5 Commanders oozing superstar swagger on first padded practice of camp

There was an enormous sense of anticipation in the air as the Washington Commanders participated in their first padded practice of training camp. And there was the bonus of having fans in attendance for the second straight day.

Getting the pads on raises urgency and increases physicality. There is more aggression during drills, and head coach Dan Quinn gets a good look at what his newcomers can do in a more aggressive environment.

The Commanders gave several veterans the day off. They already know what the likes of Laremy Tunsil, Marshon Lattimore, Von Miller, and Zach Ertz can do when it comes to the crunch. However, this was a chance for those looking to make the team or get prominent roles to lay down a marker.

Quinn and his accomplished staff will have gained a significant amount from the session. This roster isn't quite the finished product just yet, but everything is going according to plan. That should serve the Commanders well with upcoming challenges such as joint practices and preseason games on the not-too-distant horizon.

Before then, here are five Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger during the team's first padded practice of training camp.

Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on first padded practice of camp

Johnny Newton - Commanders DL

Much has been made about the Washington Commanders' spending big money on Javon Kinlaw in free agency. Daron Payne has been lauded throughout the offseason as he propels himself into a leadership role without Jonathan Allen to depend upon. But don't forget about 2024 second-round selection Johnny Newton, either.

Newton was the Commanders' choice at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The interior defensive lineman flashed moments of genuine quality last season without matching this with the correct consistency. Those in power believe that more is on the way with a better run of luck on the health front this offseason.

The former Illinois standout missed crucial time over his initial development after foot surgeries. Things are going much better for Newton this time around, and he showcased his progress to full effect during the opening padded practice of training camp.

Washington's offensive line had a hard time generating push versus the defensive interior. Newton's improved strength and technical prowess were good reasons why. There was also a lot to like about the way he blew up a screen, which indicates that the game is slowing down for the player in Year 2.

The Commanders need more from their defensive front in 2025. Newton is on the right track to provide it.

Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB

Bobby Wagner's credentials speak for themselves. He is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers of the modern era. The Washington Commanders could have easily given him the day off, but that's not in his makeup.

Wagner relishes competition. He leads by example and sets a strong tone for others to follow. It's why he was tasked with spearheading the franchise culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn. It's also why he's so revered by teammates, fans, and coaches alike.

It was no surprise to see that Wagner came to life when the pads went on at training camp. Everything was measured. Everything was composed. There was controlled aggression and several impressive plays attached to his contribution. And as always, fellow second-team All-Pro linebacker Frankie Luvu was beside him every step of the way.

The former second-round pick might be at the tail-end of his playing career, but he's shown no signs of slowing down. Wagner might be a little slower in coverage these days, but his cerebral approach and exceptional communication make him a significant asset for the Commanders to depend upon. That's not going to change in 2025.

What comes after that is less certain. Until then, Wagner remains an integral part of Washington's plans.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

Evaluating running backs can be difficult until the pads come on. That's why all eyes were on Jacory Croskey-Merritt to see if he could continue his outstanding start to life in Washington when things got a little more intense.

The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft passed this test with flying colors. Croskey-Merritt was decisive and explosive. He exploited gaps and absorbed contact impressively. He even managed to stay upright when safety Tyler Owens laid a big hit on him during scrimmages, according to those in attendance.

This did nothing to diminish the hype around Croskey-Merritt, which is unusual for a seventh-round rookie still learning what it takes to succeed in the pros. He's got a chip on his shoulder and is putting it to good use. The East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP is proving he belongs much sooner than anyone anticipated. This is only going to help in the pursuit of immediate playing time.

Croskey-Merritt should get plenty of work during the preseason. That'll give the coaching staff a broader perspective of what he could potentially bring to a competitive setting. However, it's hard to ignore the substantial momentum building as the first-year pro looks to silence his doubters right out of the gate.

Eddie Goldman - Commanders DL

There is a growing sense that the defensive line might not be as bad as critics expect this season. A strong display on the first day of padded practices only lent further weight to this notion.

The Washington Commanders' revamped defensive front caught the eye throughout. It wasn't just the top-level guys like Johnny Newton, Javon Kinlaw, and Daron Payne. Others lower down the depth chart also impressed, which is only going to assist their roster hopes or status on the rotation.

Eddie Goldman was among them. The free-agent signing has missed a lot of football in recent years due to retirement and sitting out the COVID campaign, but spending last season with the Atlanta Falcons shook off any rust that remained. The veteran thrives on contact in the middle, absorbing double teams effectively and boasting enough core functional strength to generate push.

This was a big positive for Goldman, who's aiming to make the 53-man roster. That's still not guaranteed, but shining in the physical setting that padded practices bring displayed the athletic credentials he brings to the table.

Dan Quinn loves guys who thrive under the spotlight, so the former second-round pick out of Florida State's efforts won't have gone unnoticed. If Goldman keeps this up, he'll be on the team.

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

The pads come on, and focus increases. Everyone locks in and produces an extra bit of effort in pursuit of getting noticed. And it was no shock whatsoever to see quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge.

Daniels is the franchise-caliber presence under center that the Commanders have craved for years. His swagger, precision, composure, and work ethic saw him rise to superstardom immediately. Talk about a sophomore slump was rife throughout the offseason, but the dynamic dual-threat is alleviating these fears emphatically.

The former LSU standout is only getting better. Washington's opening padded practice was Daniels' best of camp so far, based on the musings of those in attendance. His accuracy, knowledge of the offense, and ability to get his pass-catchers in stride were among the most positive elements to emerge from his contribution.

While there is no sign of Terry McLaurin on the practice field as he awaits a new deal, Daniels is taking this time to develop cohesion with other wide receivers who'll be tasked with responsibilities in 2025. Everything is going according to plan so far, and this exceptional showing from the signal-caller indicates that an NFL MVP run could be coming if additional improvements arrive.

Daniels hasn't basked in the glory of his rookie accomplishments for long. And it shows.

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