5 unexpected Commanders who shocked everyone at training camp

Training camp is officially winding down for the Washington Commanders, but the hard work is just getting started.

Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff are trying to ready their players for some testing challenges ahead. The lingering cloud of Terry McLaurin's contract standoff remains, but there have been some pleasant surprises along the way that represent reasons for encouragement.

It has not all been smooth sailing. Washington's lackluster showing in the team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots left a sour taste in Quinn's mouth. The respected coach felt like the standards weren't being met, and he let everyone know about it. And it's better to work out the kinks now rather than during the regular season.

Adam Peters and Quinn will have a good indication of what the roster could look like in Week 1. There is still time to alter perceptions for those fighting for their future. But for others who've left a surprisingly good impression, all signs are pointing up.

With this in mind, here are five unexpected Commanders players who shocked everyone (for differing reasons) at Washington's training camp this summer.

Unexpected Commanders players who shocked everyone at training camp

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders felt like they had a steal on their hands when cornerback Trey Amos was available at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters considered taking the physically imposing defensive back with the No. 29 pick, but went with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. instead. As luck would have it, the Ole Miss product was still available late in the second.

Peters didn't hesitate. And looking at the way Amos has applied himself since joining the Commanders, it's not hard to see why.

Dan Quinn and his staff make their rookies earn everything. Whether they are highly touted recruits or undrafted free agents starting from the bottom, everyone gets treated the same. They challenged Amos immediately, giving the player all he could handle. To say it received a positive response would be a huge understatement.

Amos has thrived. The Commanders quickly placed him as the starting boundary option opposite Marshon Lattimore in the secondary, and he seized the opportunity with his customary determination. He's not displaying rookie frailties in coverage. He's also more than willing to help against the run, which cannot be said of most cornerbacks who turned out for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense last season.

There was cautious optimism around Amos heading into camp. Now, expectations have gone through the roof.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

There were several feel-good stories to emerge within the Washington Commanders this summer. Arguably, none were more heart-warming than Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

The running back waited a long time before the Commanders came calling at No. 245 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. There's no doubt Croskey-Merritt would have gone much higher, but having his eligibility revoked by the NCAA represented a devastating blow.

It was a put-up or shut-up moment for Croskey-Merritt. The player stayed focused and around Arizona's facility to help his teammates. This endeared him to the Commanders during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments, and he's making the most of his big opportunity.

Croskey-Merritt is running with the purpose and aggression that saw him take college football by storm. It immediately ruffled some feathers in the running back room, especially considering Kliff Kingsbury began working the rookie into his first-team offense as camp progressed.

That is a huge positive for Croskey-Merritt. He's not going to get complacent, but it's hard to ignore the momentum building. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler seem entrenched as the team's starting tandem currently. However, the first-year pro has a shot to become RB3 if the same trend continues over the next fortnight.

In this scenario, don't be surprised if Croskey-Merritt features on the offensive rotation sooner than anticipated.

Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S

The Commanders have always thought a great deal of Jeremy Reaves. He's a respected figure in the locker room and an All-Pro performer on special teams. His energy is infectious, and he's adept at bringing everyone together through the good times and bad.

At the same time, Reaves was seen as something of a one-trick pony. The Commanders benefited greatly from his special-teams production, but even the new regime was reluctant to give him opportunities on the defensive rotation. That trend was expected to continue in 2025, but that might not be the case this time around.

Joe Whitt Jr. outlined his intent to get Reaves more involved on defense. The coordinator believes that his playmaking ability and instinctive style can be a major asset. He was a man of his word, and the veteran safety is responding positively.

Reaves has shone throughout camp. His ferociousness and composure in equal measure have been a breath of fresh air. He's thriving in three-safety sets next to Quan Martin and Will Harris. This is the confidence boost he needed, so expect to see Whitt implement the schematic concept when the situation dictates.

Nobody deserves this more than Reaves. Hopefully, this can be the start of bigger things to come.

Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB

Noah Igbinoghene became something of a forgotten figure in the Washington Commanders' cornerback room this offseason. Two new arrivals with starting credentials, coupled with the return to health of Marshon Lattimore and the ongoing ascension of Mike Sainristil, saw him buried down the depth chart as an afterthought. A big response was needed.

Igbinoghene deservedly got a new one-year deal before free agency. He might not ever reach the heights expected as a first-round pick, but his production last season represented a big step in the right direction.

The former Auburn standout has put some newly acquired momentum to good use this summer. Not many fans were expecting much from Igbinoghene. However, he's proving his worth not only as a depth piece, but also as someone who can be trusted to log starting reps if needed when the 2025 campaign arrives.

Lattimore, Sainristil, and second-round rookie Trey Amos are cemented as the starting cornerback trio. The Commanders will need more if they want to counteract some imposing passing attacks on the schedule, and Igbinoghene is displaying the strides expected.

Things looked bleak for Igbinoghene once upon a time this offseason. After improving his consistency and showing the correct resolve in the face of adversity, that's not the case anymore.

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

The Commanders' wide receiver dynamic has been under a cloud throughout the summer. Terry McLaurin is embroiled in a contract battle, with neither side willing to budge. And there are growing concerns that Washington might not have sufficient depth to cope without the second-team All-Pro.

Several established veterans are coming in for criticism. However, the reports remain glowing around undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks as he looks for a shocking spot on the 53-man roster.

Brooks was a high-priority target for the Commanders once the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. A subpar 40-yard dash time saw his stock slide enough to not hear his name called, but it was evident from early on this offseason that the wideout plays a lot faster.

It's not been perfect, but nobody expected it to be. Overall, everyone associated with the Commanders has been pleasantly surprised by Brooks' production and future outlook. He also took this through into a typical game-day setting, bringing in all five of his targets in Washington's preseason opener versus the New England Patriots.

Momentum is building around Brooks. At the same time, the Commanders are leaning toward veteran players as Adam Peters embarks on a win-now philosophy. This means it could legitimately still go either way for the Louisville product.

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