Which Washington Commanders players have seen their stock soar heading into the team's upcoming training camp in Ashburn?
The Washington Commanders have a pivotal training camp ahead of them this summer, Everything has to go right to stand any chance of being competitive within the NFC East, which is magnified further by the impending arrival of new ownership once their transaction gets foral NFL approval next month.
Josh Harris and his team of investors will be monitoring things extremely closely in Ashburn. This might be an unwanted distraction, but it should provide Ron Rivera and everyone associated with the franchise with an added sense of urgency to ensure maximum effort.
Washington has enough talent if certain position groups don't fall by the wayside. But they'll need a collective effort to make a postseason return looking at the bigger picture.
With that being said, here are four Commanders players with soaring stock ahead of training camp in 2023.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Saahdiq Charles is being penciled in as the starting left guard on the Washington Commanders' revamped offensive line, but head coach Ron Rivera has given Chris Paul a confidence boost by claiming that he isn't that far behind after early workouts. Something that comes relatively out of the blue given how little the former seventh-rounder was involved as a rookie.
Paul boasts the position versatility Rivera loves and has clearly made strides since entering the league. Whether it's enough to unseat Charles remains to be seen, but it's a nice problem for the Commanders to have within a position group in dire need of improvements.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from their offense with Eric Bieniemy leading the charge. One player that could enhance their influence more than most is Dyami Brown, who'll get the opportunity to work with his former college quarterback Sam Howell heading into a crucial Year 3 of his professional career.
Brown's been almost an afterthought in the offensive gamelan so far despite being a third-round selection and having some intriguing physical skills. Pushing for targets with three prominent alternatives in the wide receiver room has been difficult, but the player is gradually coming to the fore based on those in attendance at early workouts.
Of course, having previous chemistry with Howell helps. The pair were a revelation together during their time at North Carolina and if they can bring this to the pros, it's something that won't go unnoticed by Bieniemy.
Brown's size, physicality, and ability to stretch the field offer something a little bit different. There should also be plenty of space for the wideout to work considering the more established figures that'll generate more attention from opposing coverages.
There is a long way to go and Brown must continue this impressive upturn when the pads start clapping at training camp. But his predicament is arguably better than many anticipated and something that's been a long time coming for the player.
Khaleke Hudson - Commanders LB
No player has perhaps helped themselves more so far this offseason than Khaleke Hudson. The former fifth-round selection caught the eye during his one and only start last season against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 and has clearly taken on that confidence in the pursuit of similar involvement next time around.
Hudson has the athleticism and instincts to make things happen. There also appears to be an opening next to Jamin Davis and Cody Barton at the defensive second level depending on how many two-linebacker sets Jack Del Rio implements as part of his strategy from game to game.
This sentiment was echoed by John Keim of ESPN, who named Hudson as his surprise standout from early workouts. The respected writer also indicated that his production has lessened the urgency for Washington when it comes to strengthening this position group.
"Hudson, a backup/special-teamer in his first three seasons, worked with the starters during the spring in part because Jamin Davis was recovering from offseason knee surgery and free agent signee Cody Barton was working with the backups as he learned the defense. Hudson impressed the coaches, however, building on a successful start in the regular-season finale. He played fast this spring -- as he did in the finale against Dallas. While Washington entered the offseason wanting to improve its linebacker depth, Hudson's one-game performance, as well as this spring, put that quest on hold."John Keim, ESPN
To say this is a strong platform from which to build would be an understatement. Hudson is riding on the crest of a wave currently, which is a trend he'll be hoping to continue throughout Washington's training camp.
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
When the Washington Commanders ignored strengthening their tight end options in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft, it was met with skepticism by large sections of the fanbase. After Armani Rogers tore his Achilles over the first week of OTAs, these concerns only grew larger.
Improved tight-end production is absolutely essential within Eric Bieniemy's scheme. Logan Thomas looks healthy and should play a significant role, but the gradual emergence of Cole Turner throughout early workouts is something that could offer a different dynamic when the regular season arrives.
Turner was an intriguing mid-round selection in 2022 whose time in the league was frustrated by injury early on. But based on his performance levels to date, the former Nevada star looks healthy and ready to make up for some lost time.
His assured hands, ability to create separation, and improved route running have all been noteworthy reasons for encouragement. We'll find out more about what Turner could potentially bring when targets come his way during the preseason, but the fifth-rounder is another that's trending up at the right time.
Thomas will be the go-to option and has the tools to thrive under Bieniemy's guidance. But don't be surprised if Turner gets a few more opportunities to shine along the way.