5 Commanders who turned heads with superstar swagger on Day 1 of minicamp

There is an aura around Tunsil that cannot be ignored. He's a massive human with the physical scope to become a game-changing force for the Commanders. Showing up also alleviates any concerns about rumored unhappiness with his contract, which is a relief considering Terry McLaurin isn't around currently.

Tunsil's imposing stature was the talk of Day 1. The Commanders are expecting an immediate return on their investment, but he's more than capable of delivering the goods.

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

Bobby Wagner wasn't present on Day 1 of mandatory minicamp. The accomplished linebacker was dealing with a personal issue and is expected back for Day 2. However, this gave a chance to one fledgling hopeful on the first-team rotation.

With Wagner unable to fill his usual duties, the Washington Commanders got a prolonged look at Jordan Magee with the first-team unit. The former Temple star wasn't going to waste this opportunity.

Magee caught the eye of those in attendance. He was explosive and didn't look out of place whatsoever. This is exactly what defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. wanted to see, especially considering he's already declared an intent to get him involved in more three-linebacker sets next season.

The No. 139 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft made a huge impression at early workouts last year. Magee's momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt after a knee injury required surgery. The Commanders took their time with the player upon his return, but it seems like he's ready to be unleashed this time around.

There's no doubt Magee is firmly behind Wagner and Frankie Luvu in the linebacking food chain. But if the same trend continues, he'll be on the field much more in 2025.

Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB

There has been a significant amount of hype around second-round cornerback Trey Amos throughout early workouts. However, the Commanders always make their prized rookies earn starting jobs rather than being handed anything outright.

Joe Whitt Jr. slotted veteran Jonathan Jones opposite the returning Marshon Lattimore during team drills on Day 1 of Washington's mandatory minicamp, according to those in attendance. The two-time Super Bowl winner joined in free agency this year after a glittering spell with the New England Patriots. It's early days, but this looks like it could be a tremendous piece of business when it's all said and done.

Jones was hugely impressive, based on the reports coming from the media. His previous accomplishments need no introduction, although there was notable regression in his coverage capabilities last time around. If the former undrafted free agent out of Auburn can bounce back in a winning environment, the better Washington's defensive aspirations will be.

In an ideal world, Amos will continue his impressive transition and become the outside starter from Week 1. This would leave Jones as a rotational piece capable of slotting in seamlessly depending on the specific matchup. That's not a bad tool for Whitt to call upon as the Commanders aim for another deep postseason run in 2025.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

There is more hype around Jacory Croskey-Merritt than most seventh-round picks receive in their first offseasons. The running back comes into the Washington Commanders with a big chip on his shoulder after seeing his draft stock plummet through no real fault of his own. And he's got an immediate role on the backfield rotation in his sights.

The Commanders believe Croskey-Merritt could be a steal. He's done nothing to diminish these claims over early workouts, displaying the speed and explosiveness that is scattered right across his college production.

The former Arizona and New Mexico star continued this positive trajectory on Day 1 of Washington's mandatory minicamp. It was a dazzling session from Croskey-Merritt that didn't go unnoticed by those watching from the sidelines.

Croskey-Merritt's decisiveness and pace of his cuts were highly impressive. The No. 245 overall selection also made his presence felt with a 60-yard run during team drills, which only whetted the appetite further about what the player might be capable of as a rookie.

This is yet another major statement of intent from Croskey-Merritt. His performance levels and the urgency with which he approaches everything are difficult to ignore. If he manages to keep this up over the summer, especially when carries come his way in the preseason, Kliff Kingsbury would be wise to include him in the offensive strategy immediately.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

All the talk has been on other wide receivers this offseason. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., drafted Jaylin Lane, and coaxed Michael Gallup out of retirement. That raises competition for places, which is bringing a positive response from Luke McCaffrey.

The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft got plenty of reps as a rookie but very few targets. McCaffrey displayed encouraging signs in the return game, but that won't be his ambition again. He wants to become an influential member of the passing attack, and he's made a good start in pursuit of achieving this objective.

McCaffrey gave a good account of himself on Day 1. He created one of the memorable highlights, bursting downfield to beat Marshon Lattimore for a 40-yard reception. It'll take much more to stake a claim, but it's a sign that confidence is growing within the former Rice standout.

With Terry McLaurin absent as his contract stalemate shows no signs of being resolved, it presents an opportunity for others to showcase what they could potentially bring to the table. McCaffrey isn't the only one thriving, but more is expected of the Day 2 pick now that he's got some proven NFL experience under his belt.

Stacking positive performances is the next challenge, but he's off to a good start.

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