5 Commanders players ready to explode out of nowhere in 2025

If the Washington Commanders want to reach the meteoric heights attained during a phenomenal first season under head coach Dan Quinn, it must be a collective effort. Everyone, from the franchise cornerstones to the depth chart basement dwellers, must contribute. Anything less comes with potentially serious consequences attached.

Everyone within the Commanders knows what is at stake in 2025. Last year's Cinderella story saw them capture the imagination of NFL fans around the world. It finally woke a sleeping giant and announced Washington as a football hotbed once again. But if they cannot build on this newfound positivity, it'll burst the bubble.

That is the primary objective. Contending for one campaign when nobody expects it is one thing. Cementing their status as a perennial contender on the NFL's top table annually is something else entirely.

The signs are encouraging. Second-year general manager Adam Peters made some bold moves this offseason, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin's prolonged contract standoff has been successfully resolved. Getting off to a positive start is crucial, as is coping with an unusual schedule with standalone games aplenty for the first time in decades.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players ready to explode out of nowhere in 2025.

Commanders players ready to explode out of nowhere in 2025

Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S

It seemed as if Jeremy Reaves was destined for a core special teams role and not much else throughout his career. The defensive back carved out a niche for himself and exceled, becoming an All-Pro performer and deservedly getting a contract extension ahead of time this offseason.

The Washington Commanders rely on Reaves for his inspirational on-field effort and growing leadership in the locker room. There have also been signs throughout the summer that Joe Whitt Jr. plans to get him much more involved in the defensive rotation this time around.

Reaves is being used as a third safety alongside Quan Martin and Will Harris in specific defensive alignments. Considering the South Alabama product got just four reps on defense last season, this is a major step in the right direction.

Whitt wants to make better use of Reaves' instinctive playmaking ability. The Commanders need to be more forceful against the run when ball-carriers reach the second level. This is an area where he can assist greatly if his special-teams production is any indication.

The veteran has waited a long time for this opportunity. Don't be shocked if Reaves maximizes it to become a regular defensive feature.

John Bates - Commanders TE

John Bates could never be accused of hogging the limelight or being a household name. There isn't anything especially flashy about the veteran tight end, but he's quietly established himself as an integral part of the Washington Commanders' long-term plans.

He's also among the league's most productive blocking tight ends. Again, that often goes overlooked with more focus on pass-catchers at the position, but it is no less important. In fact, it's absolutely crucial to the Commanders' overall strategy on offense.

Having Bates capable of blocking effectively frees up Zach Ertz to become the FLEX option. This is where his skills are best suited at this stage of his playing career, so it was no surprise to see the pair form a prolific tandem throughout the 2024 campaign.

The Commanders recognized this. They gave Ertz another one-year deal. Bates got a longer-term commitment for three years, which is a just reward for how he's gradually increased his influence en route to a cornerstone role.

If the Commanders want to achieve similar success in 2025, they need Bates to enhance his performance levels. Based on his fleeting yet thumping efforts in the preseason, he looks ready to meet the challenge head-on.

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

The Commanders are looking to become one of the league's most dynamic offenses in 2025. Having quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge is only going to help achieve this objective, but the signal-caller's supporting cast must also meet their end of the bargain.

Everyone must step up. Everyone must contribute in some capacity. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned pro or looking to make your way in the league; there is no room for passengers in Washington this season.

For rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane, there is a huge opportunity ahead. It took a while for the fourth-round pick to get going over early workouts, but he started to put everything together over training camp and the preseason to send expectations soaring.

Getting praise from Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin proves that Lane already has respect within the locker room. The Commanders will bring him along gradually, but don't be surprised if the former Virginia Tech sensation manages to become a big part of Kliff Kingsbury's strategy much sooner than expected.

Lane is explosive, dynamic, and a firecracker with the football in his hands. He's a threat at all three levels of the field and hungry to succeed. That's something the Commanders should put to good use.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE

Dorance Armstrong Jr. is entering his eighth NFL season and his second with the Washington Commanders. But the defensive end remains relatively under the radar compared to most players at his position around the league.

Armstrong emerged as a dependable rotational piece with the Dallas Cowboys early in his career. Dan Quinn saw enough to bring him on board in Washington, making him a starter and the team's most important edge threat by a considerable margin. Aside from a few flashes, his production was nowhere near consistent enough.

There was a lot to like about Armstrong's ability to generate pressure. He was relentless, making offensive linemen extremely uncomfortable through a blend of athleticism and commitment. He only gained five sacks, so finishing off plays more effectively is the next challenge.

The former Kansas standout needs to raise his effort against the run. Armstrong can get overwhelmed and rarely sets a clean edge. That's a problem the Commanders are looking to avoid this time around, so nothing but improvements will do.

Even though Washington signed Javon Kinlaw and Von Miller, they need more from Armstrong. With some productive weapons around him, all pulling in the same direction, double-digit sacks represent a bold yet potentially attainable objective.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

Trading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers was a massive confidence boost for others looking for significant involvement in 2025. Adam Peters felt they had enough to make the former starter surplus to requirements, which represents a huge opportunity for seventh-round selection Jacory Croskey-Merritt to firmly establish himself.

There weren't many (if any) late Day 3 picks who generated more hype than Croskey-Merritt over the summer. His draft stock took a huge hit after the NCAA revoked his eligibility after just one game in 2024. This lit a fire within the player to hit the ground running (literally) when his big NFL chance came.

Croskey-Merritt blazed a trail over early workouts to get noticed. He carried this forward to training camp, proving he belonged when things got more intense. Washington used him sparingly in the preseason, which suggests the coaching staff has big plans for the rookie from the moment he steps onto the field.

Tempering expectations would be smart initially. Croskey-Merritt missed a lot of football last season, so there might be some growing pains. Washington has a committee backfield approach to depend upon, which takes the pressure off the first-year pro during a pivotal transition.

A huge opportunity awaits for Croskey-Merritt. Whether he can take advantage of it is another matter.