Michael Deiter - Commanders OL
Adam Peters rightfully prioritized offensive line reinforcements this offseason. This is the best way to ensure quarterback Jayden Daniels' phenomenal early success can be sustained. However, that's not going to be good news for everybody.
The arrival of Nate Herbig went completely under the radar compared to the likes of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and No. 29 pick Josh Conerly Jr. Even so, there's a lot to like about his ability as a core depth piece if he proves that his injury problems are in the rearview mirror.
At the very least, Herbig could become a solid understudy to starting center Tyler Biadasz. That places Michael Deiter's aspirations firmly under the microscope, and not in a good way.
Deiter got a new one-year deal from the Commanders this offseason. Most fans thought he was undeserving after failing to meet even modest expectations in 2024. If Herbig can get back to anything like his old form, the Wisconsin product will become surplus to requirements.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
The NFL is a year-to-year league. And for an ambitious team like the Commanders, anything that happened previously counts for very little.
Everyone must prove themselves all over again. New additions are turning the screw and increasing competition for places. Anyone not displaying the correct development won't last long.
That's why Javontae Jean-Baptiste's progress will be something to monitor closely at training camp. The 2024 seventh-round pick flashed when reps came his way last season. But if he wants additional responsibilities as an NFL sophomore, much more is needed.
Jean-Baptiste is athletic and explosive. There are some technical deficiencies, and his ability against the run needs work, but the former Notre Dame standout should have his sights set on a key rotational role in the edge-rushing room.
That will be testing to attain when one considers the presence of Von Miller and Jacob Martin. The gauntlet has been laid down, so responding positively is the only way Jean-Baptiste won't get left behind.
K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR
The Commanders have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. Terry McLaurin's contract dispute is a distraction they don't need, but hopes are high that some middle ground can be reached before the situation reaches breaking point.
For the rest, it's going to be a fierce battle throughout training camp and the preseason. Places on the roster are at a premium. Those who perform well will be taken through. Those who fail to meet expectations will be shown the door.
K.J. Osborn's predicament could go either way. The wideout made almost no impression last season after arriving late, but the Commanders believe there is something within the player that warrants further investigation.
Perhaps a full offseason with the team will do the trick for Osborn. He's got some decent previous production on the Minnesota Vikings, although his time with the New England Patriots quickly became an unmitigated disaster. What comes next for the former Miami Hurricane is unclear, but the margins couldn't be finer.