These contributions were surprising for differing reasons.
It was fascinating to watch things unfold throughout early workouts. The Washington Commanders made a plethora of alterations to their infrastructure, coaching staff, and playing personnel as Josh Harris' ownership group put their ambitious plans into motion. They were largely well-received and brought fresh hope across the fanbase for good measure.
Dan Quinn and his staff implemented their ideas into the roster over early workouts. Organized team activities were a chance to install their schematic concepts and ensure everyone was familiar with the new way of thinking. Washington's mandatory minicamp represented an opportunity to assess how each player was faring before deciding on any further measures.
Quinn was gushing in praise for his players. He placed high demands on them and they responded accordingly. This will serve them well provided they don't take their foot off the gas away from the facility leading into training camp.
With that being said, here are three surprising standouts from Commanders 2024 offseason workouts.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
Nobody is disputing Zach Ertz's previous credentials. He's a three-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and one of the best pass-catching tight ends around at the peak of his powers. So why does he land on a list of surprising standouts?
This is down to Ertz's aging talent and the fact he missed so much football in 2023 following his release by the Arizona Cardinals. Nobody knew what - if anything - the former second-round pick could offer during his reunion with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. It's early days, but the veteran alleviated these concerns by standing out considerably.
Ertz's route-running was on point. The hands were assured as ever. He's also assumed the leadership role superbly, working with second-round selection Ben Sinnott during his critical transition from college to the pros.
Erring on the side of caution until we see Ertz in a competitive setting would be prudent. However, the immediate impression left by the player was extremely positive nonetheless.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders didn't make many alterations to their wide receiver room this offseason. Adam Peters kept faith with the large majority of options available. Curtis Samuel left for the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Only two notable arrivals joined the ranks.
Olamide Zaccheaus should be a decent rotational piece, but no more than that based on his production since entering the league. The Commanders also selected Luke McCaffrey at No. 100 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to potentially become an outstanding weapon over time.
McCaffrey has the athleticism needed to make a difference. Many thought it would take time considering he has just two seasons of experience at the position in college. That might still be the case, but the rookie wideout caught the eye throughout early offseason workouts to raise optimism.
The former Rice standout knows what it takes to be a solid professional. His father and brother paved the way and provided some much-needed direction. McCaffrey wants to carve his path to prosperity, but the high-end work ethic and maximizing every opportunity are eerily similar to his family bloodline.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and McCaffrey are reportedly the first players in the building at 5.45 a.m. each day. They go through walkthroughs together and study film before joining their teammates later in the morning. This enabled both to form a close bond and develop encouraging chemistry the Commanders can hopefully benefit from long term.
This is just the first step for McCaffrey. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep this up when things get more intense during Washington's training camp. The coaching staff should get him plenty of work in preseason games to get a broader perception of what he might be capable of in Year 1 of his professional career.
Looking at how he's applied himself so far, don't be surprised if McCaffrey does enough to merit prominent involvement right out of the gate.
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
After catching the eye when called upon in 2023, hopes were high surrounding Quan Martin entering his second offseason with the Washington Commanders. There were no guarantees under the new regime, who had no emotional attachment to any player and wouldn't hesitate to change things if they felt like there were better options available.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. see something in Martin. He's got the size, physicality, and instincts the coaches look for within their creative defensive schematics. There's also a lot to like about his versatility to be placed anywhere across the secondary for good measure.
Martin came into early offseason workouts looking to prove himself all over again. Every player who survived Adam Peters' roster makeover is getting their shot. The former second-round selection made the most of it by emerging as one of the team's top performers throughout OTAs and Washington's mandatory minicamp according to those in attendance.
The Illinois product looks re-energized and ready to repay the faith shown in him by those in power. Martin's incredible behind-the-back interception generated headlines, but the coaching staff lauded his contribution overall. Something that appeared to take them a little by surprise along the way.
This is positive news for Martin. Just where the Commanders deploy the physical specimen remains to be seen, but expect Quinn and Whitt to get creative in pursuit of maximizing his outstanding skill set.
Whether it's as a slot cornerback or a roaming safety on the backend, Martin's explosiveness and ability to make plays can come to the fore under accomplished coaches with proven credentials when it comes to nurturing defensive backs. The Commanders' pass defense has concerns - especially on the boundary - so any raised production they get from the second-year pro is a bonus.
Nobody is getting ahead of themselves. At the same time, Martin's dominant start to Washington's offseason program sets him up nicely for a potential breakout campaign in 2024.
