Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders weren't going to sit on their hands at the wide receiver spot this offseason. Surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with improved weapons in the passing game was high on Adam Peters' list of priorities. The general manager rectified this as a matter of urgency when the recruitment period began.
Washington traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. They drafted Jaylin Lane and gave Michael Gallup a chance to resume his NFL career after one year in retirement. Couple this with the options already around, including the re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn, and things were looking up.
That threw down the gauntlet to Luke McCaffrey. The second-year wideout came along gradually as a rookie. He flashed promise as a pass-catcher and grew into a prominent kick-return role as the campaign went on. That left reasons for optimism, but the former third-round pick didn't want to get lost in the shuffle.
McCaffrey is well on his way to achieving this objective. With Terry McLaurin, Brown, and Gallup all missing time throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp, the Rice product took center stage. He was more than ready for the responsibility.
After emerging as one of Washington's offseason standouts, fans are hoping the breakout they were expecting from McCaffrey last season will finally come to fruition this time around.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
Most fans had Percy Butler tabbed as a potential salary-cap cut candidate this offseason. The safety is entering the final year of his rookie deal and was used sparingly in the rotation last season. That pointed to a distinct lack of trust in the defensive back, so it was a precarious situation in no uncertain terms.
You find out a lot about players when they face adversity. Some wilt under pressure with jobs on the line. Others display the resolve that turns things around. Based on Butler's efforts throughout preparations so far, he's going towards the latter.
The Commanders have been thrilled with Butler's effort and improved consistency so far. Head coach Dan Quinn singled him out for special praise, highlighting his renewed focus and the work he's put in away from the team as reasons for optimism.
There's a chance for Butler to make a bigger impression next season, and not just on special teams. Quan Martin and free-agent signing Will Harris are projected to start on the backend. Joe Whitt Jr. wants to get Jeremy Reaves more involved, and Tyler Owens has the physical scope that looks tailor-made for Quinn's defensive concepts.
Butler must reimpose himself. And he's off to a tremendous start in pursuit of silencing his doubters.