The Washington Commanders gave those on the fringes a legitimate chance to improve their fortunes over mandatory minicamp. This dynamic will shift completely at training camp, but several did nothing to harm their hopes of more involvement over the three-day event.
Head coach Dan Quinn singled out one surprising figure who stood out over Washington's offseason program. And even though versatile defensive weapon T.J. Maguranyanga's chances of making the roster remain slim, getting noticed is an achievement in itself.
Quinn noted that Maguranyanga caught the eye. Improvements have been made from the former French rugby union star turned NFL pro. He's young enough to keep growing, and considering he had no experience before a 10-week International Player Pathway training camp early last year, the trajectory is pointing up.
Commanders have been encouraged by T.J. Maguranyanga's growth in Year 2
It's a heartwarming story. Born in Zimbabwe, Maguranyanga acted as a rugby winger, a position that demands speed and short-area explosiveness. The Commanders scooped him up via the NFL's IPP. He played in one regular-season game after honing his skills on the practice squad. Though fleeting, his contribution was enough for another reserve/futures contract this offseason.
Maguranyanga now has a full year of experience. He is aware of the standards, has embraced the culture Quinn established, and is eager to take the next step. That will be difficult after general manager Adam Peters made significant improvements to Washington's defensive options, but he seems to be off to the best possible start.
Considering the 6-foot-4, 222-pound Maguranyanga is still just 23, he may only be scratching the surface of his true potential. Maybe the practice squad is the best he can hope for. But given he came into the Commanders with no expectations whatsoever, that's another positive step in the grand scheme of things.
Washington raised competition for places this offseason. Maguranyanga is still pretty far down the pecking order, but his chances have been enhanced after a standout preparation period to date.
He's got the versatility to play as a stand-up 3-4 outside linebacker or a 3-4 defensive end. Maguranyanga can operate as a 4-3 defensive end or even a 3-technique on the interior. Couple this with the dynamism he could bring as a special-teams force, don't count him out just yet.
Maguranyanga needs all the reps he can get in the preseason. The Commanders will get their established stars more involved in team drills at training camp, so opportunities will be limited. But one thing the second-year player is showing is his work ethic and willingness to make the most of everything that comes his way.
Underdog stories are always a highlight of every NFL summer. Maguranyanga got his foot in the door last year, and he plans to keep it there. He's still a long shot, but Quinn's praise represents another confidence boost he can take into training camp in pursuit of claiming a surprise roster spot.
At a time when the Commanders need to focus on youth and reward hard work, Maguranyanga's gradual rise is not going unnoticed.
Let's see what the summer holds for him.
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