The Washington Commanders are taking their opening on-field look at the team's first-year acquisitions at their annual rookie minicamp. Some have bigger expectations than others, but this is a chance for everyone to stake an early claim.
Leaving a good first impression is crucial. For those trying out, it can be the difference between sticking around and being sent on their way. And for Washington's undrafted free-agent players, it gets their feet firmly in the door.
According to reports, one potential UDFA game is already turning heads.
Commanders UDFA kicker Drew Stevens caught the eye on Day 1 of rookie minicamp
The Commanders wanted to take a look at Drew Stevens. However, when the kicker was reportedly generating interest from elsewhere, general manager Adam Peters upped his offer from a tryout to a formal undrafted contract.
That is how much Washington believed in Stevens. They didn't want veteran Jake Moody to get the starting job without a legitimate competition for his spot. And based on the reports emanating from the first day of rookie minicamp, the former Ohio State standout might have a real fight on his hands.
Washington brought in a long-snapper and punter for a tryout to give Stevens everything he needed to put in a good workout. JP Finlay of NBC Sports was among those in attendance, and he highlighted the Iowa product's leg strength as something that caught the eye during the first minicamp session.
Finlay also noted how closely special teams coordinator Larry Izzo was watching Stevens. It's another sign of the Commanders seeing something in the player, but there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead before his chances of securing the No. 1 spot improve.
Aside from a poor end to the campaign, Moody played well enough in difficult circumstances last season. The Commanders gave him another one-year deal this offseason. Even though Stevens will be pushing hard for as long as he's around, the incumbent starter will not be giving up his spot without a fight.
Obviously, tempering expectations is prudent for now. Stevens is an undrafted rookie looking to make his way, starting from the bottom and looking to work his way up. But unlike other UDFAs in Washington, there is only one obstacle standing between him and being on the Week 1 roster.
It's reportedly a positive start from Stevens, but no more than that. This is the first stepping stone in what should hopefully be a profitable summer. The intensity will rise, especially when Moody gets into the building for OTAs. This is only going to increase during Washington's training camp and whatever action he may see during the preseason.
Nothing is decided in one rookie minicamp practice, but Stevens seems to have made his mark nonetheless.
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