Van Jefferson Jr. - Commanders WR
There has been significant debate about the wide receiver options behind Terry McLaurin this offseason. Some fans believe more is needed, but the Washington Commanders could just as easily keep faith with the options currently available.
There were slight concerns over mandatory minicamp, as noted by beat reporters in attendance. One player with no such problems was Van Jefferson Jr., arguably the standout performer in his quest to make the team.
Jefferson was an understated signing this offseason, signing a one-year deal in free agency. While he might not have become a legitimate WR1 or WR2 throughout his career, he's fast enough to stretch the field while also boasting some outstanding ball-tracking skills. Given the obvious doubts around the rest, his experience could be a deciding factor.
Obviously, his task becomes more difficult if the Commanders sign another dependable veteran. But for now, Jefferson has momentum.
How much longer this lasts is down to him. Jefferson must continue to shine over training camp. He must take advantage of any targets that come his way during the preseason. Even that might not be enough, but if he can make the squad, his potential as a complementary piece might be enough for his fair share of involvement.
Tyler Owens - Commanders DB
Daronte Jones' defensive scheme will rely heavily on versatility, athleticism, and aggression. While he has yet to put everything together, promising young defensive back Tyler Owens has these traits in abundance.
Owens is a physical force. His pre-draft testing was exceptional, but it was not enough to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. He managed to make the Commanders' roster as an undrafted free agent and has stuck around for two seasons, but he's been primarily a special-teams presence so far.
That could change this time around. The Commanders experimented with Owens in the nickel and on the back end over early offseason workouts. This could mean a bigger role is in the offing, but it remains a precarious situation for him.
The Texas Tech product will only get the benefit of the doubt for so long. There is no margin for error, and he is also a restricted free agent after the campaign. It's a high-stakes situation for Owens, but he's got the tools to shine under Jones.
Washington's new coordinator is renowned for bringing the most out of defensive backs. Everyone in the secondary stands to benefit from his expert teaching, and if Owens buys in, he could very well be the biggest beneficiary of all.
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