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8 Commanders barely clinging to relevance before OTAs turn up the heat

The pressure is on to impress.
Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler
Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders are reportedly still looking for receiver help. Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs are the hot names, and both are interested in joining the fold. However, general manager Adam Peters has not shown his hand as yet, and may not do so until he gets a good look at what's already around.

Terry McLaurin is the only receiver with proven production. Third-round rookie Antonio Williams has immense upside, but it might take time to find his groove. Aside from that, the Commanders are counting upon one or two of their young pass-catchers to break out within David Blough's schematic concepts.

Washington also brought back Dyami Brown this offseason. He left last spring after a strong end to the 2024 campaign gave him a pretty decent deal from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Things fizzled out quickly, so he'll be aiming to right this wrong in more familiar surroundings.

But flashing brief moments of promise won't cut it this time.

Trent Scott - Commanders OL

Washington's offensive line was a shining beacon of positivity amid the almost constant doom and gloom last season. Adam Peters largely maintained continuity within the group throughout the offseason, but releasing Tyler Biadasz created a problem that could have been avoided.

Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. are the tackle tandem, and a pretty good one. Chris Paul was re-signed to resume his guard partnership with Sam Cosmi, who's one of the best around when healthy. If the center position can be solved effectively, this could be a fantastic unit.

There is also enough depth to suffice for now. Andrew Wylie got a new deal. All hope has not been lost with Brandon Coleman, and the Commanders have high hopes for Day 3 pick Matt Gulbin. Trent Scott also got a new one-year deal, but his roster spot is far from assured.

Scott is versatile and experienced, which gives him a chance. But he will need to keep some ambitious young linemen behind him this summer.

Kain Medrano - Commanders LB

The Commanders knew that drastic measures were needed in their linebacking corps this offseason. Adam Peters had a plan in place, and a frustrating weak link has now become a potential area of strength for defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to depend upon.

There was an emphasis on youth, dynamism, and athleticism. The Commanders signed Leo Chenal in free agency. They spent the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles, who has franchise cornerstone upside. With Frankie Luvu going back to his usual off-ball role and Jordan Magee also around, this looks like a quartet that can make a significant difference.

It also means places are limited for others. Kain Medrano practically redshirted his rookie campaign. While his athletic attributes are absolutely off the charts, the UCLA product needed refinement in his tackling technique and overall awareness.

Unless those enhancements arrive quickly, he's in danger of getting left behind.

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