7 Commanders who could flip the depth chart upside down at 2025 minicamp

Football is getting closer. The next stage of preparations for the 2025 campaign begins this week when the Washington Commanders come together for their annual mandatory minicamp. And there is a lot at stake for those looking to stake a claim for prominent involvement.

This is the last chance they'll get to impress before training camp. Adam Peters will be watching developments closely, and he won't hesitate to bring more changes to the squad if he isn't entirely satisfied with how things are unfolding.

There's a flip side to this coin. The Commanders have raised competition across the board this offseason. Everything will be earned, and the best players will make the roster. Previous reputations and accomplishments don't matter. It's a clean slate for everyone, which is the best way to approach things as Washington looks to maintain its newfound standards next time.

Players will rise and fall. Some will excel in the pressure cooker and be rewarded accordingly. Others will not meet expectations and be demoted or cast aside entirely. And make no mistake — every rep counts under this coaching staff.

With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who could flip the depth chart upside down at mandatory minicamp.

Commanders players who could flip the depth chart upside down at 2025 minicamp

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

Finding a spot in the wide receiver room is a tough ask for anyone on the fringes. The Washington Commanders have an embarrassment of riches at the position, which is going to help quarterback Jayden Daniels immensely as he looks to build on a sensational rookie campaign.

It'll be difficult, but not impossible. Ja'Corey Brooks will be someone worth watching over Washington's mandatory minicamp. And the undrafted free agent hasn't come just to make up the numbers.

Brooks failed to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft despite an outstanding final college campaign at Louisville. The Commanders moved swiftly to get him on board when the undrafted free-agent frenzy began. He's used this chip on his shoulder well so far, performing well in early workouts to catch the eye enough to raise intrigue.

This is a positive first step for Brooks, but what comes next is more important. The wideout needs to keep up these strong performances when things get more intense over the summer. This starts at mandatory minicamp, and the margin for error remains razor-thin.

There is momentum on Brooks' side. If he can build upon it over minicamp, he'll have a fighting chance when training camp rolls around.

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

Jaylin Lane has made a positive impact so far. There is an enormous sense of intrigue around the wide receiver, who most thought was another steal for the Washington Commanders at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

As previously mentioned, establishing roles in the wide receiver room is a tough task. Lane is striving to help in any way he can. Whether that's as a key part of the offensive rotation or as Washington's explosive kick returner remains to be seen, but hopes are high regardless.

Lane wasted no time in making his presence felt over early workouts. He was a highlight reel waiting to happen throughout OTAs according to those in attendance, displaying his customary speed and dynamism that the Commanders became enamored with during their pre-draft assessments.

If the former Virginia Tech standout can keep this up over Washington's mandatory minicamp and beyond, it would be a big shock if Kliff Kingsbury didn't get him heavily involved right out of the gate.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE

Much has been made about the Commanders' edge-rushing options (or lack thereof) this offseason. Fans wanted to see Adam Peters do more to rectify this potentially grave issue. The general manager seems confident in the options available, but it's a precarious situation that could go either way.

Everyone currently on the books will get a shot at establishing themselves before Peters decides on further action. It would be a shock if another capable performer didn't arrive at some stage, but the Commanders are hoping someone comes to the fore instead.

That brings Javontae Jean-Baptiste under the microscope. The former seventh-round pick flashed promise when called upon as a rookie. It wasn't jaw-dropping by any stretch of the imagination, but there was enough to suggest improvements could arrive.

Tempering expectations would be wise. At the same time, Jean-Baptiste might be able to force the coaching staff into giving him a more influential role if he shows enough in the coming weeks.

Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S

The Commanders have some concerns about their safety room entering 2025. Adam Peters' decision to let Jeremy Chinn walk in favor of the Las Vegas Raiders was a calculated risk that could backfire if nobody proves capable of filling the void. But there is growing confidence in the building that a once-overlooked defensive back can begin to thrive in the rotation.

Joe Whitt Jr. recently acknowledged that he needs to find ways to get Jeremy Reaves on the field. The defensive coordinator wants to maximize his playmaking ability, which is a notable step in the right direction for someone who's been seen as a special-teams ace and nothing more throughout his career.

Reaves is an inspirational leader and an All-Pro special-teams presence. He can make things happen when called upon, but the production is sometimes sketchy. Harnessing his athletic intangibles effectively is the next challenge, which makes him a player worth watching at Washington's mandatory minicamp and beyond.

Opportunity knocks for Reaves. Capitalizing on it is crucial.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders waited a long time before adding to their running back room this offseason. Adam Peters saw something in Jacory Croskey-Merritt that others didn't, spending the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on a promising prospect who's endured a turbulent time of late.

Croskey-Merritt's draft stock plummeted after having his eligibility revoked by the NCAA one game into his transfer to Arizona. Although disappointing, the backfield threat landed in a fantastic spot to gain immediate involvement.

The Commanders' ground game regressed last season. Peters is giving those who contributed last season another go-around in the hope that Washington's offensive line upgrades can help them become more consistent. If not, Croskey-Merritt is a nice insurance policy with the explosiveness needed to add an extra injection of energy.

Early reports have been glowing around Croskey-Merritt over early workouts. His conviction to exploit gaps and his ability as a pass-catcher have caught the eye of those in attendance at OTAs. If the same trend continues, it will shake up the running back dynamic considerably.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

There is another safety option who could force the issue in pursuit of more involvement next season. That, of course, is second-year pro Tyler Owens.

The former undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech became one of Washington's most heartwarming stories last season. Owens came from nowhere to book his place on the 53-man roster, which is nothing more than what the defensive back deserved after a phenomenal transition to a professional environment.

Owens didn't get any involvement on the defensive rotation, being deployed on special teams instead. This wasn't entirely surprising, especially considering he also suffered an injury midway through the campaign, but the experience of being around the squad during a memorable campaign should serve him well.

There is an opening for Owens this summer. He's got the size and athleticism to potentially fill the void left by Jeremy Chinn or at least become a prominent piece of the rotation. That only happens if the NFL sophomore stands out at mandatory minicamp and throughout the summer.

Jordan Magee - Commanders LB

The Commanders ran it back with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as their dynamic linebacking tandem, which is the biggest positive imaginable. But those in power will be hoping one of their young stars at the defensive second level comes to the fore alongside the veteran duo.

Kain Medrano is an intriguing rookie, but he's extremely raw from a technical standpoint. Jordan Magee looks like the primary candidate to break out, and he's got the physical tools to make an impression with the correct development this summer.

Magee was a standout over early workouts last year before injuring his knee. That stunted his development considerably, and the Commanders rightfully took their time with the former Temple standout to avoid further complications upon his return.

Bigger things are expected of Magee this time around. Joe Whitt Jr. singled him out recently as a player who could take a huge leap. This faith must be repaid by the linebacker whenever opportunities come his way at mandatory minicamp.

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