Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The competition for places in the wide receiver room is a hot topic of debate. Speculation remains that the Washington Commanders could add to the room with either Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs, but until something materializes, those around are getting a chance to impress.
OTAs are a good chance to stand out. There are no pads, and the structure typically favors the offensive players. That is unsurprisingly coming across, and there is arguably nobody benefiting more than Treylon Burks.
There is a growing sense in the building and from team reporters that Burks could be in line for a big role. Some have proclaimed him as the favorite to start at WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin, which is subject to change. But after a luckless run with the Tennessee Titans, the former Arkansas standout is eager to make the most of his chance.
Burks signed another one-year deal this offseason. He was enthused enough by David Blough's plans to stay, and this has come across so far.
Daron Payne - Commanders DL
The Commanders shut down speculation around Daron Payne's future pretty early in the offseason. Some thought he might be cut or traded, but Adam Peters is staying the course. However, there will be no new deal for the defensive lineman before it's earned.
That makes it a contract year for Payne. Fans are aware of how things went the last time he was after more money, and they are hopeful it will happen again. Based on his early impact on Washington's offseason program, the intent is obvious.
Payne is letting his football do the talking. He's put in the hard work away from the team, and it's paid off. The former Alabama star is looking sharp and explosive, ready to make his presence felt in pursuit of another lucrative contract extension from the Commanders next year.
It's early days, but Payne is setting a tone for others to follow. Long may it continue.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
Josh Conerly Jr. underwent some growing pains over the early stages of his rookie year. Nobody expected anything less with a gauntlet of elite edge rushers in front of him, but the strides made by the right tackle over the second half of 2025 couldn't be any more encouraging.
Conerly displayed impressive pass protection and was more effective against the run than pre-draft perceptions gave him credit for. The signs were pointing up, but the Oregon product knew this was just the start.
The Commanders must have been thrilled by the conditioning Conerly showed. He's been working hard on his body. The No. 29 pick in 2025 looks notably more defined while maintaining the same weight. And according to reports from OTAs, it's coming across in practice.
If the same trend continues, the Commanders will have a bookend tackle tandem in Conerly and Laremy Tunsil for quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google