7 Commanders players already displaying alpha qualities at 2024 camp

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

It's hard to put into words just how much pressure is on Jayden Daniels' shoulders heading into his rookie campaign. Everyone associated with the Washington Commanders - whether it's players, coaches, or fans - is anticipating him to become a genuine franchise quarterback. Someone capable of dragging this organization from the proverbial abyss and back among the Super Bowl challengers.

That's not exactly a small task. However, the initial impressions couldn't be more positive.

Daniels is oozing confidence at training camp. The signal-caller is improving with every passing day and looks capable of great things. More importantly, he's earned the respect of his teammates and has everyone pulling in the same direction.

The former LSU star is going to go through complications at some stage. How severe they'll be is dependent on Washington's supporting cast around the Heisman Trophy winner. At the same time, Daniels' natural magnetism and exceptional work ethic are alpha-like traits the Commanders have lacked at football's most important position in recent years.

Dan Quinn hasn't named Daniels as the starter just yet, but it's only a matter of time. What comes after that when the regular season commences remains to be seen, but fans are going to have someone capable of leading from the front and providing a level of excitement not seen since Robert Griffin III took the league by storm.

Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL

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There were very few shining lights along the Commanders' offensive line last season. Sam Cosmi's emergence into one of the league's most accomplished interior blockers was the biggest positive imaginable amid the chaos.

Cosmi's transition from the edge to the interior went better than even the brightest optimism anticipated. He was ruthless on running plays and athletic enough to keep pass-rushers at bay with ease. This turned the former second-rounder pick from an underperforming offensive tackle to a cornerstone piece at guard in the blink of an eye.

The Texas product is avoiding complacency at all costs. Cosmi's taking his production and mentality up another notch over the opening exchanges of camp. He's also assuming a more prominent leadership role and is challenging others to follow in his footsteps.

This is immensely encouraging, especially considering the questions surrounding Washington's protection leading into the 2024 campaign. If Cosmi continues his emergence as a team alpha and raises his performance levels accordingly, general manager Adam Peters will have no choice other than to make him one of the NFL's highest-paid offensive guards on his next deal.