Camp hype is building fast around Commanders veteran for all the right reasons

Adam Peters revealed his biggest priority relatively early in the offseason. He wanted to improve the Washington Commanders' supporting cast around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels, and the general manager began this quest in the trenches.

That's going to help Daniels enormously. However, it's also building buzz at training camp around one veteran with high stakes attached to his 2025 exploits.

One area where Peters didn't do much to fortify the ranks was at the running back spot. The front-office leader showed a great deal of faith in those who contributed last season. He thought once the offensive line became more dominant, the backfield threats would enhance their production accordingly.

Brian Robinson Jr. is among them. The former third-round pick is entering the final year of his deal, and the urgency he's displayed throughout Washington's preparations for the upcoming campaign suggests the significance isn't lost on the player.

Brian Robinson Jr. is already thriving behind improved OL at Commanders training camp

Robinson's drawn praise from Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury. He also turned on the style in front of fans for their Back Together Sunday practice, displaying improved contact balance and explosiveness, according to those in attendance.

Opportunity knocks for Robinson. And based on his comments around the offensive line enhancements, he's going to do everything in his power to take advantage of it.

When coaches go out there and buck up the offensive line, it's always gonna put a smile on my face. I'm always thankful for when they go get me some Pro Bowl left tackle. I'll never be against that. I see them working. They, collectively, as a group, are coming together and getting to know each other better with some new guys and new faces in the room … I feel like they've been doing a good job of just paying attention to the details.Brian Robinson Jr. via Commanders.com

This is the best-case scenario for the Commanders. Austin Ekeler will provide pass-catching relief out of the backfield, and hopes are high that rookie seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt can impact the rotation over time. But the ground game will only go as far as Robinson takes it in 2025.

It's not like Robinson was lacking motivation even before the offensive line upgrades. The Commanders are giving him the benefit of the doubt, but this will be his last season in Washington if he cannot become more consistent.

Robinson started well last season before regressing down the stretch. Daniels finished as the team's leading rusher, and the punishment took its toll on the running back as the campaign progressed. Staying fresh is crucial. Having a line capable of carving up bigger rushing lanes is only going to assist.

Whether it'll be enough for a new deal remains to be seen, but his strong start is giving Robinson a fighting chance.

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