The Washington franchise has worn many names throughout its storied history, but in 2025, the identity remains crystal clear: this is a team ready to make noise. After improving their 4–13 record from 2023 to 12–5, marking their first winning regular season since 2016 and best record since 1991, the Commanders are no longer content with being a feel-good story. They want championship hardware.
The Seven Underdogs Ready to Erupt
Training camp battles are where legends are born and dreams are shattered. While marquee names grab headlines, it’s often the overlooked players who provide the depth and unexpected production that separate contenders from pretenders. Here are seven Commanders underdogs positioned to make waves in Ashburn:
1. Javontae Jean-Baptiste – DE/OLB
College Background: The former Notre Dame star was explosive with the quick-twitch movements to thrive once his pass-rushing arsenal increases during his college career with the Fighting Irish.
Why He’s Formidable: Last year’s seventh-round pick made the team and flashed promise when limited action came his way. Despite injury setbacks, Jean-Baptiste possesses the athletic tools to develop into a pass-rushing specialist. His explosiveness off the edge could be exactly what Washington’s defense needs to generate consistent pressure.
2. Josh Conerly Jr. – OT (Rookie)
College Background: He became the starting left tackle in 2023, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. Conerly earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named an All-American by The Athletic as a junior in 2024 at Oregon.
Why He’s Formidable: At just 21 years old, Conerly is only 21 years old, so he has years of room to grow as an NFL player. That said, he’s already an athletic freak. His performance against elite competition, including zero pressures on 35 pass block snaps in the Big Ten Championship, showcases his NFL readiness.
3. Mike Sainristil – CB
College Background: He looks cemented as the starting slot option and should play a pivotal role right out of the gate in 2024. Sainristil came to the Commanders on the back of spearheading Michigan’s run to the college football national championship.
Why He’s Formidable: His veteran presence despite being a rookie has impressed coaches. Joe Whitt Jr. said he doesn’t carry himself like a typical first-year pro trying to make their way. He’s quickly established himself as a potential cornerstone piece and leader within the locker room.
4. Ben Sinnott – TE
College Background: Washington also spent the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ben Sinnott, adding depth and talent to the tight end room.
Why He’s Formidable: The combination of youth and the mentorship of veteran Zach Ertz creates a dynamic duo that could revolutionize Washington’s passing attack. This dynamic duo has galvanized the unit, which could be an important piece of the offensive puzzle this season if the same trend continues.
5. Quan Martin – S
College Background: Now entering his third season, Martin has shown steady development since joining the Commanders.
Why He’s Formidable: Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had high praise for Martin during OTAs when he said Martin could become one of the league’s better safeties. His improvement trajectory suggests a breakout season is within reach.
6. Luke McCaffrey – WR/Return Specialist
College Background: The younger brother of Christian McCaffrey has carved his own path in football.
Why He’s Formidable: Rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey recorded 180 return yards on kickoffs, the most by a Washington player since Brandon Banks in 2010. His versatility and big-play ability make him a weapon in multiple phases.
7. Johnny Newton – DT
College Background: with later selections including defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the 2024 draft, adding interior defensive line depth.
Why He’s Formidable: As part of Washington’s defensive line overhaul, Newton provides the youth and athleticism to complement veteran additions. His development could be crucial to stopping the run and creating interior pressure.
Championship Atmosphere in Training Camp
The energy in Ashburn is palpable. Battles will be fierce with no quarter given over camp. It’s intense, physical, and the urgency across the franchise is extremely high. They don’t want to become a one-season wonder. They want to prove this once-proud organization is back.
Head coach Dan Quinn has instilled a championship culture from day one. The Commanders have renewed professionalism and purpose across the board, creating an environment where players are pushed to their limits and beyond.
The Remarkable Five-Year Transformation
The numbers tell a story of dramatic improvement:
- 2020: 7-9 (Washington Football Team)
- 2021: 7-10 (Washington Football Team)
- 2022: 8-8-1 (Washington Commanders)
- 2023: 4-13 (Washington Commanders)
- 2024: 12-5 (Washington Commanders)
This represents an eight-win improvement from 2023 to 2024, the largest leap by a team since 2019, when the San Francisco 49ers finished 13-3 after going 4-12 the previous season. The winning percentage jumped from .235 in 2023 to .706 in 2024 – a stunning 47.1% improvement.
Confidence Across All Three Phases
Offensive Line Strength
The addition of former Texans lineman arrives to help revitalize an offensive line that was ranked at the bottom of the league in 2024. Tunsil’s presence alone should elevate the unit’s play. Combined with rookie Josh Conerly Jr.’s potential, the offensive line transformation is remarkable.
Defensive Confidence
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have all the ingredients to bring a new evolution to the NFL Defense right here in Washington. The addition of veteran leadership like Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, combined with young talent, creates dynamic duos at every level: Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos, Quan Martin and Mikey Sainristil, Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, and Daron Payne and Johnny Newton.
Special Teams Excellence
The special teams unit has been revitalized with new additions and renewed focus on this often-overlooked phase of the game.
The Rookie Phenom
Josh Conerly Jr., who was selected by the Washington Commanders in the first round (29th overall) of the 2025 NFL draft, represents the type of talent that hasn’t even taken an NFL snap yet but is already showing signs of greatness. The Commanders’ culture is built on competition, and they expect Conerly to earn his role.
His college performance against elite competition, particularly in the Big Ten Championship, Carter was limited to zero sacks on six true pass rush snaps against Conerly, demonstrates the kind of impact he could have protecting Jayden Daniels.
Super Bowl Expectations
The expectations in Washington have never been higher. Washington’s hopes of winning the Super Bowl are no longer a distant dream but a tangible goal. The Commanders finished the regular season with a 12-5-0 record, 2nd in NFC East Division and made it to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.
With quarterback Jayden Daniels set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by a rookie quarterback en route to earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a supporting cast that’s been dramatically upgraded, the Commanders aren’t just hoping to make the playoffs – they’re building a roster capable of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
The franchise that once dominated the 1980s and early 1990s is showing signs of returning to those glory days. Whether they’re called the Redskins, Washington Football Team, or Commanders, this organization has always been about one thing: winning championships. And in 2025, that goal has never seemed more attainable.
The NFL better take notice – the burgundy and gold are back, and they’re attacking the wagons with talent ready to circle around a championship trophy.
