Winner No. 1
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
The Washington Commanders believed enough in Josh Conerly Jr. to take him at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was an up-and-down rookie season, but the strides made over the second half of it left reasons for encouragement.
Aside from a disappointing outing against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, Conerly has acquitted himself well this season. His technique in pass protection has improved significantly, and while he still needs to add some play strength, the right tackle is making encouraging strides.
Conerly is not the finished article just yet. But he has shown flashes of what the Commanders envisioned from their first-round selection.
Loser No. 2
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
The Commanders gave K'Lavon Chaisson a chance to earn a much bigger financial commitment in 2027. He was willing to bet on himself with a one-year deal, even though the New Orleans Saints were offering more long-term security.
There have been flashes of quality. But considering what Chaisson and the Commanders expected, it's been underwhelming overall.
Chaisson has two forced fumbles but only 2.5 sacks and 15 tackles through six games. The 2020 first-round pick is playing 69 percent of the team's defensive snaps, but consistency is sometimes lacking.
If Chaisson wants the big bucks — either in Washington or elsewhere —next spring, he needs to do more.
Winner No. 2
Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
With left tackle Laremy Tunsil out, potentially for the season, the Commanders needed Sam Cosmi's leadership and elite-level consistency more than ever. And even though he missed two games with a concussion, the right guard has been a shining light amid the doom and gloom.
Cosmi is a crushing presence. He is difficult to overcome through a unique blend of size, power, and athleticism. If it wasn't for the Texas product on the interior, things would have completely crumbled, and he is an integral part of Washington's plans to get out of its current slump.
While Cosmi's influence gets overlooked, he is among the league's most consistent right guards. And the Commanders desperately need this outstanding form to continue.
Loser No. 3
Mike Sainristil - Commanders DB
The Commanders were expecting cornerback Mike Sainristil to take a leap under Daronte Jones' guidance this season. His feast-or-famine play was enough for Joe Whitt Jr., but he needed more consistency to improve his chances of becoming a cornerstone.
Unfortunately, things have gone poorly.
Sainristil was a liability over the first two games. The coaching staff publicly challenged him, but it didn't get the desired response. Now, the Michigan product is firmly on the fringes, and it'll be a long road back.
Trey Amos is back, and even though Sainristil was active against the San Francisco 49ers over Fabian Moreau, his future in Washington looks bleak.
Add us as a preferred source on Google