The Washington Commanders are giving everyone a shot to stake a legitimate claim this offseason. General manager Adam Peters gained widespread praise for revamping the roster, but this has narrowed the margin of error for almost everyone.
Everything will be earned, not given. After how things unfolded for the Commanders in 2025, there was no other choice. There is too much at stake now, and the battle for positions will be intense when training camp and the preseason arrive.
There are no more guaranteed spots for those still relying on their previous reputations. Aside from a very few franchise cornerstones, there is pressure to perform to secure their places. That means opportunities for others, and there may be a few unheralded players who can emerge as pleasant summer surprises if they can build on their positive early momentum.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders sleepers who could potentially crash their way into the roster conversation at training camp.
Washington Commanders sleepers who could crash the roster conversation at training camp
Jeffrey M'ba - Commanders DL
The Commanders have four guaranteed spots on the defensive front to go onto the roster. However, depth behind this quartet is a little shaky.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. will likely start. The Commanders are also expecting big things from Johnny Newton in Year 3 of his professional career. This could be a productive foursome within Daronte Jones' scheme, which is expected to transition more into a 3-4 base front.
After that, it's a little concerning. Shy Tuttle, Ricky Barber, and D.J. Davidson have a legitimate chance to make the 53-man squad. However, undrafted rookie Jeffrey M'ba's imposing physical credentials may be enough to shake things up considerably.
M'ba was perhaps unfortunate not to hear his name called during the draft. Adam Peters saw something others didn't, giving the interior presence a $245,000 guaranteed salary on his rookie deal. And if he puts together a strong camp, together with flashing promise in the preseason, don't count him out.
Tre Hawkins III - Commanders CB
The Commanders' cornerback concerns have been eased slightly with the signing of Rasul Douglas. He's got the size, length, and proven production to impact the rotation immediately. With Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and free-agent acquisition Amik Robertson entrenched as roster locks, it doesn't leave much room for the rest.
That being said, Tre Hawkins III fits the mold of what Daronte Jones typically looks for in his cornerbacks.
He's strong in press coverage, is intelligent enough to be deployed effectively in zone schemes, and is physical enough to make his tackles count. While everything hasn't quite come together for the player yet, his eye-catching start to Washington's offseason program provides a solid platform to build on.
If Hawkins can remain consistent, he might be able to beat out the likes of Ahkello Witherspoon and Antonio Hamilton Sr. for a spot on the team.
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