ASHBURN, Va. — Rookies and undrafted free agents selected by the Commanders took first step in their NFL careers this week at the team's rookie minicamp in Ashburn, Virginia.
During the minicamp, new players get the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn the Commanders playbook, while building chemistry with other players on the field. As the new era dawns with new ownership and a new head coach, there will be plenty to keep an eye on in Ashburn.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels put on the burgundy and gold for the first time during minicamp, hoping to make his case to start under center. It’s unclear if Daniels will play right away, get the chance to compete for the starting job or sit and learn behind veteran Marcus Mariota, who is willing to be a mentor after signing a one-year deal in free agency. Whether it’s Daniels, Mariota or journeyman Jeff Driskel, Washington will have an eighth different Week 1 starting QB in as many seasons after trading Sam Howell to Seattle.
Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn talked to reporters Saturday after spending the first day watching Daniels and other new members of the team working out.
“For Jayden, for all the guys, we’re going to establish some standards about how we want to practice, how we want to go through things, how a certain player can learn and perform. So, for him and for all the teammates going through here it’s like, let’s get this process started and finding the details to go," Quinn said. "What I saw on the field was pretty much exactly what we saw from his time. But what you don’t see on the tape is how much this guy loves football. He works so hard at it. It's one of the things that makes my heart smile about him. The type of competitor he is and the way he goes about his business.”
While most of the excitement surrounds the Commanders No. 2 overall draft pick, there are eight other draft picks to evaluate, including Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton, Mike Sainristil, Ben Sinnot and Luke McCaffrey.
In addition to those players, the Commanders signed 11 undrafted free agents (UFAs) after the draft ended, including Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman, cornerback Chigozie Anusiem and running back Austin Jones.
Most of the UFAs are candidates for the team's practice squad, but there are always opportunities for players to stand out and get a spot on the roster. Typically undrafted players are fighting for a roster spot, while drafted players are hoping to make a strong impression to earn more playing time.
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