Business is about to pick up for the Washington Commanders. Phase Three of their offseason program gets underway this week, which comes with organized team activities and mandatory minicamp before another short period of rest ahead of this summer's training camp.
The stakes are about to be raised, if they haven't been already. Big things are expected of the Commanders next season. They took the NFL by storm en route to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. The league took notice, giving them eight standalone games in 2025 to see if this positive trend continues.
Being the new league darling after fleeting success is one thing. Reaching even greater heights with a bigger target on your back is something else entirely.
Adam Peters has worked hard to improve the options available this offseason. The general manager was more aggressive with Washington's window for a Super Bowl firmly open. The pieces are in place, but urgency has been increased considerably for those looking to retain their spots or increase their influence.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on shaky ground entering 2025 OTAs.
Commanders players on shaky ground entering 2025 OTAs
Dominique Hampton - Commanders LB/S
The Washington Commanders still don't know what they have in second-year pro Dominique Hampton. Last year's fifth-round selection did enough to make the 53-man roster, but he was a healthy scratch for the most part as a rookie.
Washington also opted to switch Hampton's position. After starring in college in the safety position, the Commanders thought his physical skills would be better suited to the defensive second level. This came with an adjustment period, so giving him enough time to grow away from the spotlight was the smart course of action.
It'll be interesting to see how Hampton performs throughout Washington's preparations for the new season. The Commanders will give him every chance to stake a larger claim with some additional experience under his belt. At the same time, hopefuls like Jordan Magee and rookie Kain Medrano will also be aiming to impose themselves behind the starting duo of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
This is exactly what Adam Peters wants. Competition for places typically brings better production from everybody. It separates the weak from the strong, and anyone failing to meet the required standards won't come along for the ride.
Hampton must prove he belongs all over again. Otherwise, a situation could emerge where he's on the practice squad or cast aside entirely.