5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2025 mandatory minicamp

The Washington Commanders concluded their offseason program with a fascinating few days of their annual mandatory minicamp. This was a small yet important part of the process, something that's no doubt provided those in power with plenty to think about over the mini-break.

This was a chance for players to generate momentum. It's a chance for the coaching staff to install slight tweaks in the strategy heading into the new campaign. There were a few absentees for one reason or another, but it was another worthwhile experience that should serve the players well.

Dan Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff laid down the law before everyone went their separate ways. The next few weeks are a time to relax and reflect, but putting in the hard yards from a workout standpoint is crucial.

There is no room for passengers as the Commanders look to reach loftier heights with bigger expectations on their shoulders in 2025. Anyone who hasn't committed to staying in shape is going to get found out quickly when the intensity of training camp gets here.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's mandatory minicamp in 2025.

Winners and losers from Commanders 2025 mandatory minicamp

Winner No. 1

Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL

There weren't many analysts who thought Javon Kinlaw deserved the hefty contract he received from the Washington Commanders in free agency. That's not an opinion shared by the primary decision-makers, and the veteran defensive tackle is keen for this faith to be repaid in full.

Kinlaw got a three-year, $45 million deal from the Commanders that also included $30 million guaranteed. Not bad for someone who's underwhelmed more often than not throughout his career, but general manager Adam Peters thinks there is still plenty of untapped promise attached.

The Commanders' defensive front needs to find a game-wrecker capable of filling the void left by Jonathan Allen. Kinlaw's versatility will be utilized heavily depending on the schematic formation deployed by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. His size, explosiveness, and brute strength came to the fore over early off-season workouts, but putting it all together in a competitive setting is far more challenging.

There's not much the former first-round pick out of South Carolina doesn't have from an athletic standpoint, which is a solid platform to build. Kinlaw is highly motivated to silence his critics, and this looks like a good environment for the player to finally fulfill his undoubted potential.

It's early days, but there is growing confidence around Kinlaw. But make no mistake, what comes next is far more important.

Loser No. 1

Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders gave Michael Gallup a chance to galvanize his NFL career this offseason. He unretired after one year away from the gridiron. He was also highly motivated to remind the world why he was such a highly-regarded player once upon a time.

It hasn't cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another. With Terry McLaurin holding out of Washington's mandatory minicamp as frustrations build regarding his new deal, opportunities were expected to be plentiful for Gallup. Unfortunately, he was unable to make any sort of impression.

Gallup didn't feature in the team's mandatory minicamp after the team disclosed a hamstring strain for the wide receiver. Considering his injury history before retirement and having almost no margin for error in pursuit of making the squad, this was nothing short of disastrous.

The Commanders aren't going to cut Gallup before giving him a shot at training camp. He knows Dan Quinn well from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, so the head coach will be fair. That doesn't guarantee anything, so hitting the ground running when things get more intense is critical.

There were already doubts about Gallup's ability to contribute before he unfortunately got hurt. Hopefully, it's not severe, and the former third-round pick out of Colorado State can return to something like his old form.

Winner No. 2

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

The Commanders raised a few eyebrows when they took Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the stud offensive tackle was always Adam Peters' No. 1 target based on information released after the event.

Conerly looks primed to start opposite five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the right-hand side. There's a chance Washington could shift him onto the interior, but that seems unlikely. This has the makings of a dynamic edge-protecting tandem capable of making life easier for star quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The former Oregon sensation applied himself extremely well throughout Washington's offseason program. Conerly's footwork and technique were as advertised and already looked NFL-ready. Some highlights suggested the playing strength that raised red flags in college won't be much of a problem.

He's also got a big fan in Tunsil. The veteran isn't one for dishing out praise for nothing, but he believes the Commanders have the real deal on their hands in Conerly. That seal of approval is a tremendous confidence boost for the rookie. At the same time, complacency cannot become an issue.

Conerly is off to a fantastic start. If the same trend continues over the summer, he'll be the Week 1 starter at right tackle.