T.J. Maguranyanga - Commanders OLB
There is a lot to like about the Washington Commanders' pass-rushing options heading into the season. The room got even more crowded with Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s return to the practice field on Day 8 of training camp, though he is still being treated with extreme caution.
Others are also shining. While Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson are generating the hype, T.J. Maguranyanga's efforts throughout practice deserve recognition.
The former rugby star turned NFL professional is starting to find his groove. According to those in attendance, Maguranyanga was a constant menace in the backfield, displaying his improved burst off the line of scrimmage to make himself known.
TJ Maguranyanga has had an insane day today. He’s in the backfield a TON.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 7, 2026
While making the practice squad would still be considered an achievement for Maguranyanga, it's encouraging to see his development taking off.
Maguranyanga remains inexperienced, but the Commanders saw something in the International Player Pathway hopeful last year. And with another offseason to hone his craft, who knows what he might be able to accomplish from here.
Nick Cross - Commanders S
The Commanders' defense continues to catch the eye this summer. Daronte Jones' creative scheme is causing endless problems for the offense, which is a positive step in the right direction after things became stale throughout Washington's torrid 2025 campaign.
Nick Cross' arrival in free agency is a big reason why. The versatile and dynamic safety is everywhere on the field. He is growing in comfort and confidence, displaying the alpha-like traits that the Commanders wanted to see to solidify the defensive back end.
This defense will be fast, physical, and aggressive. Cross has all those traits in abundance, and it already looks like Jones is well aware of how best to maximize his supreme skill set.
Whether the Commanders have enough alongside Cross in the safety room remains to be seen. But the free-agent signing is standing out enough to suggest he could be among Washington's best offseason acquisitions when it's all said and done.
Stefon Diggs - Commanders WR
We couldn't leave him out, right?
Stefon Diggs made his eagerly anticipated first practice after finally getting his Commanders homecoming. The wide receiver was the star attraction, and even though the coaching staff is ramping him up gradually, it was instantly clear that his presence gave everybody a massive lift.
Diggs just has a swagger and charisma that are hard not to love. More importantly, he looked sharp.
Stefon Diggs got in some extra reps with Jayden Daniels and appeared to talk through some stuff on routes with him after practice. pic.twitter.com/wutBwKjhys
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 7, 2026
The explosiveness and quick changes in speed at the top of his routes were evident. Diggs was also spotted working after practice with quarterback Jayden Daniels, improving timing while also discussing different route combinations that will be demanded of him under new offensive coordinator David Blough.
The former Maryland standout was emotional when discussing what playing closer to home means. Diggs also knows he could be the missing piece of the puzzle in Washington's offense if everyone meets expectations. It's early days, but he might be right.
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