Latest Deebo Samuel practice update is exactly what the Commanders need from him at this time of year

Yes, it's still May. However, it's a crucial time to start laying the groundwork for the upcoming season.

There are some important elements established at this time of year like team bonding and new players getting acclimated to their updated surroundings, among other things.

It's always encouraging to hear new players finding their way early-on, whether they're rookies or veterans or in-between. That's the exact case for new Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel, who was acquired via trade back in March.

"He's a football player through and through," Kliff Kingsbury told reporters. "Even being out here at OTAs, you get him on the field and he's got a natural feel for things as he's figuring this offense out. But couldn't be more thrilled [after] having seen it up close and personal for those years to actually get to work with him. He's, like I said, a great football player."

The words "natural" and "figuring this offense out" are encouraging to hear, especially since Samuel has had a tough time with injuries and his weight over the last year or two. The Commanders clearly believe he can get back to his Pro Bowl form or else they wouldn't have traded for him, so it's easy to understand why this is a positive development on their side of the situation.

But obviously what matters most is what happens on the field come September. Samuel and Terry McLaurin not only have the opportunity to form one of the most unique wide receiver tandems in the league, but one of the most lethal, as well.

"[They're] both tremendous players. You know, Terry taking the top off, doing things he does with his route tree outside always scares defenses," said Kingsbury. "And then Deebo, just the myriad of ways you can use him [and] the touches you can get [him].

"He's hard to tackle. That first guy in space rarely gets him down and [it's about] just finding ways that he can continue to impact our offense and still get those other guys the football."

So far, the situation is trending in the right direction and it should continue to follow suit over the coming weeks and months.