The Washington Commanders wrapped up the offseason program on Thursday, completing their three-day mandatory minicamp. The next step for the Commanders is training camp, which begins in around five weeks from Ashburn.
After Thursday’s practice, head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to discuss the offseason and what lies ahead until training camp. Quinn specifically mentioned eight players who stood out this offseason.
“The team’s worked incredibly hard, you know, strength and conditioning-wise, they’ve made significant gains,” Quinn said. “But just a few people I thought jumped out, defensively, [DE] T.J. [Maguranyanga], so I thought he’s one that’s improved. Jay-Z [DT Jer’Zhan Newton] I thought had great camp linebackers, [LB] Kain [Medrano] and [LB] Jordan [Magee], through this time was big.”
Some of those names are interesting. Maguranyanga is a member of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program and was with the Commanders last season. He’s a former rugby player and hails from Zimbabwe. While he faces long odds of making the team, Washington does get a roster exemption if he is back on the practice squad in 2026.
Could this be the year for Newton? A second-round pick in 2024, Newton wasn’t healthy in his first two offseasons. He’s been healthy this offseason, and the Commanders remain high on him. His performance against the Cowboys on Christmas Day gave a glimpse into his potential. Quinn believes new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can help unlock Newton.
Magee and Medrano are essentially competing to be Washington’s fourth linebacker. Both probably make the 53-man roster, but the position looks much different in 2026 without Bobby Wagner and the additions of Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles. Magee and Medrano are fast, and the coaches have long praised Magee. Medrano was outstanding on special teams as a rookie last season.
Next, he turned to the offense.
“Wide receivers. It was good to see [WR Jaden] Bradley. I’ve seen [WR] Van Jefferson; I’ve seen others in that spot. I liked finding more out about the running backs and what they can do and what part of teams they have. So, we’ve had like pretty significant special teams plays to go. And so, looking in, digging in, I’m excited to find that out. And I thought, you know, a few of the new guys who had exceptional offseasons, [RB] Rachaad White was one I thought, you know, jumped out.”
Quinn singled out Jefferson earlier this week. The veteran is clearly in the mix for one of Washington’s final receiver spots. Bradley, a 6-foot-3 undrafted rookie, is another player who faces long odds, but he’s stood out throughout the offseason. If nothing else, Bradley can earn himself a spot on Washington’s practice squad. He was impressive in OTAs and the minicamp.
White could be in store for a big role in David Blough’s offense. We know Jacory Croskey-Merritt will likely lead the team in carries, but White will be a significant contributor. He’s an impressive receiver and strong in pass protection.
Quinn added one more name: Edge K’Lavon Chaisson.
“K’Lavon Chaisson was another one, that in camp that doesn’t have pads, showed a lot of edge and toughness the way he competes,” Quinn said.
Chaisson signed a one-year deal in the offseason and is coming off his best NFL season. He’s playing for a multi-year deal. The Commanders are clearly excited about his potential across from fellow free-agent edge, Odafe Oweh.
Quinn wasn’t saying these eight players had the best offseasons of anyone on the team. He just singled these players out. Obviously, some of these players probably aren’t making Washington’s 53-man roster, but they’ve certainly raised their stock. It’s all about improvement, and Quinn has noticed each of these players has improved.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 8 eight offseason standouts
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