5 Commanders players ready to shake up the depth chart at OTAs

Phase Three of the Washington Commanders' offseason program begins this week. Organized team activities will run from May 27 to June 6 with a little break in between. This will be swiftly followed by their mandatory minicamp on June 10-12.

Football is slowly returning, and preparations for the 2025 campaign are gathering pace. Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff have a lot of hard work ahead, especially considering the weight of expectations on their shoulders has risen exponentially. Meeting them is crucial.

Under the new regime, the Commanders went from an intriguing also-ran to a legitimate contender in Year 1. That has brought increased adulation and challenges, such as little routine on the 2025 schedule and no fewer than eight standalone games.

That's the price of success around the league. It's been a long time since the Commanders were held in such high regard. But the NFL is a fickle business, so maintaining these new standards and perhaps even increasing them becomes the primary objective.

The extra competition for places is there for all to see. Adam Peters worked immensely hard to enhance the roster this offseason. He was aggressive and methodical in equal measure, finding instant difference-makers without jeopardizing the team's future financial flexibility. The Commanders are in a great position, but the onus is on every player to firmly establish themselves from now on, right through the summer.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players ready to shake up the depth chart during OTAs.

Commanders players ready to shake up the depth chart at OTAs

Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

Much has been made about the Washington Commanders drafting Jaylin Lane at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and striking a trade for Deebo Samuel Sr. to improve their wide receiver weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Michael Gallup's arrival went unnoticed in comparison, but that doesn't detract from the potential intrigue surrounding the once-promising pass-catcher.

Gallup decided to retire just a few weeks into his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders last summer. Being let go by the Dallas Cowboys stung, and his inner motivation had gone. Now, it's back, and the Commanders coaxed him from the couch and back onto an NFL roster.

The former third-round pick out of Colorado State is a long time removed from his 1,107-yard receiving season in 2019. Gallup's influence in Dallas slowly waned after that, but the Commanders are giving him a shot to prove he still has something to offer.

It's not costing them much to find out one way or another. Gallup looks refreshed, refocused, and ready to help Washington get over the hump. Don't be surprised if he catches the eye when OTAs commence.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB

The Washington Commanders didn't give their pass-rushing options the attention most fans were clamoring for this offseason. There is still time for that to change, but it also indicates a level of confidence from Adam Peters in the options available.

Washington added Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin. They brought back Clelin Ferrell, but Dante Fowler Jr. departed for the Dallas Cowboys. Although his frustrations against the run were ongoing, his 10.5 sacks will be missed unless someone else steps up.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste will never get a better chance to impose himself. Last year's seventh-round pick flashed enough over the summer to make the roster. He did the same on the defensive rotation, accumulating 25 percent of Washington's defensive snaps. Even though his progress was halted by a trip to injured reserve midway through the campaign, there could be more to come from the Notre Dame graduate.

Asking Jean-Baptiste to go from a rotational Day 3 rookie to a prolific starter in his second season is unfair and unrealistic in equal measure. However, if the edge threat takes on coaching and seizes opportunities when they arise, the Commanders might reward him with a place further up the pecking order.

It'll be tough, but last season's experience should stand Jean-Baptiste in good stead.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

The running back room was another position group where fans wanted more this offseason. But again, general manager Adam Peters gave those who contributed last season a supreme vote of confidence when most thought it would go the other way.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge again. The Commanders hope that both can improve with a better offensive line dynamic carving open running lanes. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. both got new one-year deals, but the introduction of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt might shake things up considerably.

Croskey-Merritt hasn't come to accept a backup role. He wants to excel and become an important part of Washington's offensive strategy moving forward. Tempering expectations initially would be wise, but there's a growing belief among media members that the Commanders might have a steal on their hands.

The former Arizona and New Mexico standout is eager to make up for some lost time. Croskey-Merritt had his eligibility revoked by the NCAA after just one game with the Wildcats. This saw his draft stock plummet, but the Commanders were suitably impressed with his talent and overall character during their pre-draft examinations.

It'll be fascinating to see how Croskey-Merritt performs throughout Washington's preparations. If he does well, an opportunity to gain rookie reps will arrive.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Tyler Owens was one of the most heartwarming stories to emerge from training camp last summer. Not many gave the imposing safety much of a chance after he went undrafted. The Washington Commanders had other ideas, and he repaid their faith by surging his way onto the 53-man roster.

That was no more than Owens deserved. The Commanders took their time with the player, using the former Texas Tech star as a core special teamer while other areas of his game were developed. Going to injured reserve just before the playoffs was a blow, but all hope is not lost.

The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency, which remains a contentious issue among fans. Will Harris was signed to fill the void, but Adam Peters opted to keep faith with the backup safety options.

That puts Owens in a strong position to stake a bigger claim next season. He's got the size, explosiveness, and physicality to make a difference within Dan Quinn's defensive concepts. If he can progress accordingly, he could unseat Percy Butler from the top backup role when push comes to shove.

It could go the other way, but Owens has more promise than almost anyone in the safety room aside from Quan Martin.

Kain Medrano - Commanders LB

Adam Peters had just five picks at his disposal during the 2025 NFL Draft. Using them wisely was key, which the respected front-office leader managed to accomplish after resisting trade-down offers.

There was one selection that raised more eyebrows than most. With the Commanders desperately needing an explosive young pass-rusher to develop, Peters went with linebacker Kain Medrano at No. 205 in the sixth round instead. That was bemusing to some, but the general manager has earned enough trust for fans to let this play out.

Medrano's athleticism is absolutely off the charts. He was one of the strongest testers among linebackers at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. This also burst off his college tape at UCLA, although the rookie's tackling technique needs significant refinement before he gets reps on the defensive rotation.

There will be a key familiar face in Washington to smooth Medrano's transition. The player and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. worked closely together on the Bruins, and he gave him a strong recommendation before Washington made the pick. Having this trusted figure to guide him on the right part could see improvements arrive quickly.

Medrano will likely occupy a role on special teams. But if he takes on coaching well and learns from the likes of Bobby Wagner, the Commanders could speed things up regarding his rookie outlook.

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