Commanders second-year standout finally rises and Dan Quinn is paying attention

It's all hands on deck for the Washington Commanders as they look to reach loftier targets in 2025. Those in power will be relying heavily on a promising young core to achieve their objectives.

And head coach Dan Quinn is convinced that an under-the-radar star is ready to make a huge leap in Year 2 of his professional career.

Adam Peters got some outstanding returns from his first draft class. Every pick made the squad, and most accumulated significant reps during Washington's momentous run to the NFC Championship game. That was a huge positive, but what comes next is more vital.

The Commanders got back to the NFL's top table. Staying there is something else entirely, so nothing but improvements and more superb resolve will do.

Dan Quinn expecting Johnny Newton to thrive in Year 2 with the Commanders

Everyone must contribute. Some more than others, but Quinn has improved confidence that Johnny Newton can build on his rookie flashes to become an integral part of the team's defensive strategy.

Quinn focused his belief on Newton's improved power, which came in for criticism against the run last time around. Couple this with his explosiveness off the snap, and it's not hard to see why optimism is growing.

Probably the strength I would say. Because he wasn't probably able to do all the typical strength movements and that he had due to the foot injuries for, but I feel like his leg strength and that explosiveness, that's probably what I see the most, the twitch. He's always been a quick person, but now with all the power that goes with it. I do see an uptick in that.Dan Quinn via Clutch Points

The Commanders need more from their defensive trenches next season. It remains an area of concern despite the additions of Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr., but if Newton can surge into a possible breakout campaign, that will go a long way to alleviating doubts.

Newton has the talent. He missed a lot of time during his critical early development last summer, so the fact that he made such a decent contribution as a rookie cannot be seen as anything other than positive. And being part of such an incredible campaign is an experience that should serve him well.

Responsibilities will increase and demands will be higher for Newton this time around. It's something he's taking seriously if Quinn's glowing recommendation is any indication. If the same trend continues when training camp rolls around, the former second-round pick out of Illinois could enter a completely different stratosphere when competitive action begins again.

That would be a win-win for everybody.

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