3 Commanders rookies who need to shine during training camp
By Jerry Trotta
2. Christian Holmes, CB
Holmes’ size and length fits the profile of what Washington has sought in its recent cornerback additions, including William Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. The Commanders other seventh-round pick, Holmes played his final two years in college at Oklahoma State as a graduate transfer from Missouri.
He used his extra year of eligibility following the COVID-shortened season and responded by turning in a breakout year, which included being one of two cornerbacks named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Big 12 first-team.
A former receiver in high school, Holmes boasts elite ball skills, and his 28 passes defended in college are a testament to that. Already a safe bet to make the 53-man roster, the OSU product could assert himself into Washington’s cornerback rotation if he impresses the coaching staff during training camp.
As of this writing, Danny Johnson and Corn Elder (!) are the only backup cornerbacks ahead of him on the depth chart.
The Commanders are reportedly high on Holmes’ physicality, which is why we’ll likely see him feature heavily on special teams. If he shows out during camp, though, there’s a clear pathway to him earning meaningful defensive snaps as a rookie.