Rookie Minicamp

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May 13, 2024

By Noonefromtampa

Washington’s coaches and media contingent got their first looks at the team’s drafted and undrafted rookies, along with some practice squad players who were rookies last year. The rookie minicamp, from Friday to Sunday, consists of a lot of position drills and individual work, plus a 7-on-7 session with offense and defense on the field. The players are not in pads and there is not a lot of contact, so performance-wise you must take what is said about players with a few grains of salt.

The biggest objective for the rookie players is to start to familiarize themselves with the playbook and schemes the team is going to run. Everyone must get on the same page with respect to terminology and play reads. The new players are probably familiar with many of the play concepts, since most offenses run the basic plays, but each offense uses a different terminology to describe the play and may have different keys (reads) for the players to recognize about what they are supposed to do for that play.

The real work begins next week with the whole team, as Organized Team Activities workouts are on May 14-15, May 17, May 21-22, May 24, June 4-5, and June 7. Finally, the mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 11-13.

The media reported they have not seen a media turnout of this size at a rookie minicamp since Robert Griffin III was drafted. One of the biggest offseason “concerns” was resolved when Tress Way gave up the #5 jersey to Jayden Daniels. The team framed it correctly from the public relations standpoint, presenting the situation as a cherished veteran passing the torch to the new player.

Here is a roundup of key players mentioned by media on various platforms:

Jayden Daniels

Everyone, from the coaches to the other players and to the media, had positive things to say about Daniels. He showed off his arm strength and touch on many passes. He showed that he has already been studying the playbook, correcting receiver set-ups on some plays. Luke McCaffrey, said about Daniels, “Oh, he’s a stud”.

Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton
Newton is still in a walking boot following foot surgery. He watched from the sidelines but was seen performing hand drills with the other rookie defensive lineman. The bad news is that that the team reported his other foot will also need surgery.

Mike Sainristil
There were not many reports on Sainristil, but several mention his speed and break on the ball. Most media seemed to focus on the offensive players, but here is his media interview from after practice.

Ben Sinnott
Sinnott worked out with Daniels pre-draft and they showed good chemistry in the 7-on-7 drills. He is a big physical specimen who will eventually be an upgrade over Logan Thomas.

Brandon Coleman

Coleman spent a significant amount of time working with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson one-on-one. The Commanders are serious about giving him a shot at winning the left tackle position.

Luke McCaffrey
McCaffrey seems to be the real deal. People reported on his footwork and precision route running. The player he most looks forward to working with is Jamison Crowder, who played with his brother at Duke.

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint

Rosemy-Jacksaint made a highlight reel one-handed catch during practice. It made the rounds on social media.

Dan Quinn

Is he igniting a controversy?