The Washington Commanders are about to ramp up preparations for the new season. Most roster moves have been made after a busy spring, and players should be well-rested. Now, it's time for the real work to begin.
First up is organized team activities (OTAs). This is the first chance for rookies and veterans to come together outside of voluntary workouts. There will be more structure, a higher tempo, and increased demands placed on them by the coaching staff. Ideally, this will set the tone for mandatory minicamp, training camp, and preseason games before Washington's Week 1 trip to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The pressure is on. Head coach Dan Quinn has to bounce back next season. The Commanders face a brutal first six weeks of the campaign, so preparing effectively is the only way they'll hit the ground running. OTAs are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, but they are extremely important all the same.
And for these eight Commanders players, OTAs are their opening opportunity to fight for relevancy.
Washington Commanders players who'll be fighting to stay relevant at OTAs
Jake Moody - Commanders PK
The Commanders gave Jake Moody another one-year deal this offseason. His production was solid enough after his arrival last year, but a poor end to the campaign put his status firmly in doubt. And even though Washington gave the kicker a reprieve, he'll have to earn his spot.
Drew Stevens initially got an invite to Washington's rookie minicamp. But when other teams began to show interest, the Commanders quickly turned it into an undrafted free-agent contract. After making a strong early statement, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that there would be a genuine kicking competition over the summer.
Moody remains the favorite, due to his experience. But Stevens has the leg strength and ambition to make things extremely uncomfortable.
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB
Washington's cornerback unit is a topic of debate right now. Some fans believe Adam Peters hasn't done enough to strengthen the group. Others believe a more imposing front seven can make the secondary's job easier. The truth is somewhere in the middle, but the Commanders have money to spend if more is needed.
Until then, those around will get their respective auditions. Car'lin Vigers is among them, and a year of experience around the setup should serve him well in pursuit of securing a roster spot next season.
Vigers caught the eye last summer after arriving as an undrafted free agent. It wasn't enough to make the final 53, but he did stick around on the practice squad to continue his development.
But if Vigers wants more, he needs to prove himself worthy.
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