Jayden Daniels' development takes a leap, rookie Jaylin Lane turns heads, and more things we learned about the Commanders offense before pads come on

“Obviously be able to soften the blow as much as possible," Daniels told the media on adding weight. "That helps out because obviously those guys might get a good shot on you and they weigh a lot more than I do. So, just be able to try to build more muscle to absorb those hits.”

Daniels went down after a hit to his ribs on a long run against the Carolina Panthers and I can promise you he doesn't want to feel that again after it lingered for weeks.

The arm strength also looks very live in person as it did last season. Daniels ran through some drills on Sunday where he would roll out and throw on the run, and it looked so effortless. I believe he solidifies himself as a top-5 QB in the NFL.

2. Adam Peters made a strong investment in the OL

The offensive line elevates the entire offense, and last season showed where they could improve in the offseason. If you thought the offense was productive last season, imagine what it will look like with Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. at tackle. 

Tunsil might be the biggest offensive lineman I've seen in person since Trent Williams, and it's obvious why he's been so dominant at left tackle. The veteran also had strong praise for rookie Conerly Jr. saying "he's going to be a dog".

Coleman moving to left guard, where I believe he has a higher ceiling, drastically improves the interior of the line as well. He had experience at both tackle and guard at TCU, and the move is going smoothly.

“I kind of already have a little mind tap on what my aiming points are, my landmarks, what's different," Coleman said on the move back to Guard. "In terms of mindset, when it comes to the running pass game, and now it's just really about feeling it back out, like getting my body back used to it."

Veteran Andrew Wylie also has guard flexibility until Cosmi returns, which sounds like it could be much sooner than expected, or he can start at right tackle until Conerly Jr. is ready. Washington has a better starting five and depth behind it. Protect your franchise QB at all costs.

3. The running game can be revived

The Commanders running game started the season strong, then fell off after injuries to Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. The improvements to the offensive line, which I mentioned above, will already enhance the running game ability, but so will a healthy room and a rookie with promising traits.

Brian Robinson Jr. spoke to the media on Sunday on how he feels this season now that he's healthy and being familiar with the offense.

"Already pretty much knowing what the coaches expect from us," Robinson said on his second season in the offensive system. "Knowing the playbook already. So, as it gets installed, I'm already familiar with it so I can be extra fast with it."

Rookie seventh round gem Jacory Croskey-Merritt also shows a lot of promise with his vision and sharp cuts and Quinn said the coaching staff will really get to see what he has once the pads come on.

4. The receiving room got a boost this offseason

Obviously the Commanders are still waiting on McLaurin to practice with the team, but in the meantime, we got a good look at who else can step up on offense. 

Daniels and new wide receiver Deebo Samuel didn't take long to build a connection, and Samuel looks well prepared to revive his career in Washington. The very first pass of training camp from Daniels went for a touchdown to Samuel on a slot fade that Tyler Owens covered well.

The youth looks promising as well as rookie Jaylin Lane has already made the best catch of training camp and I don't see it being beaten. He Mossed both Mike Sainristil and Quan Martin in the corner of the endzone on a dart from Daniels.

The fight for the last few spots will likely come down to veterans KJ Osborn, Michael Gallup, Chris Moore, and undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks. All four have had impressive moments at camp, but now it's time to step up in padded practices.

The Commanders have been hard at work for the first four practices of training camp and we got to see a glimpse of the team's potential. Now it's time to ramp the physicality and intensity of practice with the pads on and see who rises to the occasion.