7 Commanders on thin ice entering make-or-break training camp

The stakes are about to rise considerably as the Washington Commanders gear up for training camp. This is a critical stage of preparations for the new campaign, and the competition for places is fiercer than ever before in D.C.

Dan Quinn and his coaching staff have high standards. The Commanders also have lofty expectations on their shoulders after reaching the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under his stewardship. Anything less would be deemed as a step back by some, so focusing on what comes next and nothing more is paramount.

It's not hard to see why optimism is growing exponentially. The Commanders were aggressive in finding upgrades this offseason. They have a superstar quarterback and several elite-level performers on both sides of the football. A couple of problem areas could hold them back, but it would be extremely disappointing if the trajectory didn't keep pointing up when it's all said and done.

Some players currently on the books won't come along for the ride. That's all part of the business, and general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to cut certain individuals loose if they aren't meeting the required standards.

With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on thin ice entering a make-or-break training camp this summer.

Commanders players on thin ice entering make-or-break training camp

Jalyn Holmes - Commanders DL

Beefing up the trenches on both sides of the football was Adam Peters' most pressing priority this offseason. This was essential when one considers how the Washington Commanders lost their trench warfare battle with the Philadelphia Eagles. If they don't want history to repeat itself, drastic action is imperative.

Peters is also giving the large majority of those who gained reps last season a chance to stake bigger claims. It'll be interesting to see how they fare, but this represents a high-stakes situation for all involved.

Jalyn Holmes fits into this bracket. The defensive lineman flashed as a pass-rusher on occasion. However, his inability to make any sort of impression against the run became an ongoing frustration that could not be ignored.

Holmes needs to improve this area of his game to stand any chance of going through to the 53-man roster. The Commanders signed run-stuffer Eddie Goldman and Javon Kinlaw to provide more physicality. Sheldon Day is also getting another go-around, so the numbers game alone could place the Ohio State product on the outside looking in.

If Holmes doesn't make it, he's a strong contender for the practice squad.

Michael Deiter - Commanders OL

Adam Peters rightfully prioritized offensive line reinforcements this offseason. This is the best way to ensure quarterback Jayden Daniels' phenomenal early success can be sustained. However, that's not going to be good news for everybody.

The arrival of Nate Herbig went completely under the radar compared to the likes of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and No. 29 pick Josh Conerly Jr. Even so, there's a lot to like about his ability as a core depth piece if he proves that his injury problems are in the rearview mirror.

At the very least, Herbig could become a solid understudy to starting center Tyler Biadasz. That places Michael Deiter's aspirations firmly under the microscope, and not in a good way.

Deiter got a new one-year deal from the Commanders this offseason. Most fans thought he was undeserving after failing to meet even modest expectations in 2024. If Herbig can get back to anything like his old form, the Wisconsin product will become surplus to requirements.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB

The NFL is a year-to-year league. And for an ambitious team like the Commanders, anything that happened previously counts for very little.

Everyone must prove themselves all over again. New additions are turning the screw and increasing competition for places. Anyone not displaying the correct development won't last long.

That's why Javontae Jean-Baptiste's progress will be something to monitor closely at training camp. The 2024 seventh-round pick flashed when reps came his way last season. But if he wants additional responsibilities as an NFL sophomore, much more is needed.

Jean-Baptiste is athletic and explosive. There are some technical deficiencies, and his ability against the run needs work, but the former Notre Dame standout should have his sights set on a key rotational role in the edge-rushing room.

That will be testing to attain when one considers the presence of Von Miller and Jacob Martin. The gauntlet has been laid down, so responding positively is the only way Jean-Baptiste won't get left behind.

K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR

The Commanders have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. Terry McLaurin's contract dispute is a distraction they don't need, but hopes are high that some middle ground can be reached before the situation reaches breaking point.

For the rest, it's going to be a fierce battle throughout training camp and the preseason. Places on the roster are at a premium. Those who perform well will be taken through. Those who fail to meet expectations will be shown the door.

K.J. Osborn's predicament could go either way. The wideout made almost no impression last season after arriving late, but the Commanders believe there is something within the player that warrants further investigation.

Perhaps a full offseason with the team will do the trick for Osborn. He's got some decent previous production on the Minnesota Vikings, although his time with the New England Patriots quickly became an unmitigated disaster. What comes next for the former Miami Hurricane is unclear, but the margins couldn't be finer.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders' running back room was tweaked rather than gutted this offseason. Adam Peters kept faith with the options who contributed to the cause in 2024. However, the arrival of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt could ruffle some feathers.

Croskey-Merritt is looking to make his way onto the offensive rotation. He's not come to accept anything less despite his lowly draft status. And based on the encouraging impression he made in early workouts, the rookie looks more than capable of achieving this objective.

That's going to make things more difficult for Chris Rodriguez Jr. to impose himself. The former sixth-round selection displayed improved ball-carrying ability when called upon last season. Opportunities were limited, but his production warranted another look.

Rodriguez is entering Year 3 of his professional career. Things don't look especially promising, but there's a good chance he gets signed back onto the practice squad if he doesn't do enough to make the 53-man roster initially.

Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE

Many fans were surprised to see Clelin Ferrell get another deal from the Commanders this offseason. The defensive end failed to shine in a starting role and was gradually phased out as the campaign wore on. That doesn't bode well for his future outlook, but those in power are willing to give him another shot this summer.

Ferrell won't ever meet the lofty heights expected of a top-five draft pick. The Las Vegas Raiders overplayed their hand by taking the edge threat so high. There's just something missing from a consistency standpoint, despite the odd flashes of promise.

The former Clemson standout faces a fight for his place this time around. Washington added Deatrich Wise Jr., who boasts similar traits, in free agency. They also secured the services of Von Miller, who is aging but comes with glittering previous credentials.

Unless Ferrell demonstrates the necessary improvements, he'll be looking for alternative employment after final cuts.

Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

Michael Gallup believes he's still got a lot of good football left after ending his one-year retirement. The Commanders are giving him the chance to restart his NFL career, but his roster spot is not secure by any stretch of the imagination.

Gallup has a previous connection to Dan Quinn, which smoothed his early transition. The early signs were encouraging, but the wide receiver suffered a frustrating hamstring strain that prevented him from participating in Washington's mandatory minicamp.

That raised concerns about Gallup's durability. It also allowed others to shine in his absence, which raises the stakes considerably heading into training camp.

A monumental effort is needed from Gallup to confirm his place on the 53-man roster. Five of the wide receiver spots seem locked in right now. That leaves one or potentially two for the rest, so maximizing every target and staying healthy is the only way to enhance his claims.

More Commanders news and analysis