After a busy spring with significant changes across the board, the Washington Commanders are now turning their attention to on-field preparations for the new campaign. Organized team activities are here, and setting the right tone is crucial.
Everything that could have gone wrong seemingly did for the Commanders last season. Nobody is looking back on that now. This is all about refocusing on the upcoming challenges, and general manager Adam Peters has raised the urgency by boosting competition across the depth chart this offseason.
This was his primary goal. Competition makes everyone better. Complacency crept into the Commanders' overall mindset last year, and they paid a heavy price. The slump in standards and effort will not be tolerated moving forward, so there is an opportunity for everyone to improve their outlook in the weeks and months ahead.
With this in mind, here are eight Commanders players who could force the coaching staff into some uncomfortable early conversations at OTAs.
Washington Commanders players who could surge up the depth chart at OTAs
Joshua Josephs - Commanders DE/OLB
Adam Peters placed an emphasis on edge-rushing reinforcements throughout the offseason. Nobody was complaining about that, and the Commanders now have strength in depth that can hopefully set the tone for a better defensive outlook next season.
Despite signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu in free agency, the Commanders spent a Day 3 pick on Joshua Josephs at No. 147 overall in the fifth round. He might not be the most physically imposing, but his explosiveness and length could give Daronte Jones another energetic presence capable of being moved around to exploit mismatches.
Establishing himself will be difficult in the presence of other veterans in the room. But don't count Josephs out by any stretch.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders brought back Dyami Brown this offseason after one year away. He got a decent deal from the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the wide receiver couldn't do enough for an extended stay. When the AFC South club traded for Jakobi Meyers, he was phased out almost completely.
That's been the tale of Brown's tape for most of his career. For all his physical gifts, putting it all together consistently remains the biggest frustration. Returning to familiar surroundings could help, so it'll be interesting to see what the Commanders have planned for the North Carolina product.
Brown has a shot, but there is no real margin for error. Making the roster will be his first goal. After that, it's about building enough confidence to get his fair share of targets. Anything less, and he's got a big problem.
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