The first week of Washington Commanders training camp is over. You know what that means? The pads are coming on when practice returns Monday. In other words, the intensity will turn up several notches and we’ll get a better idea in terms of which players are the most prepared for the upcoming season.
It’s one thing to stand out in team drills when minimal contact is allowed. It’s something totally different to ball out when the pads come on.
Having said that, you can’t hold it against players who made the most of their opportunities during the early stages of camp. With that in mind, let’s highlight some players who stood out amongst their peers in Week 1 of practice.
These Commanders balled out in Week 1 of training camp
4. Jahan Dotson
The Commanders’ offense looked anything but impressive Thursday, but Jahan Dotson delivered the highlight of the practice when he reeled in a nearly-40-yard pass from Carson Wentz while draped in coverage by Benjamin St-Juste.
Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11 and 184 pounds, the play encapsulated Dotson’s uncanny ability to maintain leverage over defenders, track the ball and concentration to make an over-the-shoulder catch near the sidelines.
The No. 16 overall pick in this year’s draft, Dotson has impressed the coaching staff all spring and seems to be growing in confidence with each passing week. The promising rookie continued stealing headlines during red zone drills Saturday when he caught a bullet pass over the middle from Carson Wentz for a touchdown.
Again, Dotson showed off his velcro hands. The pass was slightly overthrown, though Wentz put it where only Dotson could catch it and the Penn State product leaped and snatched the pigskin out of the air over his shoulder.
It’s early, but Dotson looks like a stud in the making.
3. Cole Turner
Commanders fans had a hunch Turner would flash potential during the offseason program and the rookie fifth-round pick has done just that. With Logan Thomas on the physically unable to perform list and John Bates dealing with an injury of his own, Turner got a ton of reps with the first-team offense and cashed in.
As expected, Turner’s 6-foot-6 frame has proven difficult to contend with. Will that change when pads come on and defenders can get more physical?
Perhaps, but the Nevada standout still grabbed two touchdowns during red zone drills Saturday. The important thing is Turner has been a reliable outlet all week and should only continue to get better. He has a ways to go in the blocking department, but he’s putting in the work with TEs coach Juan Castillo after practice.
If Week 1 of camp was any indication, Turner will have a role to play as a rookie, even if it’s strictly as a pass-catcher as he refines his blocking technique.
2. Montez Sweat
In need of a big year after an inconsistent 2021, Sweat is off to a great start at Commanders training camp. The former first-round pick, who had his fifth-year option for 2022 exercised this offseason, was given a veteran rest day on Saturday alongside several first-team players, but he did (more than) enough over the first three sessions to make this list.
From blowing by Charles Leno on Day 1 to beating Armani Rogers on Thursday and subsequently yelling “Don’t put a tight end on me!” Sweat has been one of the team’s best defensive performers in the early goings. He’s been living in the backfield and would have multiple sacks if players were allowed to hit QBs.
The Commanders need Sweat to tap into his potential this year with Chase Young expected to miss the start of the season and the energy he’s brought to camp suggests he’s poised to bounce back in a big way.
1. Kendall Fuller
The Commanders’ defense was easily the superior group in Week 1 and Fuller has lead that charge. While the entire Washington secondary has had their moments over the first four practices, Fuller has been consistent throughout.
From applying sticky coverage against Terry McLaurin and getting his hands on several passes, Fuller has made life difficult for Carson Wentz. The veteran corner was responsible for arguably the highlight of Thursday’s session when he deflected a pass intended for Dyami Brown that resulted in a Cole Holcomb interception.
Fresh off recording a career-high 16 passes defended last year, Fuller looks in mid-season form already, though that isn’t all that surprising considering he’s matching up against McLaurin every day in practice.
Fuller was one of the best defensive backs in the league in the second half of 2021 and could position himself for a lucrative contract extension (he has two years remaining on his current deal) if he maintains that form in 2022.