Loser No. 2
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
Veteran players have every right not to participate in OTAs. This is a voluntary part of the process, but the Washington Commanders got outstanding attendance once again, aside from a few notable absentees.
Terry McLaurin is awaiting a new contract and sitting out until something gets resolved. Laremy Tunsil is also working out alone, but his recent social media videos suggest the Pro Bowl left tackle is putting in the hard yards needed to hit the ground running.
Less is known about Marshon Lattimore. The cornerback didn't show up, which is a method he also adopted during his time with the New Orleans Saints. That's fine, but the former first-round pick out of Ohio State could have made a statement by participating after how things unfolded last season.
Lattimore's arrival via trade before the 2024 deadline came with significant fanfare attached. It didn't go well, although much of the blame can be placed on a hamstring injury that never got back to anything close to 100 percent.
The Commanders aren't giving up on Lattimore just yet. They expect major improvements with a full offseason to get healthy and become more familiar with the team's defensive concepts. That's why his no-show at OTAs drew the ire of fans, and it sent the wrong message.
Winner No. 5
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
Jonathan Allen is no longer available for the Commanders to rely upon. The veteran defensive tackle was released after no willing trade partner came forward, ending his prolific time with the organization. He's now with the Minnesota Vikings, and although his performances dipped over the last two seasons, the lineman leaves a gaping hole that must be filled effectively.
Someone has to step up. Based on reports from people in the building, Daron Payne wasted no time making his presence felt over OTAs.
Payne is now the veteran in Washington's defensive tackle room. He's the team's highest salary-cap hit in 2025 and is embarking on a crossroads campaign. The former first-round pick out of Alabama also recognized the need to do more than just the minimum requirement.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. both lauded Payne's early contribution. There's explosiveness and urgency regarding his approach. The Pro Bowler also goes above and beyond the call of duty to help teammates, which hasn't always been the case throughout his career.
This is a positive development before what many believe is a make-or-break campaign for Payne. If he can keep this positive momentum going and take it through into the regular season, a return to something like his 2022 form represents an attainable objective.