Four Reasons the Commanders Look Like True Contenders

As the Washington Commanders get ready to open training camp next month, it’s clear this isn’t the same team that limped to mediocrity just two years ago and last season took the NFL by storm, reaching the NFC Championship game. A flurry of offseason moves, big-name trades, savvy draft choices, and elite coaching have transformed D.C.’s roster.

Four Key Developments: A legitimate Super Bowl Threat

1. Speed & Size Up Front and Back

In both the trenches and the open field, the Commanders are noticeably bigger, faster, and more athletic than a year ago. The additions of Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, and Deatrich Wise have bulked up the defensive front, creating a disruptor-heavy unit built to fight the run and collapse the pocket. On offense, star wideout Deebo Samuel and rookie Jaylin Lane bring home-run speed. Lane clocked a blazing 4.34-second 40-yard dash at Virginia Tech. Across the roster, youth and explosiveness are layered in; the team is simply faster and stronger than 2024’s version.

2. A Deep, Versatile Roster

One of the most compelling storylines, before camp kicks off, is the depth at nearly every position group.

The Cornerback room is loaded: Marshon Lattimore, Jonathan Jones, Mikey Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, and rookie Trey Amos give Washington a cover unit that should rival any corner group in the league. That’s a stark contrast from previous seasons, where Washington’s corners were often maligned for poor play.

At linebacker, veterans Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are the mainstays. Behind them are young, but uber-athletic and fast Jordan Magee, converted safety Dominique Hampton, and 2025 UCLA 6th-round pick Kane Medrano. All three figure to get meaningful reps this season.

The offensive line now features All‑Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil, first‑round pick Josh Conerly Jr., and depth pieces like the versatile Nick Allegretti, dramatically improving protection for QB Jayden Daniels.

Even in the backfield and receiver room, the Commanders boast quality up and down the depth charts. This is a team built not just for the moment, but for the grind of a full season.

3. QB Jayden Daniels: Rookie of the Year Commanding More than Buzz

There’s rarely a sophomore QB more buzzworthy than a reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Daniels checks every box.

In 2024, he threw for 3,568 yards, rushed for 891 more, and guided Washington to its first playoff run since 2005, earning top rookie honors.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury says Daniels is sharper, faster in the decision-making process, throwing with more velocity thanks to offseason strength gains.

Projections are through the roof as analysts expect Daniels to push 4,000 passing yards in 2025, and his confidence meter is pegged sky-high. What’s most impressive? He’s not peaking; he’s building. Every OTA session or minicamp practice, he exuded the poise and command of a seasoned veteran.

4. Confident, Championship-Caliber Identity

Walk into any practice session with the Commanders and you’ll sense a seismic shift. There’s swagger in every drill, boldness in every snap.

Front offices and coaching staffs around the league openly call them one of the NFL’s most improved teams heading into 2025.

Even veteran additions like Tunsil and Samuel haven’t dimmed the chemistry; they’ve amplified it, bringing a belief that this team can compete toe-to-toe with anyone. In short, this feels like a team with a destination, not just a roster built to compete, but one that truly believes it belongs on the biggest stage.

What to Watch as Camp Begins

Expect bold plays, fierce trench warfare in red zone battles, and position groups vying for the final roster slots. But beneath the practice grind, a larger storyline is unfolding: this is a team that’s faster, deeper, sharper, and more assured than ever before. The question is whether that confidence will translate into postseason results.

As the Commanders stand at the threshold of camp, they’re not just preparing for another season; they’re molding a team built to win it all.