The Washington Commanders have no margin for error during the 2026 season. Either significant improvements are made, or some seismic changes will occur across the board. Head coach Dan Quinn knows it, and this urgency has been reflected in the early stages of organized team activities.
Reporters in attendance noted how the tempo was much higher this year. Some established veterans who normally skip the voluntary portion of preparations were in attendance, which immediately set the right tone. While there is still a long way to go before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles rolls around, it's an encouraging development nonetheless.
Some players are shining. That's typically the case without pads in the bedding-in period. However, this also means some are on the back foot right out of the gate before things ramp up at mandatory minicamp, training camp, and the preseason.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders players already falling behind at OTAs.
Washington Commanders players who are already falling behind at 2026 OTAs
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
The competition for places is fierce in the wide receiver room. Much has been made of the perceived lack of quality or proven production behind Terry McLaurin, but Adam Peters hasn't yet made the additional moves that some in the media have speculated about for months.
Several are making positive impressions at OTAs. But after undrafted free-agent Ja'Corey Brooks took the Commanders by storm last summer, things are a lot quieter for the wideout in Year 2.
Brooks was perhaps unfortunate not to make the 53-man roster last year. He stuck around on the practice squad, but wasn't used much on the game-day roster. It's starting to look like the same fate will befall him this time around unless there is a drastic surge forward.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
The Commanders' edge-rushing unit received a much-needed makeover this offseason. Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs have already shaken things up considerably. With Dorance Armstrong Jr. making encouraging progress from injury, this room is deeper than at any point under Dan Quinn.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste is looking to stay relevant. He's got his sights set on making the roster and making up for some lost time after his 2025 season was cut short abruptly. The 2024 seventh-round pick's flashes when healthy offer reasons for encouragement, but his outlook is no longer assured.
The former Notre Dame standout has to claw his way back into contention when intensity inevitably goes up a few notches. But looking at the way some Washington pass-rushers have hit the ground running, it could legitimately go either way.
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