Training Camp 2025: Players and Matchups to Watch

July 22, 2025

By Noonefromtampa

What are some of the things to watch for in training camp this year? It becomes a big question since “who the heck is going to play quarterback” is off the table now.

Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane

This will be one of training camp’s more interesting camp battles. Deebo Samuel is the obvious starter in the slot, although Kliff Kingsbury figures to move him around to exploit defensive matchups. Battling for the backup role are McCaffrey, a second-year player and the newly drafted Lane who are very different players. McCaffrey has size and the knowledge of a former quarterback while Lane is a smaller, faster player. McCaffrey had 18 receptions on 24 targets for 168 yards and 8 first downs in 2024. In college last season, Lane averaged over 12 yards per play catching and running the ball and had a 58-yard touchdown on a punt return.

Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez, Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Barring unforeseen events happening, Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler figure to be the primary backs this season.  The third running back position will be a competition between the newly drafted Croskey-Merritt and returning players McNichols and Rodriguez. Croskey-Merritt bounced around in college and played only one game in 2024, but his one-cut speed has the potential to be a “home-run” back, something Robinson is not. THe running back battle will be the second best competition to follow in training camp.

Michael Deiter and Nate Herbig

The team is having competition for the backup center position behind Tyler Biadasz. There was a huge drop in performance when Deiter played last year. I think there is a good chance the former Eagles and Steelers player, Herbig, unseats Deiter for that spot.

Nick Allegretti and Andrew Wylie

Sam Cosmi was hurt in the playoffs last season and probably will not be back for the start of this season. The two most logical candidates available if Brandon Coleman moves inside to left guard are Allegretti and Wylie, who is going to be replaced at right tackle by Josh Conerly. Wylie has played guard before and some might argue he’s better at guard than tackle.

Ben Sinnott, Jordan Magee, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste

Some of last year’s picks are going to need to show they belong in the NFL by stepping up their play this year. Sinnott did not get many opportunities last year playing behind Zack Ertz, who turned in a great performance. His 7 touchdowns were the most by a Washington tight end since Jordan Reed had 11 in 2015. If Sinnott is the future, given that Ertz will be 35 this season, he needs to start showing it. Magee injured his knee and saw little time on the field last season. The coaches were very high on his abilities when he was drafted, and spending a year learning from Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu probably helped him. It will be something to watch for in the preseason games and practices. Jean-Baptiste saw 18% of the snaps on defense last season and he has now a full year in the offseason program to get bigger and stronger. The team needs a younger player to step up and be a pass ruching threat on defense and we will see if he can be that player.

Tyler Owens, Timothy McKay, Fentrell Cypress

These are three undrafted players who may have a shot at making the roster or practice squad if they play well.  Owens, who joined the team last year, played on snaps on special teams but coaches were high on his performance during the offseason workouts. The team needs another solid safety with Percy Butler in the last year of his rookie deal, so Owens has an opportunity here. McKay and Cypress both got signing bonuses and guaranteed money. Cypress, a cornerback, joins a position group that was underwhelming last year and can use an infusion of talent. The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore last year and drafted Trey Amos to pair with Mike Sainristil. However, the depth at the position is still a concern so that gives Cypress an opening.  McKay, who is starting camp on the non-football injury list, tore his labrum at his pro day. Depending on how his rehabilitation goes, he may end up on injured reserve for this year.

Trey Amos

The Commanders believe they got a first-round level talent when the drafted Amos. The plan is for Amos to man the outside cornerback opposite Lattimore and then the team can move Sainristil back to slot corner. With the receivers in the NFC East, the Commanders will need a couple of outside corners to match up if the defense is going to be good enough to keep the team in games this season.

Trent Scott

With the team declining to re-sign Cornelius Lucas, the team is going to need a new backup swing tackle. Lucas, who played 40% of the offense snaps last season, was a reliable player who could play both tackles spots with competency. Scott, who played about 17% of the offensive snaps subbing for injured players, has the chance to step up and fill that need on the team. Bobby Hart, Tyre Phillips and Foster Sarell will be competing with Scott for that spot.