5 biggest positives from Washington Commanders 2024 training camp

There was an enormous sense of anticipation heading into Washington Commanders training camp. A monumental offseason of changes from top to bottom raised optimism among the fanbase. This is the first year of a substantial rebuild, but there's a growing belief that something special could be brewing within one of the league's most storied franchises.

Dan Quinn and his staff put the players through their paces with two joint practices thrown in for good measure. It was a lot of information to take on and demands were extremely high. Everyone came through relatively unscathed, although the Commanders are dealing with a few slight injury concerns worth monitoring before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Players have one final chance to prove their worth in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. It'll make a big difference for some. But general manager Adam Peters should have a good indication of where this roster is and what more is required to become more competitive in 2024.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are the five biggest positives to emerge from Washington's 2024 training camp.

Biggest positives from Washington Commanders 2024 training camp

Tyler Owens' surge

Every year there seems to be an undrafted free agent who emerges from obscurity into a roster spot. Tyler Owens is this summer's darling after a sensational training camp and preseason production.

The Washington Commanders made Owens one of their high-priority targets in undrafted free agency. The safety was eager to repay this faith, bursting onto the scene and making big plays aplenty throughout camp.

Owens went from an afterthought to almost a roster lock in just a few short weeks. He's got the physical profile Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. look for in their defensive backs. His explosiveness and instinctive approach went down extremely well, drawing praise from coaches and exciting fans along the way.

There's no way the Commanders can afford to stash Owens on the practice squad. He's got too much quality film to not get scooped off waivers by another team. More importantly, the former Texas Tech standout has earned the right to feature on Washington's initial 53-man roster.

Mike Sainristil's influence

It's not just Jayden Daniels with a significant amount of hype attached among the rookies. The Washington Commanders have been thrilled with what they've seen from cornerback Mike Sainristil this offseason. He looks cemented as the starting slot option and should play a pivotal role right out of the gate in 2024.

Sainristil came to the Commanders on the back of spearheading Michigan's run to the college football national championship. Joe Whitt Jr. said he doesn't carry himself like a typical first-year pro trying to make their way. He's quickly established himself as a potential cornerstone piece and leader within the locker room. For someone with no NFL experience, not being overawed by his surroundings provided the catalyst for a bright training camp.

Tempering expectations is getting difficult where Sainristil is concerned. He's been flying around the field in preseason and camp, displaying next-level instincts and deciphering how plays are developing quickly. There are severe questions about the outside cornerback options, but the Commanders look assured on the interior thanks to the second-round pick's presence.

The sky's the limit for Sainristil. If the player reaches or even exceeds expectations, it could result in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration when push comes to shove.

Commanders tight end dynamic

It's been a long time since the Commanders had a legitimate threat at the tight-end position. Logan Thomas was solid enough, but he was always an expected salary-cap casualty with a new regime coming into the fold and more than $6 million in savings attached to his early departure.

The Commanders moved swiftly to improve the group. Zach Ertz reunited with his former head coach Kliff Kingsbury in free agency. Washington also spent the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ben Sinnott. This dynamic duo has galvanized the unit, which could be an important piece of the offensive puzzle this season if the same trend continues.

Couple this with John Bates demonstrating impressive development under improved coaches, it's not hard to see why optimism surrounds the tight-end room. It's got the right blend of youth and experience. It's also got a quarterback who can get the football out quickly and on time - another significant boost.

Ertz and Sinnott made an outstanding impression over training camp. Hopefully, this is just the start of a blossoming partnership that can help the Commanders make strides in 2024.

Commanders linebackers

Ron Rivera didn't invest enough in his linebackers and the defense suffered greatly. Adam Peters wasn't going to make the same mistake, acquiring two legitimate difference makers who completely shifted the narrative over the team's training camp.

There's a lot to like about the Washington Commanders' linebacking corps these days. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner are as advertised, displaying outstanding production and setting the tone for others to follow. This has the makings of an exceptional tandem. They will provide security behind the defensive front and outstanding leadership in the locker room, which was sorely lacking in 2023.

Things would look even more promising had rookie standout Jordan Magee not suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Jamin Davis might see time at the second level as a result despite transitioning to an edge rusher, but Wagner and Luvu will be the focal points throughout the campaign.

Wagner is the old head and future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. Luvu is a dynamic presence looking to enter the elite category in 2024. That's a dangerous combination - one that can provide the catalyst to brighter days on defense with coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. leading the charge.

Jayden Daniels' transition

The Commanders have renewed professionalism and purpose across the board. However, this is called a quarterback-driven league for a reason. Washington will only go as far as Jayden Daniels takes them in 2024 and beyond.

Expectations couldn't have been higher for the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's the man tasked with ending years of failed personnel moves at football's most critical spot. Daniels has a hefty burden to carry, but his seamless transition was arguably the biggest positive above all else.

Daniels immediately set about winning over his teammates with high-caliber production and an exceptional work ethic. His deep ball, ability to lead by natural aura, and complete control of the huddle were impressive. After two standout preseason efforts, head coach Dan Quinn officially made him the starting quarterback in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - not like there was much doubt about that, in all honesty.

This was the first challenge successfully passed for Daniels. There are bigger tests ahead and competitive games bring a different sense of urgency. Based on the impact made by the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU during his first summer with the organization, he'll take everything in his stride in his relentless pursuit of greatness.

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