What were some critical observations from the Washington Commanders' first official padded practice of training camp in 2023?
After a bedding-in period over the first few days, it was time for the Washington Commanders to ramp up preparations for the 2023 campaign. An immense sense of anticipation filled the Ashburn air with the pads going on, which represented a chance to get more physical and raise the tempo further as part of the team's evaluations.
The Commanders were once again greeted by thousands of fans for the open session, which brought some intriguing storylines and saw players begin to impose themselves with more freedom to mix it up without fear of reprisal. It will also have provided Ron Rivera and his staff with plenty to think about ahead of some important upcoming decisions.
With that being said, here are four critical observations from practice Day 6 from Washington's training camp.
Commanders DE K.J. Henry finding his feet
It's taken K.J. Henry a little time to adjust to life with the Washington Commanders. But we are now starting to see what the edge defender might be capable of after his second straight outstanding practice of camp.
The fifth-round selection looked like someone that could make a difference in setting the edge against the run if called upon, which is always a pivotal building block for any rookie defensive lineman. Henry's power and explosiveness to the point of attack are also catching the eye in obvious pass-rushing situations for good measure.
Washington's primary decision-makers clearly thought a lot of Henry. They traded up to acquire the one-time Clemson star in the hope he could bolster their already formidable pass rush - something he looks well en route to attaining if this recent upturn in production is a sign of things to come.