Commanders' huge gamble showed up to minicamp looking like a different player

Things didn't go according to plan for Marshon Lattimore following his bombshell trade to the Washington Commanders before the 2024 deadline. Based on impressions over the team's mandatory minicamp, he's eager to make up for some lost time.

Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs, which wasn't a great look. However, the veteran cornerback answered his critics and more by turning up to minicamp looking like a completely different player.

The former first-round pick looked fully healthy, which was never the case when he joined the Commanders last season. Lattimore's hamstring injury has healed, and the change in explosiveness was incredible.

Washington's shutdown presence feels like his old self again. That's only going to mean great things for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense next time around.

A highly motivated and healthy Marshon Lattimore is fantastic news for Commanders

There was a notable sharpness to Lattimore's movements. He was more agile and had no limitations whatsoever, according to those in attendance. There were also no inner doubts about whether a quick-twitch move could cause further damage. Again, that wasn't the case when he took the field last season.

Lattimore is confident the best is yet to come. He noted to the media that everything feels good and he's ready to make a return to his previously influential self. The Commanders need the Ohio State graduate at the peak of his powers, ready to tackle the league's best wideouts and lock down one side of the field. That might be the difference between success and failure.

Staying healthy is paramount. The Commanders will do everything possible to limit the risk over the summer to ensure Lattimore is ready to hit the ground running against the New York Giants in Week 1. There is a long way to go, but the dark cloud that covered the four-time Pro Bowler last season has vanished.

The Commanders' cornerback room could become an area of real strength if Lattimore bounces back. Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting. Second-round pick Trey Amos has the physical profile to contribute immediately. Jonathan Jones brings proven production and winning experience. Noah Igbinoghene enjoyed the best season of his pro career in 2024 and was deserving of another financial commitment.

That's five formidable options, there's no getting away from that. At the same time, Washington's secondary will only go as far as Lattimore takes them.

Lattimore heard all the criticism from those who ignored the mitigating circumstances behind his inconsistencies. He's determined to make them pay, and the Commanders stand to reap some significant rewards if he achieves this objective.

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