The Washington Commanders are looking to raise competition across the board. General manager Adam Peters wasn't satisfied with how things unfolded last season, and it showed. And after such an underwhelming campaign, very few should consider their positions rock solid heading into the summer.
Peters is a ruthless roster builder. Anyone not pulling their weight won't last long, and the stakes are being raised exponentially. This was no more evident than after the draft, where an intriguing rookie minicamp invite sent speculation soaring among the fan base.
According to Mike Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Commanders have extended an invitation to kicker Drew Stevens. The former Iowa standout will look to impress enough to get a deal, which would place him in a legitimate kicking competition with veteran Jake Moody.
Commanders could raise urgency for Jake Moody if Drew Stevens shines at rookie minicamp
This is significant, or at least it could be.
Moody arrived late last season. He was snapped up off the Chicago Bears practice squad after Peters cut his expensive experiment with Matt Gay short. He performed relatively well, securing a new one-year deal from the club. However, giving him a free run at the starting job wouldn't be smart.
The Commanders need to maintain a high level of urgency. They resisted the temptation to draft one, which isn't surprising with only six selections during the process. But they obviously saw enough in Stevens to warrant a closer look in the near future.
Stevens was a consistent presence for the Hawkeyes, earning All-Big Ten honors in four consecutive years. His field-goal success rate was 80 percent over his college career. More importantly, he's made eight field goals of more than 50 yards in the last two seasons alone.
It's been a long time since the Commanders had a legitimate big leg to depend upon. Moody couldn't be classed as that, though he is accurate. But if everything checks out with Stevens at Washington's rookie minicamp, the Ohio State product will be nervously looking over his shoulder once again.
This will be a fascinating dynamic to watch. The Commanders won't be the only ones wanting to take a look at Stevens. If they want him after minicamp, they need to strike quickly. And make no mistake; Moody's feelings will be the very last thing on Peters' mind.
A lot needs to happen before then.
Stevens has to perform well in minicamp. The Commanders will be watching his every move closely. Moody will be anxiously awaiting developments, probably hoping the incoming rookie doesn't do enough to shine.
Because if he does, this will be among the most eagerly anticipated contested battles of training camp.
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