7 supreme standouts from Commanders 2026 training camp Day 8

Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL

The Washington Commanders are expecting more from Javon Kinlaw this season. They were widely mocked for giving the defensive lineman a massive overpay in 2025 free agency, which was swiftly followed by an underwhelming campaign that only raised doubts.

It made no financial sense to release Kinlaw this offseason. The Commanders are not giving up on him, and even though the Commanders weren't in pads on Day 8 of training camp, there are growing signs that the new 3-4 base scheme being deployed by Daronte Jones could help bring more from the South Carolina product.

Kinlaw made some decent plays throughout the session, including an impressive batted pass when a big gain was imminent. These are small but positive steps, and operating as a 3-4 defensive end seems to be suiting his physical attributes far better.

It could still go either way with Kinlaw. But for now, all signs are pointing up.

Rasul Douglas - Commanders CB

There was a great deal of excitement around cornerback Trey Amos's return to practice, and there didn't appear to be any physical limitations. But as has been the case so far in training camp, free-agent signing Rasul Douglas stood out above the rest.

Douglas has transitioned extremely smoothly after signing with the Commanders just before camp began. The veteran is physical, mirrors receivers extremely well in coverage, and looks more than capable of becoming a key piece in Daronte Jones' defensive system.

The former West Virginia standout lost an impressive rep to Terry McLaurin in 1-on-1 drills, but aside from that, Douglas was accomplished. He knows how to get receivers out of their comfort zone and anticipates things well. Amos' return might end up changing his dynamic, but he is doing more than enough to remain a big part of Washington's defensive plans.

If Douglas keeps this up, he'll play his part.

Drew Stevens - Commanders PK

The kicking competition remains a source of great debate among the fan base. However, it's starting to look like undrafted rookie Drew Stevens might be pulling away from veteran Jake Moody.

Stevens has been almost flawless throughout training camp, and this trend continued on Day 8. The former Iowa standout made all right of his field goal attempts, including a long of 56 yards. In contrast, Moody missed two — from 53 and 56.

This might not seem much in the grand scheme of things, but it is significant. Stevens has the leg. He has the accuracy, and he clearly has the momentum with Washington's preseason slate on the immediate horizon.

It's been a long time since the Commanders have had stability at the kicking spot. Stevens is young and hungry. Moody is still fighting, but it might become a losing battle if the first-year pro performs well in Washington's warm-up games.

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