OTA's/Training Camp 2025

[lorimike]

Lots of stuff about a bulked up Jayden Daniels at the OTA's. But he looks the same to me.

[skinsfan93]

Lots of stuff about a bulked up Jayden Daniels at the OTA's. But he looks the same to me.

His arms and chest are a bit bigger. I just hope that extra bulk doesn’t make him prone to an injury. Remember when Tiger bulked up and he had serious back issues. Flexibility really gets affected on a golf swing with more mass and the same could be with Jayden and his constant throwing motion.

I saw Dominque Hampton and he really bulked up. Remember he was a converted safety to linebacker. We need depth behind Luvu so him stepping up in his 2nd year would be good. I’m hoping the same with Magee to backup Wagner.

Last Laremy, Lattimore and Terry weren’t at OTAs today. Terry I understand as he is entering his last year on his deal and this next contract will be his last lucrative one. I hope Laremy isn’t looking for a new contract although he had a video with some kind of pay up theme to it. He’s a vet and hasn’t attended many voluntary OTAs in Houston. Lattimore better get his ass in camp. No excuse for him to not attend and we really need the old Marshawn.

[SkinsGuru]

His arms and chest are a bit bigger. I just hope that extra bulk doesn’t make him prone to an injury. Remember when Tiger bulked up and he had serious back issues. Flexibility really gets affected on a golf swing with more mass and the same could be with Jayden and his constant throwing motion.

I saw Dominque Hampton and he really bulked up. Remember he was a converted safety to linebacker. We need depth behind Luvu so him stepping up in his 2nd year would be good. I’m hoping the same with Magee to backup Wagner.

Last Laremy, Lattimore and Terry weren’t at OTAs today. Terry I understand as he is entering his last year on his deal and this next contract will be his last lucrative one. I hope Laremy isn’t looking for a new contract although he had a video with some kind of pay up theme to it. He’s a vet and hasn’t attended many voluntary OTAs in Houston. Lattimore better get his ass in camp. No excuse for him to not attend and we really need the old Marshawn.

I think the added muscle is there to protect him from hits to the ribs like he suffered last year . . . probably help his deep ball too.

[skinsfan93]

I think the added muscle is there to protect him from hits to the ribs like he suffered last year . . . probably help his deep ball too.

His ribs weren’t injured from an hit. It was actually from rolling over and landing awkwardly. I had the same thing happen to me where I cracked a rib from a fall. Plus bigger arms isn’t going to help with body shots.

As for the deep ball, I don’t agree. Look at Will Levis. The guy is a jacked and his overall game stinks. Jayden will naturally get bigger as he gets older and that will help him absorb hits. I just think we don’t need him looking like a body builder.

[SkinsGuru]

His ribs weren’t injured from an hit. It was actually from rolling over and landing awkwardly. I had the same thing happen to me where I cracked a rib from a fall. Plus bigger arms isn’t going to help with body shots.

As for the deep ball, I don’t agree. Look at Will Levis. The guy is a jacked and his overall game stinks. Jayden will naturally get bigger as he gets older and that will help him absorb hits. I just think we don’t need him looking like a body builder.

From what i understand its not a lot, but also not just his arms, its his whole upper body, so his abs, chest, arms and shoulders . . . and yes, that will protect him from hits he took to the upper body. That one awkward fall wasn't the only time he deal with rib pain. he looks nothing like a body builder . . . and last year when drafted everyone said he need to add 15 to 20 pounds . . . now he has added 10.

[Moe]

WaPo had an article about the offense having a lot of interesting weapons and only one football to work with, IMO some interesting stats:

"I’ve never had a great player that didn’t want the ball, and so that kind of comes with the territory,” he said this week. “But that’s one thing I think that [Coach Dan Quinn] has created, where it’s the team above anything else. And these guys that had their success last year and got their touches, they know bringing [wide receiver] Deebo [Samuel] in, there’s going to be [fewer touches for them]. But we’re going to be better. And I think when they’re able to sacrifice for that and understand that the ultimate goal is winning, then it all works itself out. But you want those guys. I mean, I’ll get cussed out a few games, but it just comes with the territory. You’d rather have really good players cussing you out than bad players cussing you out.”

Historical data suggests the Commanders will take about 1,100 offensive snaps over the course of the season. There will probably be more passes than runs. In what’s known as “score-neutral situations” — when the clock and scoreboard don’t dictate run or pass — Kingsbury called passes on about 56 percent of plays last season, according to RBSDM.com, which was the eighth-highest rate in the league. While the Commanders could run more if they get better at it, it’s still safe to bet Kingsbury, a former Air Raid quarterback, will keep the ball in the skies.

So if last season is a guide, there should be about 620 passing snaps in 2025. The top priorities will be star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has averaged about 125 targets over the past four seasons, and quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s an elite scrambler and will inevitably take some sacks, too. If he sustains last year’s pace and remains healthy, Daniels probably will scramble about 75 times and take about 45 sacks.

Kingsbury seems likely to maintain the heavy diet of touches Samuel got in San Francisco, assuming the 29-year-old is in peak shape. Samuel ranked in the top 15 in the NFL for touches among wideouts in each of the past four seasons, averaging about 95 targets and 45 carries. He probably will be a huge boost on short passes — he excels at picking up yards after the catch and could make up most of the roughly 100 targets lost by the free agency departures of Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown.

Overall, it seems likely Daniels, McLaurin and Samuel will account for a little more than half of the 620 passing snaps.

The other 300ish? Expect a battle for them by the rest of the skill players, including a couple whom Kingsbury probably had in mind when he imagined getting cussed out.

The player likeliest to see a dip in targets could be tight end Zach Ertz. He is still an elite route runner at 34, and Daniels trusted him to get open in critical moments last season, but the odds are long that he will see 91 targets again because of his aging body, his hungry teammates and history. Over the past decade, only six tight ends his age have gotten more than 50 targets in a season — Travis Kelce, Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Benjamin Watson, Greg Olsen and Jared Cook.

Ertz could join that club, of course, but Kingsbury and Daniels now have more mouths to feed, including in the tight end room, where 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott is eager to expand his role (he had five targets as a rookie).

It’s reasonable to expect similar pass-catching roles as last season for running back Austin Ekeler (41 targets), running back Brian Robinson Jr. (25) and Noah Brown (56), who played in just 11 games and seems likely to enter the season as the No. 3 wideout.

Maybe the biggest question is 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey, who got three targets in Week 1 last season but finished with just 24. The biggest thing for McCaffrey, Kingsbury said, is “mastery of the system.”

“Last year, we had him learn inside and outside, really kind of overloaded him,” the coordinator added. “But you can see the comfort level is there this year. I mean, just watching him move around, he’s not thinking as much. He’s playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over, and that’s what we want to see. So, I expect him to take a big jump.”

On the ground, Kingsbury will have about 480 rushes to distribute. The lion’s share seem likely to go to Robinson, who had a team-leading 187 carries last season and whose value goes beyond his stats. His physical, tone-setting style is important to the team, especially in a bruising division, and he could be more effective behind the beefed-up offensive line.

Kingsbury probably will call about 75 designed runs for Daniels, as he did last season.

If Kingsbury maintains last year’s rushing workload for Ekeler (77) and Samuel (42), that would leave about 100 rushes for everyone else, including depth running backs Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez and seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

As rookies, Croskey-Merritt and fourth-round wide receiver Jaylin Lane face long odds to carve out offensive roles.

“I mean, it’s a pretty loaded group,” Kingsbury said. “They’re going to have to kind of get in where you fit in with this group — and there’s not a ton of footballs to go around.”

The most intriguing question, then, might be which frustrated player will be the first to cuss Kingsbury out."

[skinsfan93]

I kind of agree with this article. I think Terry gets about the same amount of targets 115-120 which is what he has got throughout his career. I do think Ertz, maybe Sinnott chips into his targets a bit, and Noah continue to see about the same amount of targets.

The question is who gets the targets from OZ, Dyami and Crowder. Combined they got around 100+ targets last year. Deebo will probably get maybe 70-75 of those targets getting the majority of them, that’s not a lot left. Question is which receiver steps up to get those targets. I think Gallup if he regains his form or Luke if he steps up in his second year. I think Lane runs the same plays as Deebo and KK has a set of plays for him.

[Moe]

I kind of agree with this article. I think Terry gets about the same amount of targets 115-120 which is what he has got throughout his career. I do think Ertz, maybe Sinnott chips into his targets a bit, and Noah continue to see about the same amount of targets.

The question is who gets the targets from OZ, Dyami and Crowder. Combined they got around 100+ targets last year. Deebo will probably get maybe 70-75 of those targets getting the majority of them, that’s not a lot left. Question is which receiver steps up to get those targets. I think Gallup if he regains his form or Luke if he steps up in his second year. I think Lane runs the same plays as Deebo and KK has a set of plays for him.

It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out. Terry and Deebo will be the primaries, they've talked up McCaffrey a lot so I think he'll get his shot and Brown had stretches last year when he got a lot of attention as well. Gallup will be one to watch. I think either he's a quick cut because they like the young guys, or he could be a sneaky good signing if he's healthy and close to what he was a few years ago. I expect Lane will get a lot of ST usage and could find some increasing targets as the season moves along, bet they mimic what he did at VT and work in some screen/end-around type stuff here and there to see if he can use his speed and break something. Injuries will be a big factor, but hopefully that isn't a real big issue and the talent gets a chance to rise.

[skinsfan93]

Watched the Joe Whitt presser and I am right about Kinlaw. Whitt mentioned playing him across the entire line not just at DT. He said Kinlaw is a disrupter. I see him getting some snaps at DT but a lot more at end. He will really help our run defense with Armstrong or Wise at the other end. We are so much bigger at defensive line.

Kinlaw 325lbs
Payne 320lbs
Newton 300lbs or Goldman 325lbs
Wise 280lbs or Armstrong 255lbs

Also Daron looks like he had a great offseason and was complimented by DQ and Whitt. Not surprising since it is his contract year. We really need a big year from him especially pass rushing. I could see him and Armstrong potentially doubling their sack totals which will offset the sacks by Fowler.

[skinsfan93]

Mandatory minicamp starts tomorrow and surprised Terry hasn’t gotten his new contract. I’m curious if he shows up tomorrow.

[Moe]

Seems like it's crickets so far on any new deal for Terry but seems crazy to think they won't get something done. The primary issue is he's going to want market value which is roughly $33m/yr, but he turns 30 soon and not a lot of WR's keep up production once you reach that threshold. He's earned it, pay him but IMO put his big money up front instead of at the back-end since you have room with the current space and no big QB $$$'s.

[lorimike]

Seems like it's crickets so far on any new deal for Terry but seems crazy to think they won't get something done. The primary issue is he's going to want market value which is roughly $33m/yr, but he turns 30 soon and not a lot of WR's keep up production once you reach that threshold. He's earned it, pay him but IMO put his big money up front instead of at the back-end since you have room with the current space and no big QB $$$'s.

<<<<<

Some guys age differently. I would pay him. He's a good team player and he can flat out fly. Great hands too.

[Skins-R-Us]

<<<<<

Some guys age differently. I would pay him. He's a good team player and he can flat out fly. Great hands too.

I agree he should be paid, the only question is how much and for how long a deal? Should someone like him make the same money as Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase. I would say it would be lower based on the age difference and the fact that Jamar Chase is a better receiver. But, I think Terry is the better person and may have been better if hadn't had 42 different QBs up to this point. So, there are definitely some nuances to this deal. I also hate when these players get nickle and dimey. Should he really complain if they paid him 28 or 29 million?

[skinsfan93]

I’m a little torn on how much Terry should get. Regardless this is his chance at the last lucrative contract. I’m sure he’s looking for as much as he can get and market value. On one hand he has been the epitome of a great #1 and last year with a legitimate qb, he put up numbers of a top 5 receiver. Yes players tend to decline after turning 30 but he has had no major injury in his career.

I believe AP when he says he wants Terry to be a Commander for life. I could see a 5 year deal averaging around $30 mil that has voidable years on it.

[Moe]

<<<<<

Some guys age differently. I would pay him. He's a good team player and he can flat out fly. Great hands too.

Agreed, he's all you want in a player; talent, hard work, good character, leader and he's produced despite a lot of issues with surrounding talent. He's a captain, showed how he can flourish and help Jayden last year, has great hands and is always prepared. I'm sure it's down to the nuances of the language and I'm not sweating them getting something done, just like to see it resolved and to see him get what he deserves.
Part of the hallmark of a good franchise is rewarding players like him. Hate to see them get like Cincy is right now and be petty and cheap and undercut your own team.

[VegasSkinsFan]

^^ totally agree with you Moe!!

[VegasSkinsFan]

I just read that Wr Noah Brown was carted off the field during 7x7s. Had a towel over his head. I don't like the sound of that.

[Moe]

Sounds like he walked off the field, but then got on the cart, no details. Gallup was out with a hamstring injury, so some minor hits on the wr's.
WaPo did a piece on Lattimore and he's looked good so far and said he really worked this off-season on exercises that will help keep him on the field. Said he was playing hurt last year, no excuse, but feels that he will be much improved this season and he'll make the fans see why they traded for him. Hope he's right.

[SkinsGuru]

Sounds like he walked off the field, but then got on the cart, no details. Gallup was out with a hamstring injury, so some minor hits on the wr's.
WaPo did a piece on Lattimore and he's looked good so far and said he really worked this off-season on exercises that will help keep him on the field. Said he was playing hurt last year, no excuse, but feels that he will be much improved this season and he'll make the fans see why they traded for him. Hope he's right.

MRI coming for brown . . . no mention of what the injury is

[Maddog97]

MRI coming for brown . . . no mention of what the injury is

Commanders are being quiet. Hopefully we hear something soon. I like Noah and hope it is not major. This could mean more reps for Jaylin Lane.

On the Running back side Jacory Croskey-Merritt is making early noise. Could he make the active roster as #3?

[skinsfan93]

JCM aka Bill is definitely going to be the third rb. He is a combination of the rushing abilities of BRob and the receiver skills of Ekeler.

I’m really excited to see what he does this year. Remember he didn’t play last year in college so he’s as fresh as someone can be.

[VegasSkinsFan]

I've read some good things on RB Chris Rodriguez, WR Luke McCaffrey, WR Chris Moore, TE Ben Sinnott, CB Vigers , LB Jordan McGee...among a dozen or so. We know our vets will be fine, but i enjoy reading positive things on some of the younger guys.

[Moe]

^^Yeah read Luke was going up against Lattimore a decent amount and both were getting some wins on each other, so that's a positive. McGee is getting a lot of reps as they let Wagner sit some and that's a good bit of experience for him and he can slide outside as well, so ideally, he can grow. Also saw that Sinnott has looked more comfortable and I'm hopeful he can emerge and be the natural replacement (upgrade?) to Ertz.

[Moe]

Keim said-
"One positive sign for the Commanders this spring is right guard Sam Cosmi's recovery from a torn ACL suffered in the divisional playoff victory vs. Detroit. Cosmi has been on the field working with athletic trainers, performing agility work in the back of the end zone or doing light 40-yard jogs -- as he did Thursday while his teammates practiced on the field. There's still no timetable for his return, but the Commanders are optimistic about Cosmi's recovery.

"He's hitting all the benchmarks but when does he get there? I don't know...we're not going to miss one step with him," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.

In the meantime, Washington will need a temporary replacement. Thus far, that job has fallen on Nick Allegretti, who started at left guard last season, a spot now filled by second-year man Brandon Coleman."

[skinsfan93]

In the meantime, Washington will need a temporary replacement. Thus far, that job has fallen on Nick Allegretti, who started at left guard last season, a spot now filled by second-year man Brandon Coleman."

This is interesting. I would think Wylie would have first shot at RG and not Allegretti. I guess it all depends on how well Connerly comes along at RT and whether Wylie can make the transition to guard.

[SkinsGuru]

This is interesting. I would think Wylie would have first shot at RG and not Allegretti. I guess it all depends on how well Connerly comes along at RT and whether Wylie can make the transition to guard.

wylie has played more guard than tackle in the NFL . . . was a pretty decent guard