5 Commanders who turned heads with superstar swagger on Day 2 of minicamp

Dan Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff will roll with the punches. For those fit and on the field, this remains a chance to impress and, in some cases, force their way into the team's plans in 2025.

Some are coming to the fore positively. With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who turned heads with superstar swagger on Day 2 of the team's mandatory minicamp.

Commanders who turned heads with superstar swagger on Day 2 of minicamp

Kain Medrano - Commanders LB

The Washington Commanders caused a stir by selecting linebacker Kain Medrano over any remaining edge rusher at No. 205 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fans felt there was still meat on the bone to solve a major need. Adam Peters had a different idea, and the second-level presence came highly recommended.

UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster raved about Medrano's work ethic and potential. Ken Norton Jr., the Commanders' linebackers coach, spent time on the Bruins and gave this move his seal of approval. There was also his exceptional testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, which represents some untapped promise that Washington is eager to nurture.

Medrano is tapping into every possible resource in pursuit of silencing his doubters. Learning from established pros like Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu makes this a fantastic landing spot. Familiarity with Norton is also serving him well, and the rookie seems to be picking things up quicker than expected, based on reports.

There was a lot to like about Medrano's impact on Day 2 of Washington's mandatory minicamp, according to those in attendance. The first-year pro was explosive and reacted well to what was going on in front of him. He even managed to force a fumble from All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. during the team portion of practice, which is a major early feather in his cap.

Much more is needed to carve out an immediate role on the defensive rotation. But Medrano might not be the wasted pick some in the media proclaimed if his strong transition is any indication.

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

There is something different about Marshon Lattimore this time around. The veteran cornerback is fully healthy and ready to remind the world why he was such a highly touted acquisition before the 2024 trade deadline.

Lattimore has benefited tremendously from an extended rest period. It's given the hamstring issue that blighted his production when on the field last season time to heal. The explosiveness and athleticism have returned, and the Commanders' secondary is going to be in a much better place because of it.

The former first-round pick out of Ohio State was among the top-level performers on Day 2 of Washington's mandatory minicamp. Lattimore looked assured in coverage during the team portion of practice. The speed with which he broke on the ball to deny Noah Brown a big completion was especially encouraging, according to those in attendance.

It's early days, but the difference is notable. Lattimore admitted he never felt right last season. He wanted to fight through the pain and repay the Commanders for their faith, but it wasn't to be. Thankfully, everything has changed.

Lattimore is fit and firing. If the same trend continues over the summer, fans should expect the four-time Pro Bowler to become a shutdown coverage presence on the boundary that could change everything.

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

It didn't take long for head coach Dan Quinn to single out Ben Sinnott for special praise. The head coach is thrilled with the way he's applied himself throughout the offseason. And the initial on-field results are evident.

Sinnott is looking to firmly establish himself in Year 2 of his professional career. The 2024 second-round pick was used sparingly as a rookie but did flash when called upon. Even though Zach Ertz and John Bates were both deservedly given new deals in free agency, fans are expecting more from the Kansas State graduate.

It's a steep challenge for Sinnott. However, it's bringing a positive response from the athletic tight end over early workouts.

There's an extra sense of sharpness to Sinnott's route-running and explosiveness out of his cuts according to those watching on at Washington's mandatory minicamp. He's creating separation with more frequency, which is helping build trust with quarterback Jayden Daniels for good measure.

Sinnott is already an outstanding blocker. If he can refine his pass-catching prowess and gradually establish himself, it'll provide Daniels with two legitimate options in the tight end room that he can depend upon in key moments.

Ertz is playing well, but he isn't going to be around forever. Sinnott showing TE1 capabilities would be an amazing development.

Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels is the franchise quarterback and big hope for the Washington Commanders. The team will only go as far as last year's No. 2 pick takes them. And general manager Adam Peters did everything possible to surround the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with everything needed to thrive this offseason.

Daniels is the undisputed starter. However, there's been plenty to like about Marcus Mariota's production over Washington's mandatory minicamp so far.

Mariota opted to stay in Washington on a one-year deal this spring when most projected the former Oregon standout to fight for a starting gig elsewhere. He embraced the backup role as Daniels' mentor and wanted to see the project through before potentially exploring alternative employment in 2026.

The Commanders know Mariota can deliver the goods if Daniels is forced to miss time. His level of comfort within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts has increased according to observers. The signal-caller is poised, and accurate, continuing to evolve despite his advancing years. That won't threaten Daniels' job, but it's the best possible insurance policy.

If Mariota keeps this up over the summer and makes his presence felt over the preseason, that might prick the ears of a team going through some quarterback turmoil. And if the Commanders get a trade offer they can't refuse, those in power would be foolish not to consider the possibility.

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

The Commanders raised a few eyebrows when they took Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. They'd already made a bold trade to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, but that wasn't enough for general manager Adam Peters in pursuit of fixing the offensive trenches.

Peters thought Conerly would go much higher. The Commanders got a stroke of good fortune, and Jayden Daniels could have a bookend tackle tandem to depend upon if everything goes according to plan.

Conerly is starting to look comfortable. The former Oregon edge force had arguably his best day of practice on Wednesday, displaying the sharp footwork and sound technical prowess that made him a coveted target for the Commanders following their extensive pre-draft evaluations.

One rep, in particular, was highlighted by the media in attendance. Free-agent signing Jacob Martin tried to beat Conerly with a power rush move. Play strength was his biggest concern coming out of college, but the tackle showcased his firm base to stonewall the pass-rusher.

If Conerly can keep adding to the power element of his game away from the team, that'll show up at training camp as he looks to cement his status as the team's starting right tackle opposite Tunsil in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

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