Loser No. 1
Percy Butler - Commanders S
There is competition for places across the Washington Commanders roster after an eventful recruitment period. Adam Peters has completely transformed the playing personnel since taking the general manager job in D.C. Things are more positive now, but it raises the stakes in no uncertain terms.
Washington's safety unit is a position group to watch. Quan Martin is the top option and free-agent signing Will Harris should replace Jeremy Chinn in the starting lineup. Things are less certain behind them, but some clues started to emerge at OTAs.
Joe Whitt Jr. lavished praise on Jeremy Reaves. Although the defensive back is an All-Pro special teamer and inspirational leader in the locker room, the coordinator acknowledged that he must find ways to get him more involved in the rotation to maximize his playmaking ability. With Tyler Owens' performances also getting glowing references, it puts Percy Butler's predicament firmly under the microscope.
This is a big year for Butler, the last of his rookie deal. He'll probably make the squad unless there is a drastic shift or another safety comes into the fold, but his role is far from guaranteed. If Reaves and Owens keep surging, there's a good chance he could be No. 5 on the depth chart when it's all said and done.
That would be a disaster, so a huge effort is needed as the summer goes on.
Winner No. 2
Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR
The Commanders have some genuine firepower available for quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2025. Adam Peters invested heavily in the supporting cast around his prized possession this offseason, fortifying the offensive trenches and putting together a group of pass-catchers that complement each other well.
He might not have generated the hype of Josh Conerly Jr., Laremy Tunsil, and Deebo Samuel Sr., but rookie wideout Jaylin Lane is making some serious noise over early workouts. The No. 128 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft has all the makings of yet another draft steal from Peters — someone capable of generating reps on the offensive rotation and becoming a core feature in the kick return game right out of the gate.
Lane's speed, quick-twitch traits, and elusiveness have been evident throughout OTAs based on reports from those in attendance. The Virginia Tech graduate is aiming to make a lasting contribution and is doing everything possible to force his way into Kliff Kingsbury's plans when Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around. Looking at the skill set he brings to the table, the receiver looks tailor-made for Washington's schematic concepts.
This is a positive start for Lane. If he can keep this up when things get more intense over the summer, expect to see Kingsbury reward the player accordingly.