Three Minicamp Questions for Washington Commanders to Answer

With the Washington Commanders set to kick off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 16, we break down the three biggest questions they can answer over the next two days.

Development of pass catchers not named Terry McLaurin

The role that veteran Terry McLaurin plays in year eight with the Washington Commanders could be different than his previous seven seasons with a belief that he could move around in David Blough's offense ahead of a target emphasis, but there may not be too many questions about what he can provide. When healthy, McLaurin has consistently led the Commanders' wide receiver room since arriving in Washington, but the rest of the offseason isn't about McLaurin as much as it is the rest of the room.

Dyami Brown adds intrigue as an underneath target with established chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels, now looking to turn the page from what proved to be lackluster season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Van Jefferson also arrives where he adds physicality as an outside receiver who, like McLaurin, can help move the sticks.

Similar could be said for Antonio Williams, where his biggest question will be where he draws the most reps after head coach Dan Quinn noted he played more inside than out to open OTAs. The third round pick could be an X-factor in the passing attack, but maybe no one has more to gain through the offseason than Treylon Burks, who returns for a full season after flashing to end the 2025 season once he was signed off the practice squad.

Injuries have been the theme of Burks's time in the NFL, but what can he do with an expanded opportunity? Washington has shown signs of comfort with its current wide receiver room, and while minicamp gives Jayden Daniels a chance to put his stamp on the new offense, how Burks handles minicamp could go a long way in finalizing whether other moves are made at the position this offseason.

The theme isn't just exclusive to the wide receivers, though, with the Commanders expected to feature two tight end sets under Blough. Chig Okonkwo will be a fixture in the offense where the former Titans product could make a strong case to project to finish second on the team in targets. Yet with John Bates potentially capitalizing on his role as a strong in-line blocker, how Ben Sinnott develops as a secondary option in the passing attack will begin to show in minicamp. Head coach Dan Quinn also previously expressed optimism in Baltimore native Lawrence Cager, but does that materialize into production on the field?

RB Rotation

Position coach Anthony Lynn showed signs of Washington having a starter in the current room with Rachaad White looking to finally step into a larger role after eventually taking a backseat to Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay, yet the former college teammate of Jayden Daniels could face a similar situation in 2026.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt was present yet not working out during OTAs as Lynn pointed to the rest of summer as a chance to get those reps back, but the former seventh-round pick also looks to step into an elevated role. While White adds proven experience as a receiving back, filling a need that was glaring in 2025, Lynn admitted Croskey-Merritt is capable of taking those snaps - he just hasn't gotten an opportunity. Getting 'Bill' back on the field may be one question, but how he handles increased responsibilities along with improved pass blocking could be what determines his ceiling for year two.

Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols both anchor the rotation where the two experienced backs will look to create separation, but maybe no one is more intriguing in the room than rookie Kaytron Allen. Lynn compared the rookie to Chris Rodriguez, who inked with Jacksonville this offseason, as the Penn State product can serve as the short yardage back the room needs.

Whether those roles become more defined - or anyone outperforms - will answer whether the Commanders create the offensive balance that head coach Dan Quinn wanted when parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 

Defensive Chemistry

This extends across the Commanders' defense.

While live contact is limited in minicamp, Washington's defensive line is retooled with Tim Settle re-joining the unit as Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Johnny Newton give position coach Eric Henderson arguably the deepest unit in years. While Settle and Payne could serve as versatile pieces and move along the interior defensive line in the new defensive scheme, how the quartet handle the new terminology and emphasis on communication is worth tracking.

Much can be said in the linebacker room where all eyes are fixated on whether first round pick Sonny Styles can materialize into the defensive leader that he's been viewed to be. Washington has multiple 'green dot' candidates in the unit as Leo Chenal's speed and athleticism have drawn attention, while the presence of Frankie Luvu and development of Jordan Magee add to what's viewed to be an upgraded inside linebacker rotation. Yet after head coach Dan Quinn admitted he felt the communication from his linebackers during OTAs, does Styles take that next step in minicamp?

Washington will also remain patient with the recovery of Trey Amos ahead of his second season, but the cornerback tandem of Mike Sainristil and Amik Robertson has drawn praise from both Quinn and coordinator Daronte Jones. Nick Cross upgrades the strong safety spot as Quan Martin and Will Harris have been spotted roaming around the secondary and even lining up in the nickel. While they'll look to stay loud as they were through OTAs, how the pieces continue to gel together in a complex scheme will show signs whether the defense is capable of flipping the script as one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2025.

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