Training camp is officially winding down for the Washington Commanders, but the hard work is just getting started.
Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff are trying to ready their players for some testing challenges ahead. The lingering cloud of Terry McLaurin's contract standoff remains, but there have been some pleasant surprises along the way that represent reasons for encouragement.
It has not all been smooth sailing. Washington's lackluster showing in the team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots left a sour taste in Quinn's mouth. The respected coach felt like the standards weren't being met, and he let everyone know about it. And it's better to work out the kinks now rather than during the regular season.
Adam Peters and Quinn will have a good indication of what the roster could look like in Week 1. There is still time to alter perceptions for those fighting for their future. But for others who've left a surprisingly good impression, all signs are pointing up.
With this in mind, here are five unexpected Commanders players who shocked everyone (for differing reasons) at Washington's training camp this summer.
Unexpected Commanders players who shocked everyone at training camp
Trey Amos - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders felt like they had a steal on their hands when cornerback Trey Amos was available at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters considered taking the physically imposing defensive back with the No. 29 pick, but went with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. instead. As luck would have it, the Ole Miss product was still available late in the second.
Peters didn't hesitate. And looking at the way Amos has applied himself since joining the Commanders, it's not hard to see why.
Dan Quinn and his staff make their rookies earn everything. Whether they are highly touted recruits or undrafted free agents starting from the bottom, everyone gets treated the same. They challenged Amos immediately, giving the player all he could handle. To say it received a positive response would be a huge understatement.
Amos has thrived. The Commanders quickly placed him as the starting boundary option opposite Marshon Lattimore in the secondary, and he seized the opportunity with his customary determination. He's not displaying rookie frailties in coverage. He's also more than willing to help against the run, which cannot be said of most cornerbacks who turned out for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense last season.
There was cautious optimism around Amos heading into camp. Now, expectations have gone through the roof.