The Washington Commanders were one of the most surprising teams in the league last season. After a four-win season in 2023, the Commanders revamped their entire front office and roster the following offseason.
They saw instant success right after. A nine-win bump from the previous year plus included a trip to the conference championship for the first time in 30 years for the franchise.
Now, the goal isn't just to continue their rebuild, it's to get all the way to the Super Bowl.
After a successful offseason filled with top-flight acquisitions, the Commanders have risen through the latest power rankings. NFL Network's Bucky Brooks has Washington as the third best team in the league going into OTA season - behind the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, but ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs.
"The second year of the Jayden Daniels’ Experience could lead to a parade around the Nation’s Capitol next February," Brooks wrote. "The team has surrounded the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year with more weapons (Deebo Samuel) and protectors (Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr.) that will help him play at an elite level.
"Through patchwork, the defense has added some young playmakers (Trey Amos) and seasoned veterans (Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise, and Eddie Goldman) to help the squad. The unit will need to gel quickly to help the Commanders overtake their divisional rivals as the team to beat in the NFC."
As impressive as a start to the new regime as 2024 was, the fact that the Commanders are listed ahead of the Chiefs is staggering. The organization, while drastically improved, is going to take on a tougher schedule than past years.
They also have clear needs along the defensive line that haven't been addressed from last season either.
A top-three ranking may seem a bit premature at this point, but it shows good fast Washington has rebuilt their roster to this point.