Minicamp is typically the time when teams give chances to those lower down the depth chart. The Washington Commanders were no different, but it's also important for the established stars to get their work in before the pre-training camp break.
Head coach Dan Quinn has an improved roster to call upon. There is a nice blend of youth and experience. There are also two new coordinators, implementing different schemes that should bring more out of the players.
And one small minicamp wrinkle may have piled even more pressure on a veteran with high stakes attached next season.
Commanders have a competition brewing for LB position beside Sonny Styles
The Commanders' defense will be dynamic, versatile, and aggressive under coordinator Daronte Jones. The alignments will change depending on the down and distance, but everyone will be free to attack the football. This will be no more evident than in the linebacking corps, which should become an area of strength.
Lynnell Willingham of Westwood One Sports was in attendance for the first day of minicamp. He noted that Sonny Styles is now firmly entrenched as one of the inside linebacker starters. The No. 7 pick had to earn it, but he's now getting a full workload. Frankie Luvu was alongside him initially, but the Commanders also rotated in Leo Chenal and others next to the first-round rookie out of Ohio State.
Luvu will still have an integral part to play. He was a driving force during the 2024 season, and his inspirational leadership will be sorely needed now that Bobby Wagner is no longer around. However, if his performances aren't up to the required standard, the Commanders now have other options to replace him.
This is also a contract year for Luvu. The Commanders probably won't give him an extension in advance, so the urgency is clear. He's got the tools to be extremely impactful within Jones' defense, but Willingham is among those who believe it will be a legitimate competition to play alongside Styles next season.
And it's a battle he must win.
Chenal got a three-year deal from the Commanders in free agency. His athleticism is absolutely off the charts, and he flashed immense promise during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Luvu boasts similar traits, but he needs to prove himself all over again.
Confidence remains high in Luvu. He's a dominant force at the peak of his powers. The Washington State product was tasked with more edge duties last season, which didn't suit him at all. Now, he's back in his preferred off-ball role, so fans and coaches are expecting a major bounce back.
And though he will still have a big role to play, Luvu must stop Chenal from eating into his playing time in pursuit of another financial commitment.
Nothing else will do.
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