5 things to watch during Commanders mandatory minicamp
The voluntary portion of the Washington Commanders' offseason is over. The Commanders wrapped up Phase 3 of the offseason program last week and will conduct a three-day minicamp in Ashburn beginning on Tuesday. After minicamp concludes, Washington will break for training camp.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Commanders. Coming off the franchise's best season in 33 years, what can quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn do for an encore?
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Here are five things to watch when practice begins on Tuesday.
Will Terry McLaurin be present?
Dec 1, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates with fans in the stands after scoring a touchdown against Tennessee Titans during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Don't bet on it. This situation is playing out exactly like it did in 2022. I would expect a similar result, too. The Commanders need McLaurin, and McLaurin doesn't want to be anywhere else. Three years ago, a deal was done a few weeks before training camp. So, McLaurin is unlikely to be in Ashburn for the mandatory minicamp, but Quinn and GM Adam Peters are not concerned. McLaurin may not be with the team, but he is working hard and preparing for the season. McLaurin attended Phases 1 and 2 of the offseason program, so it's not like he's been away from the team the entire offseason.
The new-look offensive line
Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Tunsil skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program, but he's in town for the mandatory minicamp. Everyone will have the chance to see the offensive line together for the first time. Unfortunately, right guard Sam Cosmi is still months away from being cleared, but we could better see who will fill in for him and if last year's left tackle, Brandon Coleman, plays primarily at left guard. Also, will rookie first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. be the right tackle? Starting jobs aren't won in minicamp, but you better understand who leads some of the position battles.
Running backs
ASHBURN, VA - JULY 25: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by)
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are healthy and headed toward a contract year. We should also see plenty of Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. How much of Croskey-Merritt will we see this week? Despite being a seventh-round pick, he's been one of the more discussed rookies.
Edge rushers
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 01: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after a fumble recovery by the defense in the first quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by)
Perhaps no position on the team will be scrutinized more than the edge rushers. It's almost unanimous that edge rusher is still the Commanders' primary need. Washington appears content to go through the offseason program, minicamp and training camp before deciding if it needs to sign a veteran, such as Za'Darius Smith, Von Miller, or Matthew Judon. The minicamp is a perfect opportunity for someone like Javontae Jean-Baptiste to open eyes and maybe earn a starting spot. The Commanders like the second-year pass rusher who played collegiately at Ohio State and Notre Dame. Veteran Clelin Ferrell dealt with a knee injury last season and is again battling for a starting spot. Dorance Armstrong is the one player locked in as a starter on the edge.
Marshon Lattimore
Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) greets former teammate Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) at the end of the game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Marshon Lattimore is expected to be present at the Commanders' mandatory minicamp. Lattimore skipped the voluntary offseason program after a rough start to his Washington career. Lattimore will be under a lot of scrutiny in 2025. Everyone wants to see, more than anything, this week, if Lattimore looks 100%. The hamstring injury clearly hindered him after the trade from New Orleans and into the playoffs. Washington is confident Lattimore will have a bounce-back season, so this week's minicamp will be a good indicator of what the former four-time Pro Bowler looks like ahead of training camp next month.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 things to watch during Washington Commanders mandatory minicamp
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