4 surprising Commanders standouts from 2023 OTAs so far

Casey Toohill - Commanders DL

While all the focus has been on who hasn't been at OTAs where the Washington Commanders' defensive front is concerned, it's allowed others to benefit from more reps higher up the depth chart than usual. As Montez Sweat and Chase Young skipped the voluntary workouts, players like Casey Toohill shone in their absence.

The former seventh-round pick was seen as an afterthought heading into the offseason. Especially considering the Commanders bolstered their edge rushing options by bringing back Efe Obada and spending two late-round selections on K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr. during the 2023 NFL Draft.

Toohill isn't going to give up his roster spot without a fight. He's come up with some impressive plays during scrimmages over the last fortnight, which will be a huge confidence boost to the player if nothing else with Washington's mandatory minicamp just around the corner.

Of course, this is when Young and Sweat will enter the fray and assume their standing as the Commanders' starting defensive end tandem. This will likely relegate Toohill to second or third-team duties, but the former Stanford star has at least given himself a solid platform from which to build.

Whether it's enough to earn a roster spot or a prominent depth position remains to be seen. But one couldn't accuse Toohill of not grabbing the bull by the horns early in the preparation process.