Dan Quinn and his coaching staff have a wealth of additional knowledge about their squad with training camp in full swing. Terry McLaurin's contract standoff continues to get unwanted attention, but everything is going according to plan for the Washington Commanders aside from that.
Quinn is preaching the importance of high standards. He knows how quickly things can change if complacency sets in. This was his message to the players from the moment they got into the building, and it received the desired response.
The focus, energy, and enthusiasm that enveloped the franchise last season remained. Everyone is pulling together, working tirelessly to ensure their common goals are met. That's only going to serve the Commanders well as they look to enhance their status as a long-term leading contender.
Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will have a good indication of where the Commanders stand and what more might be needed. Things are looking good, but there remain some problem positions that could hold them back. At the same time, several unexpected positives are emerging with the scope to shake up the roster considerably.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders no one saw coming who are stealing the show at training camp.
Commanders players who no one saw coming are stealing the show at camp
Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders believe Kain Medrano's exceptional athleticism can be molded into something more. Fans were skeptical initially, but his strong showing at training camp so far is helping to turn the tide.
Medrano is a work in progress. The sixth-round selection needs significant refinement before confidence in his chances increases. There is rawness to the rookie's overall outlook, especially where his tackling technique and choosing the right angles against the run are concerned. But the signs at camp are encouraging nonetheless.
The UCLA product is making encouraging strides. Medrano's physical attributes are absolutely off the charts, and the Commanders are trying to find the best way to maximize them. This involves the first-year pro spending time at the defensive second level and also as a safety in specific situations.
It's brought a positive response from Medrano, and he's proving he belongs so far. Predicting anything other than a key special-teams role in Year 1 of his professional career would be foolish, but a bright future awaits if his early development is the start of something greater.
Time will tell on that, but linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. won't be going easy on Medrano. That's a guarantee.