If the Washington Commanders want to improve their bounce-back chances next season, it must be a collective effort. There were too many players just going through the motions last year. That has to change, and the early signs over the team's offseason program were encouraging.
There was an added sense of urgency from everybody. Players and coaches know that last season's freefall to irrelevancy was unacceptable, and they are working hard to do something about it. The atmosphere was completely different from last year, when things got frustratingly complacent after a remarkable run to the NFC Championship game.
Everyone is pursuing a common goal. Competition for places is fierce, and the players responded positively to the increased tempo over OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Couple this with the roster enhancements made by general manager Adam Peters this offseason, and the Commanders should be a much tougher out in 2026 if they get a better run of luck on the injury front.
Some players are already imposing their will in hopes of gaining significant responsibility. With this in mind, here are five emerging Commanders players who wasted no time in flashing alpha traits.
Emerging Washington Commanders players already flashing alpha traits before training camp
Johnny Newton - DL
The Washington Commanders are expecting a lot more from their 2024 NFL Draft class next season. They are no longer rookies or second-year pros trying to find their way. This is their time to step up, and they must deliver accordingly.
Head coach Dan Quinn is expecting defensive lineman Johnny Newton to take off, and he's seen some positive signs from the player over Washington's early offseason workouts. The Illinois product worked exceptionally hard away from the team, getting his body right and improving his strength. While that won't guarantee success, it gives the No. 38 overall selection in 2024 a solid platform to grow over the summer.
Newton is ready to show what he can truly do. Getting a full offseason without injury problems for the first time would be a massive help, and there is an opening for an expanded role if he can improve his ability to hold ground against the run.
Johnny Newton is ready to shine in Year 3. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NAWIo07ICt
— Riggo's Rag (@RiggosRag) June 27, 2026
Daronte Jones is projected to switch the Commanders into a 3-4 base front. While Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. will probably start, Newton should also fancy his chances of gaining more involvement. Whether he can become a three-down force is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.
It'll be interesting to see how Newton fares when things get tougher. But for now, he's displaying all the correct qualities.
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