The Washington Commanders' offseason program is the formal kick-off to preparations for the new campaign. It's less heated than training camp, but the sessions represent a good chance for players to impress.
This bears significance for everyone. Whether you're the great franchise hope like quarterback Jayden Daniels or lower down the pecking order fighting for roster spots, it's important to make a good first impression. This should provide the platform needed to kick on when camp, preseason games, and joint practices arrive.
Washington's power brokers have raised the stakes through impressive additions and potential depth upgrades. This was the only way to keep things trending upward after achieving so much last season.
There is no complacency. The page has been turned, and anyone not buying in fully is not going to fare well.
Fortunately, this squad is made of stern stuff. There is a positive resolve and collective purpose in pursuit of one common goal. Nobody is getting ahead of themselves. After all, the Commanders did fall at the final hurdle before the Super Bowl.
They're aiming for better next time around, make no mistake about that. Until then, here are five Commanders players whose stock is skyrocketing after offseason breakouts.
Commanders players whose stock is skyrocketing after offseason breakouts
Robert McDaniel - Commanders DB
Undrafted free agents typically have no margin for error. They have to fit in immediately, and they have to do whatever it takes to get noticed. That's a far cry from their star statuses in college, but this is the game's pinnacle.
The Washington Commanders are giving UDFA hopefuls a legitimate chance to force their way into the team's plans. Some will fall by the wayside, but Colson Yankoff and Tyler Owens proved last summer that consistency and progress will be rewarded.
Robert McDaniel is a name Commanders fans should watch over training camp. The defensive back got plenty of reps with the first and second-string defenses during early preparations. He was also deployed across the secondary, showcasing his impressive athleticism and versatility to full effect.
Nobody is expecting the second coming of Darrell Green or Sean Taylor, but McDaniel did enough to get his foot in the door. That's always the first objective for unheralded rookies looking to make their way.
What comes next is more vital for McDaniel. The former Jackson State standout needs to prove he belongs when the tempo gets ramped up. He might not reach his early billing, but he's got a better chance of making the squad now than before his NFL journey began.
That's not the case with some UDFAs, even at this transitional stage.