Antonio Williams - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room is generating significant buzz right now. Not because of its strength, but around what options Adam Peters could potentially bring in to give quarterback Jayden Daniels another shot in the arm before Week 1.
Nothing has been done yet, but there is also a chance Peters will hold firm. That is almost entirely dependent on how those behind Terry McLaurin on the depth chart perform, and there is more intrigue around third-round rookie Antonio Williams than most.
It's early days, but it already looks like the Commanders may have found something special in Williams. His slick route-running, body control, and ability after the catch look like a perfect fit in the scheme David Blough plans to run. Given the doubts about others, the former Clemson playmaker has a viable route to his fair share of targets immediately.
Williams will find life a little tougher when things get more intense at training camp. But if he can come through these challenges relatively unscathed, a prominent spot on the rotation won't be far behind.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
When head coach Dan Quinn singled out defensive lineman Johnny Newton as the player he expects to take off above everyone else, more than a few eyebrows were raised. But if the 2024 second-round pick can reward this confidence with a legitimate breakout campaign, the Commanders' defense will be in fantastic shape.
Newton got his body right this offseason. There were no nagging injuries holding him back, and it showed. He's confident, looked extremely explosive over early offseason workouts, and is ready to take the next step.
The former Illinois star may not start on Daronte Jones' 3-4 front, but that doesn't mean he cannot emerge into a three-down force with a strong training camp.
While Newton is a capable pass-rusher, there are significant doubts about his run-stopping credentials. Until these diminish, he'll be a specialist option and nothing more. But if the desired growth materializes, a situation could arise in which he unseats one of the projected veteran starters in the trenches.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OL
Brandon Coleman's 2025 campaign did not go well, which is putting it mildly. But the Commanders are not willing to throw in the towel on the offensive lineman just yet.
Coleman switched inside to left guard after the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil. He lasted two games before being taken out of the firing line, but reports suggest he was dealing with an injury. We'll never know for sure, but Washington is giving him an opportunity to win the job back from Chris Paul this summer.
He must maximize it.
The physical tools are all there for Coleman to be a productive asset on the protection. Staying healthy is key, and developing a ruthless streak wouldn't hurt either. Paul will not be giving up his spot without a fight, especially after playing so well last season. But if the TCU product wants to become anything more than a versatile backup option, this is a battle he has to win.
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