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.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil looked like a superstar last season. Jayden Daniels got all the hype and headlines, which is understandable when one considers the position he plays and where he was drafted. However, the Washington Commanders also struck gold with the fiery cornerback at No. 50 overall.
Sainristil thrived in the nickel over the early stages of the campaign. When players like Michael Davis, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Benjamin St-Juste began to struggle, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. switched him to the boundary. This came with raised eyebrows, but the former Michigan team captain thrived.
Whether this trend continues in 2025 remains to be seen. The Commanders added Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones. This provides Washington with flexibility where Sainristil is concerned, which is a nice problem to have. And based on the reports emerging from OTAs, the defensive back is looking to build on his sensational first year in a professional environment.
Sainristil's anticipation, ability to break off routes, and make like extremely uncomfortable for opposing wide receivers was evident throughout, according to team writer Zach Selby. With Marshon Lattimore opting to skip voluntary OTAs, which didn't go down well after his subpar performances last season, the second-year pro took it upon himself to be the top dog.
And that's a win-win for everybody.
Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR
There aren't many fans who weren't intrigued by Jaylin Lane. Adam Peters couldn't hide his delight when the explosive wide receiver was available at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His unique skill set and outstanding ability to make plays out of nothing can be a major asset to the Commanders.
Lane is confident he can become influential in some capacity. Whether on the pass-catching rotation or in the kick return game, the former Virginia Tech star is eager to impress and catch the eye enough to inspire confidence among the coaching staff right out of the gate.
He's off to a good start. Lane has looked the part at OTAs so far, according to those in attendance. The rookie put his blazing speed on full display and made some tough catches look routine. Being matched up against Mike Sainristil is something that's only going to help refine his craft, so expect this trend to continue as the summer progresses.
This is a promising development. The more dynamic playmakers Washington has, the better. Kliff Kingsbury will already be devising ways to get the football into Lane's hands. There are several other mouths to feed, but it's not a bad problem to have by any stretch of the imagination.
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders believe Deebo Samuel Sr. still has more to give. Adam Peters trusts the wide receiver to refocus and seize the big opportunity in front of him. And he only gave up a fifth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers to find out for definite.
Samuel's time in San Francisco fizzled out. A down year statistically was swiftly followed by reports of conditioning issues. The Niners felt a fresh start was needed, and the player agreed. Peters got a good deal for the wide receiver, who instantly becomes the best running mate Terry McLaurin's ever had in the wideout unit.
All eyes were on Samuel at the start of OTAs. The former second-round pick out of South Carolina looked notably leaner and more explosive. It's early days, of course, but it's evident that the All-Pro has been working incredibly hard on enhancing fitness levels in pursuit of silencing his doubters.
That's not all. Samuel's chemistry with Jayden Daniels is improving rapidly. He's embracing the team culture built by head coach Dan Quinn and enjoying being a new, important member of this brotherhood.
McLaurin isn't around right now due to his contract extension situation. However, this has the makings of a potent tandem once they finally get together.
Trey Amos - Commanders CB
Trey Amos has a newly acquired chip on his shoulder after dropping to No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most analysts had a first-round grade on the physical cornerback, but a back issue emerged from his pre-draft medical assessments. This was enough to stop most teams from taking the plunge.
The Commanders weren't one of them. They contemplated taking the former Ole Miss star with their first-round pick before offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. fell into their lap. When Amos was available at the end of the second, it was a simple decision for general manager Adam Peters.
Based on Amos' performance levels throughout OTAs, the Commanders might have struck gold with another draft gem. The defensive back was assured in coverage and opportunistic when opportunities arose, securing two interceptions on Wednesday in front of the media. There's a long way to go and more hard work ahead, but Washington must be thrilled with the early returns.
If Amis keeps this up throughout the summer, there's a good chance he'll start opposite Marshon Lattimore on the boundary in Week 1 against the New York Giants. And the rookie will surely get all he can handle from Washington's improved pass-catchers to sharpen his skills further.
