Who were the winners and losers from an eventful early offseason workout schedule for the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 season?
It proved to be a fascinating start to the Washington Commanders' preparations for the 2023 season. While the $6.05 billion franchise sale edges closer to receiving formal NFL approval, Ron Rivera and his staff have been molding their players, getting them familiar with scheme alterations, and integrating new members of the organization during the bedding-in period before training camp.
This no doubt provided Rivera with food for thought. He'll assess and contemplate what's next in the coming weeks before descending on Ashburn for camp, which has 12 sessions open to the public and also includes a trip for joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.
Some players have come to the fore encouragingly. Others have treaded water and there are those who've endured some torrid luck along the way.
With that being said, here are four winners and losers from the Commanders' early off-season workouts in 2023.
Winner: Chris Paul - Commanders OL
While he might not have cracked the starting offensive line unit just yet, Chris Paul isn't far away after an outstanding offseason so far. The former seventh-round pick has come on a significant amount from his rookie campaign, displaying improved production and the position versatility head coach Ron Rivera loves in his protectors.
It seems like a fight between Paul and Saahdiq Charles for the No. 1 left guard spot next to Charles Leno Jr. and free-agent signing Nick Gates. A slight preference is for the one-time LSU star currently, but the second-year-pro has put himself in a tremendous position heading into the summer break.
If Paul could progress into a dependable swing option at worst, it's far better than most expected of a late Day 3 selection. Based on how things are unfolding for the Tulsa product, nothing can be dismissed.
Loser: Armani Rogers - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders didn't address their tight-end options throughout the spring. This meant big-time opportunities awaited those youngsters on the roster looking for further involvement with Eric Bieniemy running the offense.
Logan Thomas is the No. 1 option until further notice, which is expected if the player manages to stay healthy. However, there were three or four others who also fancied a chance to make their presence felt with a strong preparation period.
Among the most intriguing was Armani Rogers. One could make a strong case for the ex-quarterback being the most dynamic tight-end on the roster athletically, which flashed during limited involvement last season and was a sign more could be on the way.
Sadly, that will now have to wait. The Commanders were dealt some torrid bad fortune during the opening period of OTAs when Rogers went down with a non-contact injury that turned out to be a torn Achilles - immediately ruling him out for the 2023 campaign.
This was an absolute body blow for the player, who now faces a long period of rehabilitation in pursuit of another chance. One that might pass him by if Cole Turner continues his superb opening to early workouts.
Rogers is down, but not out entirely. However, this is another harsh example of how any player's NFL aspirations can alter in the blink of an eye.
Winner: Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
After Emmanuel Forbes became the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, it became clear that the explosive cornerback was extremely high on the Washington Commanders' board. Perhaps even their top choice of all if the footage of Ron Rivera on the morning of round one is any indication.
It's not hard to see why the Commanders were so infatuated with Forbes. He was a bonafide ballhawk at Mississippi State and although undersized, has that X-factor quality that simply cannot be taught.
After catching the eye during Washington's rookie minicamp, it only heightened the level of intrigue as Forbes got set to lock horns with some exceptional veteran pass-catchers when the time to congregate arrived. Thankfully, this was a challenge the incoming first-rounder was ready for in no uncertain terms.
Forbes did have his moments of struggle, which was expected against accomplished performers such as Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. But the defensive back didn't look out of place whatsoever despite still learning how things work in the pros.
If Forbes keeps this up throughout the team's upcoming training camp and when he comes up against Odell Beckham Jr. among others during joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, the Commanders will start him in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. There will be some tough times right out of the gate, but this could be the lockdown presence Washington's craved for some time.
Loser: Kazmeir Allen - Commanders WR/KR
Shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, those in power identified Kazmeir Allen became among their top priorities during the frenzied period of undrafted free agency. Many were surprised to see the dynamic wide receiver/kick returner fail to hear his name called, but Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy convinced the former UCLA standout this was the place for him.
The Washington Commanders have waxed lyrical about Allen since joining the team. However, the player was rarely seen over the final fortnight thanks to injury, which was a big concern many teams had during their pre-draft evaluations.
Not only did Allen miss out on valuable reps, but the likes of Jalen Sample and Dax Milne shone in his absence. This only raises the stakes further during Washington's training camp in pursuit of making the 53-man roster.
It might have been a blow for Allen, but it's not the end of the world. Washington's staff will give him the same opportunity as everyone else to impress, so maximizing every touch and return on special teams is of critical importance.
Allen has the tools to potentially become an upgrade in the return game over Milne. But time is of the essence for the undrafted free agent after missing so much practice during early offseason workouts.