5 Commanders oozing superstar swagger on forceful Day 2 of camp

The Washington Commanders are ramping things up at training camp. Head coach Dan Quinn is mentally and physically preparing his players not only for the new campaign but also for the introduction of the eagerly anticipated padded practices in the coming days.

That's where things become much more physical. It's also a solid measuring stick for the coaching staff to assess what they have and what more might be needed for improvement. And considering the high stakes attached to Washington's fortunes in 2025, no half-measures will be given.

A few players were kept out of the second session. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and future Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller both got vet days. The Commanders are also erring on the side of caution with wide receiver Noah Brown, who suffered an injury at Washington's mandatory minicamp and is slowly getting himself back into the groove.

This trend will continue for other players as camp progresses. But for younger players or those fighting for roster spots, there are no days off and no margin for error.

On this topic, here are five Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on a fascinating second day of Washington's training camp.

Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on Day 2 of camp

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

There is still no Terry McLaurin at training camp as the Washington Commanders continue to negotiate with his representatives over a new deal. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before something gets rubber-stamped, but there's just no telling for sure.

Until McLaurin is ready (or willing) to take his place on the practice field among his teammates, others will get the chance to shine. And one unheralded wideout is staking a strong claim for involvement over the first two days of camp.

The fact that undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks makes this list for the second-straight day is a testament to his phenomenal early contribution. He reportedly got plenty of work with the first-string offense on Day 2, according to those in attendance. Some impressive catches and another touchdown during team drills indicate he took full advantage.

This is the best possible start from Brooks. He possesses some useful traits, despite not hearing his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. Making noise in the receiver room will be challenging upon further examination of the available options. Even so, he's giving himself a fighting chance.

Brooks is setting the tone and getting noticed. Everyone else must follow suit.

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders are looking strong at the cornerback position heading into the offseason. Adam Peters added two new faces to the squad, which bolstered a unit that already had Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. One of those was second-round pick Trey Amos, who is off to a good start at training camp.

Amos had to wait longer than anticipated to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout had a first-round grade according to most analysts, but a back issue that came up during his medical assessments caused him to slide to No. 61 overall.

That gave Amos some extra motivation to silence his doubters. The Commanders are giving him all he can handle early, and the defensive back is passing every test with flying colors so far.

The Commanders are placing Amos as the starting option on the boundary opposite Lattimore. Veteran free-agent signing Jonathan Jones is also getting work with the first-string unit, but defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is challenging the rookie to cement his status as a core part of the team's plans in 2025.

Amos looks comfortable, aggressive, and ready to make an impression. If the same trend continues throughout camp, he'll have a big role in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL

Much has been made about the financial commitment given to Javon Kinlaw this offseason. The formidable defensive lineman hasn't reached the heights expected of a No. 14 overall selection just yet, but the Commanders believe there remains some untapped potential for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to unlock.

The Commanders placed a hefty wager on this scenario coming to fruition. Adam Peters, who was part of the brain trust in San Francisco that drafted Kinlaw, gave him a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. That was classed as a massive overpay, but the South Carolina product is working tirelessly to repay this faith.

Kinlaw showed up to training camp looking a lot leaner. He's ready to fill the void left by Jonathan Allen, and there's a lot to like about his frame and explosiveness so far.

It's early days, but fans should be encouraged by the way Kinlaw is applying himself. The Commanders want to move him around the line of scrimmage to exploit mismatches. Trimming down slightly and adding some extra muscle mass could be the spark that ignites him to much greater fortunes.

The veteran has heard all the criticism, and he doesn't care. Kinlaw's confident in his abilities. He also knows that the Commanders have complete faith, which cannot be overstated.

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

While the focus has primarily centered on the new cornerback additions and the return to health of Marshon Lattimore, the Washington Commanders have a superstar in waiting who could become a genuine X-factor in 2025.

Mike Sainristil already looks like a significant steal at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The feisty cornerback initially started in the nickel but was forced into a boundary role when others didn't meet their billing. Most thought this would be challenging for the rookie, but he thrived.

Now that the Commanders have Lattimore at full health, coupled with Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones on the outside, it should allow Sainristil to do what he does best. That, of course, is impacting proceedings from the slot.

Those in attendance got the chance to see that in full effect on the second day of training camp. Sainristil went back into the nickel and immediately shone, breaking up two passes and picking up exactly where he left off.

The Commanders have the luxury of moving Sainristil around, but the nickel is where he specializes. He's a willing contributor against the run, an explosive blitzer, and more than holds his own in coverage. And with a full year of NFL experience under his belt, the sky's the limit this time around.

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

It wasn't going to be long before Jayden Daniels made this list. But it's nothing more than the quarterback deserves after a clinical display on Day 2 of training camp, according to those watching from the sidelines.

Daniels is a franchise-caliber presence. His extraordinary rookie surge took the league by storm and left Adam Peters urgently trying to build around the signal-caller in pursuit of maximizing his rookie contract. With an improved supporting cast, expectations have gone through the roof in Year 2 of his professional career.

The former LSU standout is not settling. Daniels' fierce desire to be the best and his exceptional work ethic are driving him on. Teammates are coming along for the ride, which is only going to serve the Commanders well as they look to cement their status as a legitimate long-term contender.

The level of comfort Daniels displays is outstanding. He's composed under center, knows the schematic demands fully, and trusts the offensive line in front of him. Two nice touchdown passes during scrimmages only lent additional weight to these claims.

Everyone knows what Daniels can do. The Commanders will only go as far as the Heisman Trophy winner takes them this season and into the future. It's a responsibility he's taking seriously, even without his primary pass-catcher to depend upon right now.

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