With so much hype around the Washington Commanders heading into the 2025 campaign, preparing well is crucial in the coming months. The first major part of this process was their organized team activities, which were voluntary but still received exceptional attendance from this close-knit squad.
Adam Peters put the pieces together during another enthralling offseason of recruitment. Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff are now molding them into a cohesive unit as they look to go deep into the postseason once again next time around.
That'll be much more difficult. The surprise package tag has deserted Washington. They are among the favorites, and with good reason. That places a different, yet extremely welcome, pressure on this perennial struggler. And it's a refreshing change of pace for fans who are still getting used to being media darlings after decades in the wilderness.
These OTA sessions are voluntary, but they're also a chance for early statements to be made. Some have accomplished this feat more than others, which only adds to the fascination with Washington's mandatory minicamp upcoming and training camp on the not-too-distant horizon.
That's for the future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from the Commanders' OTAs in 2025.
Winners and losers from Commanders 2025 organized team activities
Winner No. 1
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Much has been made about Brian Robinson Jr.'s status. The running back was widely expected by fans to get replaced or demoted this offseason. Adam Peters isn't ready to give up on him just yet, especially considering the former third-round pick has the added urgency of a contract year.
The Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. He's got some useful traits that could be an asset sooner than anticipated. It doesn't change the fact that Robinson will start the campaign as Washington's No. 1 backfield option alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It's a supreme vote of confidence in Robinson, but his situation remains precarious until further notice. This is something also recognized by the Alabama graduate, who's got a different aura about him over early workouts according to Kliff Kingsbury.
The offensive coordinator had high praise for Robinson. Kingsbury noted his improved focus and purpose during practices. He's looking to take that next step and earn a new deal in Washington next spring, and the Commanders are confident that an improved offensive line can help progress the ground game enough to take the heat off Daniels.
Robinson is doing enough to keep everyone else at arm's length so far. But complacency cannot become an issue.
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.
Winner No. 3
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Quan Martin was a warrior-like presence for the Washington Commanders last season. The safety played through extreme pain to help the cause in 2024, navigating two separated shoulders impressively to make a considerable impact as Dan Quinn's squad reached the NFC Championship game against all odds.
Joe Whitt Jr. revealed that sending Martin to the second team when standards were slipping lit a fire under the defensive back that kicked his career into life. The former second-round pick formed a productive backend tandem with Jeremy Chinn, providing a sense of stability and dynamism that was sorely lacking previously. But everything's changed now.
Chinn is no longer around after signing for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Martin is now the alpha dog in the safety unit, and it's a responsibility he's taking extremely seriously if reports from OTAs are any indication.
Quinn and Whitt both singled out Martin for special praise. They've seen something different in the Illinois graduate this offseason. He's looking to emerge from an underrated player into one of the league's best at the safety spot. And that's the standard his defensive coordinator is holding him to.
Considering the questions surrounding other safeties on the roster, Martin's possible dominance will be a core component of any success that comes Washington's way in 2025.
Winner No. 4
Trey Amos - Commanders CB
The Commanders could have a steal on their hands in Trey Amos. Adam Peters couldn't believe his luck when the cornerback was available at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. After all, the general manager considered taking him at No. 29 before offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. fell into his lap.
Amos had a first-round projection according to the Commanders and most analysts in the media. A back issue cropped up during his medical testing, which was enough to put off teams from taking the plunge. Peters had no such concerns, and the former Ole Miss standout is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the front office.
He might be a rookie, but Amos is already looking like a seasoned veteran at OTAs according to those in attendance. His ability in coverage, physical tone-setting approach, and instincts to break on the football have been evident throughout. The second-rounder looks capable of slotting into a starting role immediately, which is exactly what the Commanders had in mind.
It's early days, so tempering expectations would be wise. However., there's a growing believe among coaches and fans that Amos could have something special to offer if the same trend continues over the summer.
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.