Loser No. 2
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown endured a luckless end to the 2024 campaign. The wide receiver didn't get the chance to contribute during the Washington Commanders' incredible postseason run due to injury. His status moving forward is also doubtful after an incident at mandatory minicamp.
Brown went down after catching a pass and immediately felt something. After being checked over, he hobbled off the practice field and was carted into the locker room. The former seventh-round selection let out a scream of frustration on his way into the facility.
There's been relative silence on the injury's severity. Head coach Dan Quinn stated that Brown was due to get an MRI on Thursday, but no information has come to light. Fans are anxiously awaiting developments, and general manager Adam Peters should be devising contingency plans if the prognosis is bleak.
The Ohio State graduate got another one-year deal this offseason despite suffering a serious internal injury against the Tennessee Titans. Brown looked healthy and ready to play an important role once again. Now, this latest concerning development plunged his status into doubt.
Hopefully, the wideout gets some good news and this issue is only minor. And if anyone deserves a little bit of good fortune after a turbulent few months, it's Brown.
Winner No. 5
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
Much was made about Marshon Lattimore skipping voluntary OTAs after his less-than-stellar start to life with the Commanders. However, the veteran cornerback answered these critics and more throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp.
Lattimore looked healthy. He was sharp and moved better than at any stage during the 2024 campaign. The prolonged rest to recover from a hamstring issue that blighted the early returns on his trade from the New Orleans Saints had the desired effect.
The four-time Pro Bowler admitted he never felt right last season. Lattimore fought through the pain barrier to repay the team's faith, but it never came to fruition. Now, he's feeling like his old self, which is great news for the Commanders and an ominous warning to their rivals.
Washington's coaches will still approach Lattimore's health cautiously. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State will be managed carefully over the summer to ensure he'll be ready to hit the ground running in Week 1 against the New York Giants. It's early days, but the gifted defensive back is on his way to achieving this objective.
He's heard all the criticism and is eager to silence his doubters. This was just a glimpse of what a fully healthy Lattimore could bring in 2025.