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The Washington Commanders began training camp on Wednesday with plenty of excitement. There was the excitement about a team coming off a 12-win season that many believe can contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. There was excitement surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels and some of Washington’s offseason additions.
Day 1 of training camp is fun because football is back. There are drills, but no pads, so it’s not quite a game-like atmosphere. So, we get to see some one-on-one matchups, but there are no pads, which makes it difficult to judge some positions, such as the offensive or defensive lines. The best matchups are often the receivers against the secondary.
So, which Commanders stood out on Day 1? Here are four standouts from Wednesday’s opening practice.
Deebo Samuel looked great on the first day of practice for the Commanders. Remember, it was only last month when some social media accounts were labeling him “fat” and “lazy.” We aren’t sure where that originated, but it was foolish. Samuel’s trainer recently said the star wide receiver weighed in at around 220 pounds. For a player who thrives in space and after the catch, can you imagine trying to tackle Samuel? Samuel opened up Wednesday’s practice with a touchdown, and he did it running a traditional route. Samuel is out to prove a lot of people wrong in 2025, and Wednesday was a fantastic start.
Training camp could not have started any better for Ja’Corey Brooks, the undrafted free agent from Louisville. You could make the case he was Washington’s best receiver on Wednesday. Brooks made multiple outstanding plays on Day 1. There is always seemingly a receiver who opens eyes during the summer, particularly in the preseason. Brooks got started early. Brooks offers size (6-foot-3) and ball skills. He sat on the bench at Alabama before transferring to Louisville for his final season, where he caught nine touchdowns. Keep your eyes on Brooks.
It’s hard to judge the running backs without pads on, but Croskey-Merritt looked different. He has good size and speed. He is elusive, too. There’s no doubt “Bill” is making the team. The question is how much will he be involved in the offense to begin the season. The Commanders are set atop the depth chart with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but Croskey-Merritt brings something different to the table.
Owens is 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. He’s a former five-star recruit. While he has yet to fulfill his massive potential, there are signs it’s coming. A UDFA last summer, Owens won a spot with a terrific training camp and preseason. He was a standout on special teams during the season until his injury. He is big, fast, hits hard, and does not shy away from contact. His working with the first-team defense on Day 1 is a significant development. No, it doesn’t mean he will start this season, but the coaches want to see him against the starting offense. It was a good first day for Owens.
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