Winner No. 2
Rachaad White - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders needed a rethink in their running back room this offseason. Jacory Croskey-Merritt impressed considerably as a rookie, but the seventh-round selection cannot do it alone. More was required, and general manager Adam Peters reacted accordingly.
There is strength in depth now. The Commanders brought three new faces into the fold via free agency and the draft. While preparations are still in their infancy, none could be more important than Rachaad White.
White turned down offers from elsewhere for a chance to reunite with Jayden Daniels, his former college quarterback at Arizona State. It was a calculated risk, but the veteran is already showcasing the skill set to carve out a significant role in David Blough's offense.
The speed and pass-catching ability out of the backfield were a revelation throughout OTAs. If the same trend continues in the weeks and months ahead, White will be a focal point.
Loser No. 2
Van Jefferson Jr. - Commanders WR
The battle for supremacy in Washington's wide receiver room is fascinating. There are rampant rumors that Brandon Aiyuk could join the Commanders at some point, but it's unclear when the San Francisco 49ers will release him. Until then, others on the depth chart behind Terry McLaurin are getting the opportunity to impress.
Aside from McLaurin, everyone else is an unknown. The Commanders are banking on one of their young standouts to break out, and several left a mark over OTAs. There was less said about Van Jefferson Jr., which doesn't bode well for his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Jefferson was acquired on a one-year deal this offseason, but there are no guarantees regarding his roster spot. He's got more experience than most, but that does not count for much right now. Unless there is a drastic shift, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he makes the team.
Winner No. 3
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
There were legitimate concerns about Quan Martin's future heading into the offseason. He was projected by the team and some national analysts for a breakout campaign, but he failed to meet loftier expectations. Washington could have easily gone in a different direction, but new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones isn't ready to give up on him just yet.
Martin got a reprieve. The Commanders still feel like his athleticism can make a difference if he regains some confidence. That may be difficult when the real action arrives, but the signs from OTAs are encouraging.
The Illinois product is making his presence felt. Jones is eager to capitalize on his versatility, spending time on the back end and in the slot as a nickel cornerback. This is a position he manned as a rookie, so switching spots could be a viable solution to his lack of production last season.
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