4 surprising Commanders standouts from 2023 OTAs so far
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders players have emerged as surprising standouts during a fascinating period of organized team activities so far?
The Washington Commanders conclude their organized team activities this week, which has been a fascinating insight into what fans could potentially expect from the franchise in 2023. Focusing on football matters has been difficult with the obvious sale distraction, but seeing players and coaches on the field working in unison represents a sign that the tide is slowly turning in that regard.
Everyone is starting with a clean slate - especially on offense with Eric Bieniemy and coaches he's hand-picked to ensure his big switch from the Kansas City Chiefs becomes a success. The tempo has been high and standards have noticeably increased, but this is just the opening stage of what is sure to be an intense summer of preparations before Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
It was important to lay the right foundations with so much at stake. And some on the roster have caught the eye to enhance their respective chances of involvement when the real action arrives.
With this in mind, here are four surprising standouts from Commanders' OTAs in 2023 so far.
Khaleke Hudson - Commanders LB
There could be an opening within the linebacker unit after a relative lack of investment in this regard throughout the free-agent period and the 2023 NFL Draft. Something that hasn't gone unnoticed by Khaleke Hudson if his performance levels throughout OTAs so far are any indication.
Hudson has been a rotational depth piece for the majority of his playing career. He isn't the most physically imposing by any stretch, but the former fifth-round pick out of Michigan has sound positional sense with the instincts to match.
If Hudson keeps this up throughout the summer, then more involvement should follow. This would be a nice surprise with only Jamin Davis and Cody Barton guaranteed to start at the defensive second level.