Marshon Lattimore's return to practice for the start of mandatory minicamp represented a fantastic development. And everyone associated with the Washington Commanders was thrilled with what they saw from the veteran cornerback.
Lattimore is under pressure to bounce back in 2025. His high-profile trade to Washington before the 2024 deadline didn't reap instant rewards. The Commanders are banking on better fortunes this time around, with his hamstring issue fully healed.
Dan Quinn provided an encouraging update on Lattimore's health before the session. The head coach revealed there were no limitations on what the former first-round pick could or couldn't do. That's a refreshing change of pace from last season, where the player was managed with extreme caution and still never shook off his problem.
Marshon Lattimore looked sharp on Day 1 of Commanders' minicamp
All eyes were on Lattimore during practice to see how he looked. There was some slight rustiness in coverage during the team portion. He bit on a fake that allowed Luke McCaffrey to go for a big gain. Even so, the explosiveness and elite-level athleticism that deserted him in 2024 seem to have returned.
Lookin' good 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/8z0xPXzvxk
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 10, 2025
The pace Lattimore approached drills was night and day compared to anything the Commanders got to experience upon his arrival. He's leaping well, and catching the eye with quick-twitch movements and sound footwork according to those in attendance. This is exactly what those in power had in mind when they struck a deal with the New Orleans Saints to secure his services.
It's easy to get carried away. Fans are rooting for Lattimore to succeed and return to his shutdown ways on the boundary. There is a long way to go, and it doesn't matter how strong the offseason work is if it doesn't transition successfully to a competitive environment.
Trey Amos and Marshon Lattimore in a drill: pic.twitter.com/AiqdBT9HFn
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 10, 2025
Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs, but he's clearly in tremendous shape. This is not the same player who toiled for months to find consistency at much less than 100 percent. If the same trend goes on throughout the summer, the sky's the limit for Joe Whitt Jr.'s secondary.
There are huge stakes attached to Lattimore's resurgence in 2025. The Commanders need him firing on all cylinders to cope with some prolific passing attacks on the schedule. The four-time Pro Bowler also needs to prove himself worthy of another deal or to see out the last year of his contract at the very least.
Lattimore alleviated concerns, for now. But make no mistake, what comes next is even more important.
After all, the Commanders' defensive aspirations depend on it.
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