Which players have shined brightest during the first few days of Washington Commanders training camp heading into the 2023 season?
The electric shift in energy around the 2023 version of the Washington Commanders was visible, audible, and palpable at the start of this year's training camp in Ashburn, Virginia.
The change in ownership has breathed new life into the formerly flat-lined franchise. Washington's once proud fanbase that stayed dormant for decades has returned in full force to support their beleaguered but beloved team as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 campaign.
With the first few days of training camp already in the books, a few names have routinely stood out above the rest. These individuals have left a strong initial impression on coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Though still very much in the preliminary period of preseason preparations, the following four players are already making their presence felt on the practice field for Washington. There is also plenty of time for others to step up and make their presences felt, with the first padded practices expected to take place at some stage next week.
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' first-round selection in 2023 has been exactly as advertised so far during the opening sessions of training camp. Emmanuel Forbes has showcased the elite athleticism and instincts that intrigued the decision-makers enough to select him with the No. 16 overall selection.
Forbes has more than held his own so far against the Commanders' terrific pass catchers, using his length and positioning to consistently stay connected throughout the route, often getting a hand in to break up would-be completions.
Going against the likes of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel on a daily basis is sure to bring the best out of the rookie, sharpening his skills against the diverse skillsets of the Commanders' talented trio.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera was quick to praise the young playmaker's work ethic and effort, citing his high football acumen and study habits as reasons for his rapid retention and stellar showing so far in camp via the team's website.
"I think realistic expectations are for him or at every opportunity he gets is to play and play well, he's a young man that works hard. He's a very smart, diligent young man when it comes to learning and trying to learn."Ron Rivera via Commanders.com
If Forbes can continue to make game-changing plays with regularity when the pads come on, the Commanders may just have found themselves a star shutdown cornerback in the making.
Logan Thomas - Commanders TE
After injuries wiped out much of the last two seasons for Logan Thomas, the Washington Commanders are expecting a bounce-back year from the converted quarterback.
The tight end set career highs after signing with Washington in 2020. But Thomas has since struggled to stay on the field and return to his pre-injury form.
Fortunately, Thomas is looking much more like his former self so far at Washington's training camp. He is being featured heavily in Eric Bieniemy's new offensive scheme and has quickly become a favorite of quarterback Sam Howell, especially in the red zone.
An incredible leader on and on the field for Washington, head coach Ron Rivera spoke about his excitement to have Thomas back at full strength via USA Today Sports.
"The guy that’s back, and you’re real happy to see him back, obviously, is Logan... he’s really showing us that some of the things that they did in Kansas City we’re gonna be able to do with him and the other guys."Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports
Having the veteran healthy and a featured part of the offense is an extremely exciting proposition for Washington. Hopefully, the fan-favorite becomes a security blanket and steady presence over the middle of the field for Howell and the Commanders in 2023.
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Following a rookie year marred from the start by a shooting and carjacking attempt, Brian Robinson Jr. is hoping to begin his sophomore season on a more positive note.
In a recent article with Sports Illustrated, the Washington Commanders' running back opened up about the traumatic event and how he never truly was able to feel like himself on the field last season.
"From the time I stepped back on the field, I was dealing with all kinds of things going on in my body … All type of things going on in my knee, everything going on in my hip. There wasn’t one time I felt like Brian Robinson. So no, that's night and day from then to now. So, people should expect a lot great things to come when you compare all the things I did while I was limping around all year last year."Brian Robinson via Sports Illustrated
After being shot twice in his lower extremities, Robinson incredibly came back in just weeks. He turned out 12 times last season for Washington, rushing for 797 yards with two touchdowns.
His burst and explosiveness have stood out during the first few practices of camp. The big back appears ready to carry the load for Washington this upcoming season.
Now almost a year removed from the shooting, Robinson has returned to looking like the player he was before the incident. The former Alabama star looks ready to show exactly what he is capable of in the new-look Commanders offense.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
After spending two seasons toiling mostly in obscurity in a talented Washington Commanders' wide receiver room, it looks like Dyami Brown may be putting it all together in Year 3.
The former third-round pick was the favorite target of new Commanders starting quarterback Sam Howell while the two were in college together at North Carolina. After struggling to see significant snaps over his first two pro seasons, Brown is poised to make an impact in 2023 with his old friend tossing him the pigskin.
Brown has come into his third training camp infinitely more confident. This was evidenced by the first few practices that saw the former Tar Heel deep threat making multiple catches down the field and on the sideline while showcasing his signature speed as well as some improved route running.
The young wideout's progression has unsurprisingly caught the attention of his head coach, with Ron Rivera singling out his pass catcher's positive performance via the team's website.
"I see Dyami more confident, more comfortable in his route running right now. He's more precise, he's sharper, and you see him going after the ball."Ron Rivera via Commanders.com
If Brown can continue this momentum through preseason games and into the regular season slate, it gives the Commanders yet another weapon for new offensive mastermind Eric Bieniemy and his young quarterback in 2023.