5 Commanders whose stock is skyrocketing after offseason breakouts

The Washington Commanders' offseason program is the formal kick-off to preparations for the new campaign. It's less heated than training camp, but the sessions represent a good chance for players to impress.

This bears significance for everyone. Whether you're the great franchise hope like quarterback Jayden Daniels or lower down the pecking order fighting for roster spots, it's important to make a good first impression. This should provide the platform needed to kick on when camp, preseason games, and joint practices arrive.

Washington's power brokers have raised the stakes through impressive additions and potential depth upgrades. This was the only way to keep things trending upward after achieving so much last season.

There is no complacency. The page has been turned, and anyone not buying in fully is not going to fare well.

Fortunately, this squad is made of stern stuff. There is a positive resolve and collective purpose in pursuit of one common goal. Nobody is getting ahead of themselves. After all, the Commanders did fall at the final hurdle before the Super Bowl.

They're aiming for better next time around, make no mistake about that. Until then, here are five Commanders players whose stock is skyrocketing after offseason breakouts.

Commanders players whose stock is skyrocketing after offseason breakouts

Robert McDaniel - Commanders DB

Undrafted free agents typically have no margin for error. They have to fit in immediately, and they have to do whatever it takes to get noticed. That's a far cry from their star statuses in college, but this is the game's pinnacle.

The Washington Commanders are giving UDFA hopefuls a legitimate chance to force their way into the team's plans. Some will fall by the wayside, but Colson Yankoff and Tyler Owens proved last summer that consistency and progress will be rewarded.

Robert McDaniel is a name Commanders fans should watch over training camp. The defensive back got plenty of reps with the first and second-string defenses during early preparations. He was also deployed across the secondary, showcasing his impressive athleticism and versatility to full effect.

Nobody is expecting the second coming of Darrell Green or Sean Taylor, but McDaniel did enough to get his foot in the door. That's always the first objective for unheralded rookies looking to make their way.

What comes next is more vital for McDaniel. The former Jackson State standout needs to prove he belongs when the tempo gets ramped up. He might not reach his early billing, but he's got a better chance of making the squad now than before his NFL journey began.

That's not the case with some UDFAs, even at this transitional stage.

Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders were expected to improve their running back room, and with urgency, this offseason. Fans wanted to see a fresh injection of energy into the backfield alongside star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Some were left perplexed by Adam Peters' approach.

Washington held firm with its options from last season. Peters brought one new addition into the fold, but it wasn't until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That left sections of the team's support scratching their heads in disbelief, but the Commanders believed the ground game could be more consistent with a stronger offensive line to depend upon.

This also gave Brian Robinson Jr. the vote of confidence he desperately needed. It's a contract year for the Alabama product, so he won't be lacking in motivation. That was reflected in his demeanor and urgency over Washington's offseason program. He's eager to repay the faith.

It's a promising start for Robinson, whose role will be integral once again in 2025. He'll lead from the front, with Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt occupying complementary roles. Nothing is guaranteed beyond the upcoming campaign, but he's in the best possible position for another commitment from the organization if everything goes well.

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OL

The Commanders swing for the fences with Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. as their new bookend tackle tandem tasked with protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. But there's also hope that a position switch for Brandon Coleman can bring more from the 2024 third-round pick.

Coleman got a crash course in what it takes to succeed in the NFL as a rookie. The Commanders thrust him into the mix as their starting left tackle, initially sharing responsibilities with Cornelius Lucas before taking the job full-time. There were plenty of good moments, but his skills are better suited to the interior.

Thankfully, this was an opinion also shared by the primary decision-makers. Tunsil will be the new blindside protector on the edge, which represents a significant upgrade. Dan Quinn revealed that Coleman will move to left guard, which could be a game-changer if everything comes together.

It's a challenge Coleman relished during Washington's offseason program. His versatility and willingness to do whatever it takes the help the team are big reasons why the Commanders drafted him. There's a long way to go and greater challenges to come, but the initial signs are promising.

If Coleman can solidify the left guard spot long-term, that'll stand the Commanders in tremendous stead once Sam Cosmi recovers from his torn ACL.

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

Free-falling from his original projection during the 2025 NFL Draft lit a fire under Trey Amos. The cornerback felt slighted, and he was ready to silence his doubters. If his initial impact is any indication, the Washington Commanders have a potential steal on their hands.

Amos was widely expected to be a first-round pick. A back issue that came up during pre-draft medical examinations caused his stock to slide considerably. When the former Ole Miss standout was still there for the taking at No. 61 overall, the Commanders didn't hesitate.

They don't seem bothered by the red flag. Neither does Amos, who remained resolute in his belief that the problem won't hinder his ability to carve out a successful NFL career.

He might be right. Amos didn't put a foot wrong throughout Washington's offseason program. He's still a rookie, so tempering expectations would be wise, but there's a growing sense in the building that they've hit the jackpot.

Praise for Amos has been glowing. Everyone from Dan Quinn to Joe Whitt Jr. and even Marshon Lattimore has spoken highly about the defensive back. The intensity will rise at camp, but keeping up the same standards could see him become an instant starter in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Some key wide receivers were missing for one reason or another at different stages of Washington's offseason program. There are all situations to monitor in the coming weeks, but it allowed one ambitious pass-catcher a clear run at prominent involvement when competitive action begins again.

Terry McLaurin is holding out until a new contract arrives. Noah Brown and Michael Gallup are dealing with injuries, and the Commanders haven't disclosed how serious they are. Although disappointing, Luke McCaffrey wasn't going to waste the chance to show what he could do as a focal point.

Media and coaches raved about McCaffrey's growth, especially at Washington's mandatory minicamp. Last season's experiences served him well, and the former third-round pick has been working immensely hard away from the team to hit the ground running this summer.

It's a crowded receiver room when everyone is available. The Commanders have some big decisions to make, but McCaffrey is leaving no doubt regarding his roster status. If anything, the Rice product is only enhancing perceptions about what he could potentially accomplish.

McCaffrey is staking a strong claim. If he continues his ascent at training camp, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will get him more involved in the passing attack.

That's an absolute certainty.