Jaylin Lane will emerge as Commanders' Z receiver
The Washington Commanders have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. Adam Peters prioritized the supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels, which was the right course of action to maximize his rookie contract. This raises competition for places, and those who perform well will get rewarded with prominent roles.
There are the obvious big names — Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. — to focus on. However, there is growing hype that rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane can also make a bigger impression than originally anticipated.
Lane could be a steal for the Commanders. He's got the speed, route-running prowess, and elusiveness with the football in his hands that look tailor-made for Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. An impressive start to Washington's offseason program only whetted the appetite further heading into training camp.
If the former Virginia Tech standout builds on his strong opening, he could become the Commanders' best Z receiver opposite McLaurin. This would leave Samuel as the versatile piece moved around to exploit mismatches, while Luke McCaffrey and Noah Brown should also see targets aplenty.
Jordan Magee will cement third starting LB role
Joe Whitt Jr. outlined his desire to adopt more three-linebacker sets this season. The defensive coordinator also has a player in mind to occupy the spot next to Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
Washington will give Jordan Magee every chance to prove worthy of more involvement over training camp. The former Temple game-wrecker has all the physical tools Dan Quinn and Whitt look for in their second-level players. He might have even gotten more involved as a rookie had it not been for a knee injury just as serious momentum was building.
That was a slight bump in the road, but Magee looks healthy and focused once again. The early reports have been glowing, and the Commanders believe fans will see the real deal in 2025 with a better run of luck on the health front.
Magee won't be handed anything. The likes of Kain Medrano and Dominique Hampton will also fancy their chances of staking a claim, but the 2024 fifth-round pick is the favorite as things stand.
Robert McDaniel will make Commanders' 53-man roster
Undrafted free agents who perform well will stick around in Washington. Dan Quinn's coaching staff proved that previous reputations don't matter last season when tight end Colson Yankoff and safety Tyler Owens went onto the 53-man roster. That provides hope for the latest crop of hopefuls set to take the practice field at training camp.
It's a precarious situation for every UDFA that will be decided by fine margins. However, gifted defensive back Robert McDaniel could be the man who thrives more than any other.
McDaniel gained a strong reputation as an instinctive playmaker at Jackson State. More will be needed in the pros, especially from a coverage standpoint, but the Commanders got a good look at him with the first-string defense over early workouts to raise intrigue.
From a physical standpoint, McDaniel is similar to Jeremy Chinn. He's got the size and explosiveness. He also does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage, just like the recently departed safety.
He cannot put a foot wrong to force the issue in Washington's safety room, but there's nothing to suggest McDaniel cannot achieve a roster spot with an imposing start.