4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 6

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.

Commanders OL holds its own

Getting the pads on represented the biggest challenge to date for the Washington Commanders' revamped offensive line. This is a group that's going to be counted on heavily next season and considering the amount at stake for many influential figures within the organization, the margin for error is non-existent.

It's been a mixed bag for the offensive line over camp so far. This isn't surprising considering there are four new starters and the left guard position is seemingly a straight fight between Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul.

Clashing with Washington's exceptional defensive line is never going to bring success all the time. Chase Young and Montez Sweat have been relentless over camp so far and the defensive tackle tandem of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne - coupled with Phidarian Mathis coming in for five-man fronts on occasion - need absolutely no introduction.

As expected, there were times when the defense completely overwhelmed the protection. But the most important thing was that the offensive line held their own overall - something that was obviously significant with the more physical nature of practice on Tuesday.

This will be a tremendous confidence boost for the group. There are still some concerns and center Nick Gates needs to rectify his high snaps, but the unit is arguably ahead of schedule with more than a month remaining until the Commanders begin their 2023 campaign against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field.

Commanders QB Sam Howell improving

This was Sam Howell's first added practice as QB1 this summer. It was another significant milestone for the signal-caller, who is looking to increase belief in his abilities over the next fortnight before hopefully getting some limited involvement during the preseason.

Howell had some hesitant moments on Tuesday, which won't be uncommon against the exceptional defensive line put together by the Washington Commanders. But overall, it was yet another encouraging practice from the former fifth-round pick, who did nothing to diminish the growing confidence he can finally provide the consistency needed at football's most critical position.

There were gasps from the crowd on one particular catch from Terry McLaurin, which was outstanding. But as you can see below, the ball placement from Howell was nothing short of extraordinary and was reminiscent of his gunslinging days under center for North Carolina.

This is another box ticked off for Howell. He can now approach the other padded practices this week with added confidence, but complacency must not become an issue against a defensive unit that looks more than capable of punishing every mistake.

One can sense the increasing buzz surrounding Howell among the fans, too. While it still represents a big gamble from Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy, there's just no telling what the Commanders might be able to accomplish if it pays off next season and beyond.

Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste impressing

Much of the hype has centered on the rookie duo of Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin when it comes to the Washington Commanders' cornerback room. Both deserve enormous credit for the way they've applied themselves to date, but another individual is also growing in stature throughout the opening stages of camp.

Benjamin St-Juste is looking to build on a promising second campaign with the Commanders this time around. His progress in terms of lockdown coverage was enormously encouraging and based on the former third-round pick's performance levels to date, it's something that could flourish further provided there are no further complications on the health front.

That's been the story of St-Juste's pro career so far. Just when he starts building momentum a spell on the sidelines swiftly follows - something the Commanders cannot afford again despite acquiring two potential immediate difference-makers in Forbes and Martin over the opening two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.

St-Juste has the length and athleticism to make life extremely difficult for opposing wide receivers. This is coming across during team 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, which is even more impressive when one considers the high-caliber wide receivers at Washington's disposal.

There is little disputing St-Juste's talent. That was never the problem.

If he can stay fit and fire on all cylinders after missing 13 games over his first two seasons, the sky's the limit for St-Juste and Washington's secondary.