5 emerging tone-setters making their mark at Commanders 2025 OTAs

It'll be interesting to see if Reaves can keep this up when things get more intense over the summer. But one cannot ignore the positive impression he's made up to now.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

There is no Jonathan Allen in the locker room anymore. The veteran defensive tackle's long association with the Washington Commanders ended this offseason when the production no longer matched the salary. That leaves a gaping hole that must be filled on the field and from a leadership standpoint, behind the scenes.

Daron Payne is looking to fill it.

The former first-round pick, a longtime teammate of Allen's in Washington and Alabama, was an unassuming character who shied away from being a vocal leader previously. Payne did his work and went about his business away from the spotlight. Now, things have changed.

Payne is answering the challenge issued by defensive line coach Darryl Tapp. He's setting an example for others to follow, which centers on his strong work ethic and making sure the right standards are in place to compensate for Allen's departure. This is the biggest positive imaginable for a defensive front that has some big questions to answer in 2025.

The Pro Bowler drew praise from both Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. at OTAs. His focus, relentless desire, and overall approach were lauded by coaches. Considering how high the stakes are for Payne next season as the team's highest-paid star, this should alleviate any concerns among the fan base regarding his commitment.

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

This shouldn't be a huge shock to anybody who's watched Frankie Luvu's career closely over the last few years. The dynamic linebacker is a maximum-effort individual at all times. There are no half-measures, and everything is done meticulously with the inner fire that other players naturally gravitate towards.

Luvu signed for the Commanders last offseason after emerging as one of the league's most underrated linebackers with the Carolina Panthers. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State took his game to ever greater heights under Dan Quinn, earning second-team All-Pro honors and forming a prolific partnership with legendary figure Bobby Wagner.

This wasn't enough for Luvu. He wants to keep this positive momentum going. He wants to continue his emergence as an inspirational leader. That's been evident throughout Washington's organized team activities according to those in attendance.

The explosiveness and ferocity during drills are as advertised. Luvu already looks in midseason form in pursuit of hitting the ground running next season. He's also lending every possible support to rookie Kain Medrano and second-year player Jordan Magee as they look to force their way into the team's plans.

Luvu became the beating heart of Washington's defensive renaissance last season. He's well on his way to becoming the same again.

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

Deebo Samuel Sr.'s arrival via trade from the San Francisco 49ers could be a masterstroke or fail miserably. There is probably no in-between, but the versatile wide receiver looks like a player reborn over organized team activities.

Samuel looks a lot leaner. He's refocused and ready to help this franchise go on another deep postseason run in 2025. The former second-round pick is slotting in well, developing chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and putting in the hard work needed to become a genuine asset to Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

That's not all. Samuel is also going above and beyond the call of duty to help others. This was something he wasn't known for during his prolific stint in San Francisco, but it's a sign of his emerging leadership and buying into the Washington Commanders' mentality across the roster.

Samuel's been spotted doing extra after practice. He spent time working with second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil, helping with his technique and what receivers are thinking when it comes to early releases off the line of scrimmage. Iron sharpens iron, and young players would be wise to seek his counsel at every opportunity.

The Niners might have given up on Samuel, but Adam Peters thought he had plenty of good football left. There's a long way to go, but he's off to a tremendous start.

Quan Martin - Commanders S

The Commanders believe they have something special on their hands in third-year safety Quan Martin. His production last season took a major step forward after some early jitters. This is even more impressive when one considers he was dealing with two separated shoulders.

Martin fought through the pain to help his team. That's a testament to his competitive demeanor and team-first mindset. But with a full offseason to heal, a genuine breakout campaign looks well within his capabilities in 2025.

It's early days, but Martin is already drawing rave reviews.

Joe Whitt Jr. is holding Martin to the same standard as the league's best safeties moving forward. The defensive coordinator believes he has the talent; it's all about maintaining these heights and growing the former second-round pick into a dominant figure on the backend.

The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk this offseason. That means Whitt needs even more from Martin. And based on the Illinois graduate's output throughout Washington's organized team activities, he's ready to take another surge forward.

Martin cannot do it alone. Will Harris needs to perform well, and the Commanders must get more from their depth pieces. But the safety room will only go as far as the top dog takes them.

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