General manager Adam Peters had to rethink everything this offseason. The Washington Commanders went ring-chasing last year after reaching the NFC Championship Game, signing aging veterans past their prime who didn't have much good football left to give.
It did not go well.
The Commanders won five games. Injury problems blighted their hopes. Everyone got too complacent, thinking they could just steamroll everyone and achieve similar feats. And they paid a heavy price.
A shift in strategy was needed, and Peters duly delivered.
Instead of standing pat, Peters revamped the roster. There was an emphasis on youth, with hungry players looking to prove something coming off their rookie contracts. A couple of established veterans were sought to plug gaps, but the Commanders were finally building with the long term in mind.
This new vision still needs to come together in the regular season. Even so, the signs over training camp couldn't be more encouraging.
There is more urgency. There is more athleticism and explosiveness. There is also a genuine desire to put things right, with the new additions and established locker room leaders coming together to pursue a common goal.
Washington has talent. It has a fresh injection of ideas on both sides of the football. With the acquisitions made by Peters this offseason, the Commanders now have a plan for the now and the future.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders newcomers who are already validating Peters' bold offseason vision.
Washington Commanders newcomers who are already validating Adam Peters' offseason vision
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
The Commanders needed to bolster their pass-rushing unit this offseason. And though big-money signing Odafe Oweh gained the headlines, it already looks like K'Lavon Chaisson can have a huge impact on how Washington approaches things defensively.
Chaisson bet on himself with a one-year deal this offseason. He was offered longer-term security by the New Orleans Saints, but the 2020 first-round pick out of LSU believed Washington was the best possible fit to get a much bigger payday next year.
Based on early impressions over the summer, he might be right.
It didn't take long for Chaisson to impose himself as a starting option opposite Oweh on Daronte Jones' 3-4 defensive front. He's put together a tremendous offseason, and even though he is currently dealing with a knee issue, it isn't expected to be serious.
All signs point to Chaisson making a significant difference when the regular season arrives. And if he can take his breakout campaign with the New England Patriots last season onto the field for Washington, the Commanders are going to benefit greatly.
The pressure being generated across the front seven has been one of the most notable positives of training camp. Chaisson's presence is a big reason why.
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