8 Commanders barely clinging to relevance before OTAs turn up the heat

Organized team activities begin the structured, higher-tempo work for the Washington Commanders after most roster moves are completed. OTAs give rookies and veterans their first non-voluntary practice setting, with increased demands from the coaching staff that can carry momentum into mandatory minicamp, training camp, and preseason games. The team faces a difficult early schedule, making effective preparation important for starting strong. For eight players, OTAs represent the first opportunity to prove they belong. Jake Moody must re-earn his place after uncertainty from the prior season, while Drew Stevens enters with an undrafted free-agent contract and a confirmed kicking competition. Car’lin Vigers also has a chance to stand out amid debate about the cornerback group.

"First up is organized team activities (OTAs). This is the first chance for rookies and veterans to come together outside of voluntary workouts. There will be more structure, a higher tempo, and increased demands placed on them by the coaching staff. Ideally, this will set the tone for mandatory minicamp, training camp, and preseason games before Washington's Week 1 trip to the Philadelphia Eagles."

"The pressure is on. Head coach Dan Quinn has to bounce back next season. The Commanders face a brutal first six weeks of the campaign, so preparing effectively is the only way they'll hit the ground running. OTAs are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, but they are extremely important all the same."

"The Commanders gave Jake Moody another one-year deal this offseason. His production was solid enough after his arrival last year, but a poor end to the campaign put his status firmly in doubt. And even though Washington gave the kicker a reprieve, he'll have to earn his spot."

"Drew Stevens initially got an invite to Washington's rookie minicamp. But when other teams began to show interest, the Commanders quickly turned it into an undrafted free-agent contract. After making a strong early statement, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that there would be a genuine kicking competition over the summer."

Read at Riggo's Rag