As the Washington Commanders gear up for the 2025–2026 NFL season, shrewd roster moves hide beneath the headlines. While star talents like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel draw attention, three under-the-radar players carry hidden upside to impact championship hopes significantly.
Here are three players to keep an eye on entering training camp.
Electric Playmaker in Waiting
Selected in the fourth round (128th overall), Virginia Tech’s Jaylin Lane immediately grabbed attention with speed, agility, and return prowess. Scouts applauded his elite metrics, including a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical, and snapping top three splits in combine drills. Analysts labeled Lane arguably the best punt returner in the draft, capable of flipping field position when opportunities arise.
Lane brings two-dimensional value. As a slot receiver, he thrives on quickness, hands, and yards after catch. Coaches envision him thriving in short-to-intermediate bursts to complement top threats McLaurin and Samuel. In tight games, those extra yards can shift momentum significantly. A trait that rarely shows up on stat sheets but wins games.
Moreover, the return role remains wide open, positioning Lane to carve out immediate playing time. His ability to threaten in both the receiving and special teams units sets him apart as more than just a developmental rookie. It makes him a potential game-changer.
Veteran Pass-Rush Versatility
Joining the Commanders from Dallas in 2024, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong quietly delivered a solid season under coach Dan Quinn. He notched 5 sacks, 14 QB Hits, 20 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles. Notably, two sacks in Washington’s divisional playoff win over Detroit demonstrated his postseason impact.
Armstrong thrives in Quinn’s multi-gap defensive structure. Coaches value his versatility, being able to rush off the edge or slide inside to tackle. This adaptability makes him unpredictable and difficult to scheme around. As the team leans on a collective pass rush rather than a single superstar, Armstrong offers a dynamic weapon that complements Von Miller and others
In a division loaded with mobile quarterbacks and strong offensive lines, his role becomes pivotal. Expect Armstrong to not only sustain his production but also build on disruptive plays and create pressure that opens lanes for teammates, driving turnovers and momentum swings.
Linebacker on the Rise
Second-year linebacker Dominique Hampton enters the 2025 season flying under the radar, and that’s exactly where he wants to stay. Coaches and teammates describe his offseason progression as “significant,” marking him as a legitimate candidate for a rotational role full of reps.
Hampton has the athleticism and instincts required to thrive in Quinn’s aggressive front-seven.
While still in developmental mode, he’s impressed teammates and staff with sideline-to-sideline speed and instinctive reads. That kind of presence adds much-needed flexibility and depth behind veterans Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. As offensive coordinators scheme against the Pro Bowl duo, Hampton can sub in on nickel-heavy looks or spot when Wagner or Luvu needs rest.
Hampton’s special teams’ potential also adds value: regularly contributing, there is a common path for second-year linebackers to earn defensive snaps. In tight, physical games that define the NFC East, his tackling ability and enthusiasm could make key third-and-short stops, often overlooked but season-defining.
Why These Players Will Matter
Complementary Accounts: Lane’s speed, Armstrong’s disruption, and Hampton’s versatility align closely with Quinn’s identity: agile, multifaceted, and hungry.
Unclear Roles, Big Opportunities: None of the three hold locked starting spots, but that uncertainty opens doors. Competition breeds performance, and each has an immediate path to impact.
Depth and Durability: Injuries and fatigue shape NFL seasons. These players offer depth on all three levels: offense, defense, and special teams. In a grind-heavy schedule against Philly and the NFC beasts, that depth becomes an elite advantage.
As the Commanders fine-tune their Super Bowl push, keep an eye on these under-the-radar contributors. Lane can transform drives; Armstrong can collapse pockets; Hampton can halt crucial conversions. When big names dominate headlines, these hidden gems quietly build the foundation for success.
