Organized team activities have been more up-tempo for the Washington Commanders than in years past. This signifies a real intent to put things right after things fell so flat last season, which is the perfect tone to set before things get tougher over the summer.
Everyone knows last season wasn't good enough. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have made the necessary changes, but the situation remains precarious. The Commanders could be a prime bounce-back candidate, but they could just as easily fall back into mediocrity if everything doesn't come together.
That will have big consequences. The Commanders need to hit the ground running, and every player is starting with a clean slate. It's a constant evaluation, but some are already starting to showcase what they could bring to the field when Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles rolls around.
There is a flip side to this coin. As players rise, others are falling. Unless the tide turns quickly, it's hard to envisage any of them having major roles in such a high-stakes campaign.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who are already being dangerously outshone at OTAs.
Washington Commanders players who are being dangerously outshone at OTAs
Drake Jackson - Commanders DE/OLB
There was real urgency for the Commanders to strengthen their edge-rushing options this offseason. Adam Peters didn't do enough to fortify the group last year, and he paid the price. The front-office leader would not be making the same mistake again.
The Commanders signed Odafe Oweh to a huge deal in free agency. K'Lavon Chaisson is betting on himself with a one-year deal. Charles Omenihu offers versatility and experience, and fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs has the length and explosiveness needed to potentially impact the rotation immediately.
With Dorance Armstrong Jr. also making good progress from a serious knee injury that ended his breakout campaign, things are looking up. Even so, it doesn't make it any easier for those looking to force their way onto the 53-man roster this offseason.
Drake Jackson is among them.
He joined the Commanders last season after the San Francisco 49ers finally gave up. After being given time to work his way back from injury, Jackson featured late in the year. The former USC star showed enough promise to secure another one-year deal, but it didn't include any guarantees of a roster spot.
Jackson looks pretty far down the pecking order right now. Much will depend on how many edge defenders the Commanders take through, but he's facing an uphill battle.
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