The Washington Commanders are now on their pre-training camp break after their offseason program concluded at mandatory minicamp. Head coach Dan Quinn once again pushed his players hard, and he received the sort of response that raises hope of a 2026 bounce-back.
This was the main takeaway from the offseason. Quinn was far from happy last season. He's made the desired changes, and general manager Adam Peters did his part by raising competition for places. Urgency increased, and the intensity was high right out of the gate as the Commanders looked to right some wrongs.
Everything is going according to plan so far. The Commanders' situation remains precarious, and jobs are on the line next season. Players and coaches are still firmly behind Quinn, but it's a results-driven business.
Some have risen and fallen, too. With this in mind, here are five winners and three losers from Washington's mandatory minicamp.
Winners and losers from Washington Commanders 2026 minicamp
Winner No. 1
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Dan Quinn got a good look at the fringe players over minicamp. The prominent reps will go to the established stars who'll play a leading role at training camp, but the Commanders should now have a greater indication of what they have a little lower down the depth chart.
Based on reports from minicamp, tight end Ben Sinnott could have a bigger role in David Blough's schematic concepts. The Kansas State product looks sharp, is improving as a route runner, and finally looks ready for additional involvement if the same trend continues.
Chig Okonkwo and John Bates will lead the charge. But if the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft can also make his presence felt, it'll add another fascinating dynamic to an offense that should be fun to watch next season.
Loser No. 1
Nick Bellore - Commanders LB
The Commanders' linebacking corps is strong, fast, and aggressive after an eventful offseason on the recruitment front. Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, free-agent signing Leo Chenal, and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles are roster locks. Kain Medrano has improved his chances of making the team with a strong minicamp, so there might not be much room for the rest.
Quinn singled out both Medrano and Magee for special praise. They are younger and more athletic than Nick Bellore. They can also provide special-teams production and come with higher upside.
That may not stop the Commanders from taking Bellore through to Week 1, given his proven special-teams play and locker room leadership. But the margins are a lot finer for the two-time Pro Bowler now.
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