5 Commanders players silencing their doubters at 2024 training camp

Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR

Places are up for grabs in the wide receiver room. The Washington Commanders didn't do much to improve this unit through free agency and the draft. A couple of fresh faces came into the fold, but those in power seem confident they can get more out of the options available.

One new arrival is off to a good start. Olamide Zaccheaus signed in free agency after spending time with Dan Quinn earlier in his career with the Atlanta Falcons. There were concerns about how he'd fit into Washington's new dynamic under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Those are being alleviated thanks to an impressive start to training camp according to those in attendance.

Zacchaeus is making his targets count and providing the offense with a sharp route-runner over short-to-intermediate routes. The former Virginia star isn't the biggest, but he's also showcasing his red-zone credentials after securing a grab from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels over the first padded practice.

This is reassuring. Zaccheaus won't be taking anything for granted, but his prospects of decent involvement appear brighter now than before camp began. That's all the Commanders could ask for from any player looking to stake their respective claims.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. looks like a man on a mission over the early stages of camp. The cornerback is aiming to right some wrongs following a disastrous rookie campaign. He's worked tirelessly over the offseason and the results are evident.

Forbes looks noticeably bigger physically. The former first-round pick out of Mississippi State put on 17 pounds over the offseason and it shows. This can hopefully allow the defensive back to cope better in coverage after being outmatched against some of the league's most imposing wide receivers in Year 1 of his professional career.

The Commanders are testing Forbes heavily at camp. Joe Whitt Jr. is putting him up against Terry McLaurin frequently. He's not winning every rep, but he's having some nice moments. That's considered a big win considering how prolific the Pro Bowl wide receiver's been throughout his outstanding career so far.

Things look more positive for Forbes, who is benefitting enormously from improved coaching. He came through the first padded practice unscathed, so building on this positive momentum to potentially start in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is well within his capabilities.

Forbes' road to redemption is well underway. And he's got more momentum than ever before.