After another busy offseason for the Washington Commanders, it was probably a relief for head coach Dan Quinn and his players to ramp up preparations for the 2025 campaign.
Phase 3 of the team's offseason program got underway, which consisted of organized team activities first and a mandatory minicamp later. This is another building block for the squad as they look to cement their status among the NFL's heavyweights.
It's a gradual process, but that doesn't mean players cannot stake strong claims based on their performance levels. And with the competition for places so fierce in Washington after another strong recruitment period from general manager Adam Peters, every little helps.
Expectations have risen massively. Washington's run to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn must become the catalyst behind a prosperous future for the organization. It'll be a lot more challenging with a bigger target on the Commanders' back, but their roster looks better, too. If the new additions hit the ground running and those who achieved so much in 2024 perform as expected, they won't be too far away.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players already flashing superstar energy at the team's OTAs in 2025.
Commanders already flashing superstar energy at 2025 OTAs
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
This shouldn't surprise anybody. Jayden Daniels proved his worth as a franchise-caliber quarterback much sooner than expected during a rookie campaign that will go down in NFL history for all the right reasons. The No. 2 pick in 2024 is also striving to ensure his instant success isn't just a flash in the pan.
Daniels worked tirelessly throughout the offseason to add more muscle mass. His physique looks noticeably different, but the poise and precision were right where they needed to be at the start of OTAs. With an improved offensive line and increased weapons in the passing game, the signal-caller has everything needed to thrive once again when competitive action begins next time around.
The Washington Commanders will ride Daniels' coattails to prosperity. They'll only go as far as he takes them, and Adam Peters recognized this fact throughout the offseason. Building around the former LSU standout was the primary objective. The player's relentless work ethic and inner desire to be the best are keeping complacency out of the equation. Everyone else must follow suit.
Some analysts are predicting a sophomore slump for Daniels. They might be eating a big slice of humble pie when it's all said and done.