Which Washington Commanders players must turn heads during a pivotal training camp for the franchise ahead of the 2023 campaign?
Tensions will be running high in just a few short weeks as the Washington Commanders descend on Ashburn for training camp once again. This is always an important stage of preparations, but there is an added level of anticipation this summer given that Josh Harris and his team of investors will get their $6.05 billion purchase confirmed once and for all on July 20.
While an old-school figure such as Ron Rivera will see this as a distraction, it also represents opportunity. Catching the eye and impressing new ownership could keep some in jobs and perhaps even provide that extra level of effort that can steer the Commanders back into postseason contention.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders players that must turn heads when training camp begins ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Khaleke Hudson - Commanders LB
A reason why the Washington Commanders didn't identify their linebacking corps as a position of need this spring has already begun surfacing throughout early offseason workouts. Khaleke Hudson has come to the fore with some outstanding performances in practices, which built on an impressive start in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys to conclude the 2022 season.
Hudson was seen more as a special teamer before getting his chance in Washington's season finale. After seizing it with both hands, a situation could emerge where he begins the upcoming campaign as a starter alongside Cody Barton and Jamin Davis on the defensive second level.
There is a long way to go for Hudson, but he's off to a good start.
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DT
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders have an embarrassment of riches on their defensive front. Chase Young is coming back to health and the depth was given another shot in the arm this offseason, which could see the unit emerge as the NFL's most prolific if everyone stays clear of serious injury.
Another player making his triumphant return that mustn't be overlooked is Phidarian Mathis. The formidable defensive tackle lasted just three snaps during his NFL debut before succumbing to an injury that ruled him out for the entire campaign - a body blow for someone that was set to make an instant impact.
Fortunately for the Commanders, they had enough to cope. Mathis has made a full return to health and is working hard to reimpose himself, so it'll be interesting to see how the one-time Alabama star gets on at training camp after missing so much football.
Washington has their starting defensive tackle tandem locked up in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. This gives them the luxury of letting Mathis acclimatize at his own pace to keep any further complications to a minimum on the health front.
If Mathis enjoys a strong camp, then expect the 2022 second-round selection to feature as a key rotational piece heavily. And make no mistake, he'll be eager to make up for some lost time.
Curtis Samuel - Commanders WR
Much like the defensive line, there is a lot to like about the Washington Commanders' options at wide receiver as the 2023 season approaches. This skill group played an influential role in Eric Bieniemy's decision to join the project - a move that has already completely galvanized the franchise in such a short space of time.
If the players are good enough, Bieniemy will get them involved. And there might not be a more tailor-made weapon for the creative play-caller than Curtis Samuel when it's all said and done.
Samuel's do-it-all skill set is a major asset for the Commanders. He's a significant threat with the football in his hands, operates anywhere across the line of scrimmage with minimal fuss, and can even take carries out of the backfield if the situation dictates.
This is a big year for Samuel. The former Ohio State star is entering the last season of his deal and although he's got a close relationship with Ron Rivera from their time together on the Carolina Panthers, the head coach might not be around either if Josh Harris' ownership group decides to ring the changes.
Therefore, Samuel must leave no doubt as to his importance. And it all starts by showing out at training camp in readiness for the real action.
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
This is the obvious one. But it's nonetheless important.
Although head coach Ron Rivera won't admit it, Sam Howell is the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback in Week 1 unless there is a drastic dip in form at training camp. The former fifth-round selection is winning over teammates and coaches alike with plenty on his plate this offseason, which can hopefully stand him and the team in good stead during a make-or-break campaign for many.
While Howell isn't the most flamboyant, his quiet confidence is something teammates are already rallying behind. It hasn't been perfect in terms of execution, but nobody expected supreme excellence on any given down at this juncture.
Many are having a hard time hitching their wagon to Howell given he's only got one NFL start under his belt. Had the Commanders gone with the one-time North Carolina gunslinger earlier rather than hang another lifeline to Carson Wentz, things might have been different.
There's nothing Howell can do about that. What the signal-caller must do throughout Washington's upcoming camp is install further confidence in his abilities, take charge of the huddle, put his playmakers in the best positions to thrive, and lead by example.
It's a lot to ask considering Howell is still learning the complex intricacies of Eric Bieniemy's system. But a standout showing in Ashburn will fo his chances the world of good.