Head coach Dan Quinn took a different approach to this year's mandatory minicamp. Instead of focusing time on the established veterans who are guaranteed to play leading roles next season, the Washington Commanders gave the lion's share of reps in team drills to those fighting for relevancy.
That will change at training camp, of course. But Quinn felt this approach could provide the Commanders with a broader indication of how their roster may look a little lower down the depth chart and whether anything more will be needed later in the summer.
Making the team will be a tough challenge for anyone on the fringes.
The Commanders have put last season's catastrophe behind them, but general manager Adam Peters worked hard to raise urgency for squad places throughout a busy offseason on the recruitment front. Some are struggling to meet raised expectations, but some are thriving under the glaring spotlight in a fine-margin situation.
With this in mind, here are eight unfancied Commanders players whose stock rose at minicamp.
Unheralded Washington Commanders players whose stock soared at 2026 minicamp
Drew Stevens - Commanders PK
Finding a stable kicking presence has been a difficult task for Adam Peters. But the Commanders may have stumbled into something meaningful with undrafted rookie Drew Stevens.
Washington moved swiftly to sign Stevens when interest arrived from elsewhere before rookie minicamp. He's currently locked in a fascinating roster battle with veteran Jake Moody, who got another one-year deal this offseason. It's still too close to call, but the former Iowa star certainly looks the part.
Stevens was nothing short of sensational over Washington's three-day minicamp. The Commanders will take this competition right through the preseason before crowning a winner, but the rookie could be leading the race slightly heading into training camp.
Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
The Commanders' linebacking corps could become a dominant group next season. Veteran Frankie Luvu, No. 7 pick Sonny Styles, free-agent signing Leo Chenal, and third-year pro Jordan Magee are roster locks. That makes it more difficult for anyone else, but Kain Medrano is doing enough to stand out from the crowd.
Dan Quinn praised Medrano for the offseason he's put together so far. The athletic traits have never been in question, but the UCLA product is extremely raw technically. These problems will diminish with additional experience, and reports suggest that he looks more comfortable in Year 2 of his professional career.
Medrano's status could still legitimately go either way. But for now, optimism is growing before things get more challenging over the summer.
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