Which Washington Commanders rookies can help themselves more than most when they congregate for minicamp over the next few days?
The Washington Commanders welcome first-year players into the facility today for the start of their annual rookie minicamp. Whether they were drafted, undrafted, or simply invited for a tryout, each individual will be looking to make a mark in the pursuit of forcing their way into the team's plans.
Some will have bigger expectations than others. That's all determined by where they were drafted and how impressive one particular prospect performed in college, but the NFL represents a clean slate for even those furthest down the pecking order.
It'll be an interesting few days for everyone involved. Getting acclimatized quickly is of paramount importance because things are only going to get more intense when the time comes to join more established locker room figures later this month.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders rookies who could help themselves most during 2023 minicamp.
Rookie No. 1
Braeden Daniels - Commanders OL
Strengthening the offensive line was an absolute necessity for the Washington Commanders during the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power resisted the temptation over the first two rounds but did manage to acquire a pair of enticing prospects in the mid-rounds with long-term upside.
Braeden Daniels has outstanding athleticism and can operate across almost any position along the protection. While his best work at Utah came on the blindside, his lack of legitimate NFL size and length indicates a switch to the interior might be the best course of action.
That said, if Daniels shows out over Washington's rookie minicamp and displays a willingness to help in whatever way possible, it'll stand the lineman in tremendous stead.
Tim DeMorat - Commanders QB
After speculation about the Washington Commanders drafting a quarterback in 2023 failed to materialize, it seems as if Ron Rivera is going through with his promise of moving forward with Sam Howell as the starting option next season.
Jacoby Brissett will fancy his chances after performing well for the Cleveland Browns until Deshaun Watson returned from suspension. But all signs point to the former fifth-rounder manning things under center in Week 1.
Brissett will be the primary backup and has an important mentorship role to play in the hope Howell reaches his targets. Jake Fromm represents a realistic third option if the Commanders go down that route, but undrafted free-agent signing Tim DeMorat was coveted heavily by those in power once the selection process concluded and brings some intrigue.
DeMorat was set to attend both Washington's and the New York Jets' rookie minicamps before the Commanders made him an offer he couldn't refuse. The record-breaking Fordham product has a cannon for an arm and is mobile enough to navigate the pocket smoothly, although there are some decision-making and footwork flaws that need eradicating from his game before further confidence arrives.
It's not costing the Commanders much to get a closer look at DeMorat. If he impresses over the coming days, then a situation could emerge where he's contending with Fromm for a No. 3 position behind Howell and Brissett heading into training camp this summer.
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE/OLB
There wasn't much movement up or down the draft board from Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders in 2023. However, they did feel the urgency to trade forward in the fifth round to guarantee the services of K.J. Henry.
The former Clemson star became a dependable rotational piece with the Tigers under Dabo Sweeney. Henry proved he can do more with less, but whether or not the edge rusher is capable of assuming NFL starting responsibilities is another matter entirely.
On the face of things, there is plenty to like about Henry's college production. He can get after the quarterback when required with a decent burst and also boasts enough functional strength to set the edge against the run for good measure.
Henry - whose father is a lifelong Commanders fan and couldn't wait to get his old Jeremiah Trotter jersey out of the closet after the pick was confirmed - also has the physical frame to potentially make a switch to outside linebacker if the coaching staff sees fit. This is likely to be a topic of discussion throughout the team's rookie minicamp.
There isn't any immediate pressure on Henry thanks to the strength of Washington's defensive front. But that doesn't mean the player won't want to get off on the best foot possible in the days ahead.
Mitchell Tinsley - Commanders WR
There aren't many free spots within the Washington Commanders' wide receiver room. Certainly not from a starting standpoint thanks to the presence of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, and Dyami Brown, who all stand to benefit greatly from Eric Bieniemy's arrival.
This means others are likely to seek practice squad positions or deep rotational roles if they prove their worth on special teams. Just what the Commanders can expect from Mitchell Tinsley is unclear, but he's got a big chance to shine going up against Washington's first two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft throughout his rookie minicamp experience.
Tinsley looked like a prospect of immense promise at Western Kentucky in 2021 en route to 87 receptions for 1,402 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He was unable to replicate this after transferring to Penn State, which was a steep step up in competition compared to what he'd been used to previously.
There were some nice moments, but teams were obviously wary about how Tinsley would cope with another significant leap in opposition quality at the next level. The Commanders will find out much more about the player this week when he clashes with Quan Martin and especially Emmanuel Forbes during drills.
If Tinsley can catch the eye against a potential shutdown presence in Forbes, it might just get his foot in the door. But should the one-time Mississippi State star have his way, then Washington has their answer.