Adam Peters worked hard to improve the roster this offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff are now busy putting their grand plans into action, entering Year 2 of this exciting regime.
The Washington Commanders achieved more than anyone dreamed of in 2024. They went from a perennial bottom-feeder to the NFC Championship game under Quinn's exceptional guidance. It was a turnaround of epic proportions, which could be the start of something special.
Complacency won't become an issue, not with Quinn leading the charge. The Commanders are banking on experience to get them deep into the postseason once again. That should self-police the locker room and keep standards high. The stakes are greater, but not everyone will come along for the ride.
Washington worked hard to raise competition for places throughout Peters' second recruitment period at the helm. Extra urgency is crucial if the Commanders want to prove their immediate accomplishments weren't just a flash in the pan. Jobs and positions on the depth chart are on the line. Anyone not pulling their weight or displaying the right growth will be demoted or shown the door entirely.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players already falling behind during Washington's organized team activities.
Commanders players already falling behind at 2025 OTAs
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The introduction of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt promises to shake up the Washington Commanders' running back room. His imposing opening to early workouts caught the eye of coaches and raised expectations among the fans. Although these should be tempered slightly, the Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP is a player to watch as the summer progresses.
Adam Peters remains confident that Brian Robinson Jr. can become a more consistent threat in a contract year. Austin Ekeler is the dependable pass-catching option out of the backfield. Jeremy McNichols could also make the squad after getting a new one-year deal, although much will depend on how many running backs the Commanders take through.
Either way, things aren't looking especially promising for Chris Rodriguez Jr. The former sixth-round pick out of Kentucky got an exclusive rights tender this offseason to prevent him from leaving in free agency. He deserved it after flashing promise when called upon, but Croskey-Merritt's arrival and strong start make his situation more precarious than ever.
Rodriguez must focus on what he can control. All he can do is perform well, showcase his aggressiveness, and take a physical approach in all phases. Everything after that is out of his hands, but a place on the practice squad remains the most likely outcome.