The Washington Commanders concluded their offseason program with a fascinating few days of their annual mandatory minicamp. This was a small yet important part of the process, something that's no doubt provided those in power with plenty to think about over the mini-break.
This was a chance for players to generate momentum. It's a chance for the coaching staff to install slight tweaks in the strategy heading into the new campaign. There were a few absentees for one reason or another, but it was another worthwhile experience that should serve the players well.
Dan Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff laid down the law before everyone went their separate ways. The next few weeks are a time to relax and reflect, but putting in the hard yards from a workout standpoint is crucial.
There is no room for passengers as the Commanders look to reach loftier heights with bigger expectations on their shoulders in 2025. Anyone who hasn't committed to staying in shape is going to get found out quickly when the intensity of training camp gets here.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's mandatory minicamp in 2025.
Winners and losers from Commanders 2025 mandatory minicamp
Winner No. 1
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
There weren't many analysts who thought Javon Kinlaw deserved the hefty contract he received from the Washington Commanders in free agency. That's not an opinion shared by the primary decision-makers, and the veteran defensive tackle is keen for this faith to be repaid in full.
Kinlaw got a three-year, $45 million deal from the Commanders that also included $30 million guaranteed. Not bad for someone who's underwhelmed more often than not throughout his career, but general manager Adam Peters thinks there is still plenty of untapped promise attached.
The Commanders' defensive front needs to find a game-wrecker capable of filling the void left by Jonathan Allen. Kinlaw's versatility will be utilized heavily depending on the schematic formation deployed by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. His size, explosiveness, and brute strength came to the fore over early off-season workouts, but putting it all together in a competitive setting is far more challenging.
There's not much the former first-round pick out of South Carolina doesn't have from an athletic standpoint, which is a solid platform to build. Kinlaw is highly motivated to silence his critics, and this looks like a good environment for the player to finally fulfill his undoubted potential.
It's early days, but there is growing confidence around Kinlaw. But make no mistake, what comes next is far more important.