5) and Michael Pittman (6-4) were some of Wentz’s favorite targets during his time with the Eagles and Colts.
With that in mind, it’s understandable why the Commanders are so bullish on what Turner can bring to the offense. With the receiving corps being smaller than most, Turner has a chance to become a real weapon for Wentz and the fifth-round TE has been all the rage at OTAs over the first handful of practices.