The Washington Commanders have now concluded their organized team activities, the first real stage of preparations for the new campaign. Players and coaches are next on the practice field during their upcoming mandatory minicamp, where the tempo is set to be increased even further.
It's been a profitable experience for all involved. There was a lot of information for the players to take in, with two new coordinators looking to implement their schemes and ideas into the roster. And after how torridly things went last season, there was a different atmosphere around the place right from the outset.
Everyone was hurt and embarrassed by the capitulation, given how much was expected. Everyone who was around set the right tone to turn the tide immediately. And the influx of new arrivals via free agency and the draft has raised the level of competition enough to keep the urgency extremely high.
Complacency will not be tolerated this time around. Pressure is building on the Commanders, and any further failings could see heads roll when the 2027 offseason gets here. OTAs were only the bedding-in period before things get tougher, but some clues are already starting to emerge regarding the roster dynamic.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players whose roles look less clear after OTAs.
Washington Commanders players whose roles look less certain after OTAs
Van Jefferson Jr. - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders have an open competition in their wide receiver room. Speculation remains high about someone like Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs joining the fold at some stage before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Adam Peters is willing to give everyone a fair shot at staking their claims before deciding on additional measures.
There isn't much proven production behind Terry McLaurin on the depth chart. The Commanders are banking on some of their younger pass-catchers to perform more consistently within offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme, and several caught the eye during OTAs. Where that leaves Van Jefferson Jr. remains to be seen, but it seems as if he's got a fight on his hands to make the 53-man roster.
Jefferson signed a one-year deal in free agency. He adds an extra bit of experience to the room, though his best days might be behind him. And with a few wideouts aiming for more established roles, the 2020 second-round pick out of Florida may be on the outside looking in if he doesn't keep up.
This isn't the first time Jefferson has been battling against the odds. He's come out on the other end smiling before, but any more fresh faces won't do him any favors.
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